Concussions are a huge topic now, as they should be. The NFL has poured millions of dollars into research on brain injuries, and parents are now forced to evaluate the risk/reward ratio of allowing their kids to play contact sports.
There are an estimated 2.5 million sports-related concussions a year. A majority of cases reach full recovery in a few weeks, but 15%-20% will have symptoms that last for three weeks or more, and for some it can be a life-altering experience.
The answer for why those 15%-20% still suffer may lie in a condition known as Cervicogenic Post Concussion Syndrome. In Cervicogenic PCS an upper neck injury happened along with the concussion. The brain itself can “heal” and begin to function normally pretty quickly, but the upper neck injury and ligament damage is often the underlying reason that symptoms persist.
In fact, the symptoms of post concussion syndrome and whiplash are almost identical.
- Post Concussion Syndrome Whiplash
- Headaches Headaches
- Dizziness/Balance problems Dizziness
- Brain Fog Brain Fog
- Cognitive dysfunction Cognitive Dysfunction
- Fatigue Neck Pain
Resolving Cervicogenic PCS with upper cervical care
Correcting the top bone in the spine is often an important component in finding relief from the brain fog, vertigo/dizziness, headaches, and difficulty processing related to Cervicogenic PCS.
The neck trauma can trigger two different issues:
- Inflammation and damage to the structures of the neck bombard the brain with nerve signals that trigger a pain response. This barrage of pain signals can be the trigger for headache disorders which are common after head trauma.
- Disruption of the ligaments in the upper neck interferes with the body’s joint position system. When your brain has poor joint-position sense, it can trigger symptoms like vertigo and balance problems.
Many patients seek out a variety of treatments and suffer for months or even years without addressing the underlying neck injury. Upper cervical chiropractors are trained to evaluate this area, determine the issue, and restore it back to normal position and function. The adjustments are precise, painless, and do not involve any twisting or turning of the neck.
We have seen tremendous results in these cases by addressing the main issue causing the symptoms, and often see significant improvements in the first few days/weeks after patients have suffered for months or even years.
If you’ve suffered a concussion or head and neck injury please give Upper Cervical Chiropractic Health Centers of Fort Myers a call at 239-243-8810 or book a concussion assessment consultation with us and let us help you find relief from the pain.
