Chiropractic Solutions for Post-Concussion Challenges

Life after experiencing a concussion can be a challenge. With symptoms ranging from headaches to memory loss, the road to recovery can be both physically and emotionally taxing. This article will explore how chiropractic care and functional neurology can aid in overcoming the challenges faced post-concussion or following a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).

Understanding Concussions

A concussion often results from a blow to the head or a violent shaking of the head and body. It temporarily disrupts normal brain function, leading to an array of symptoms that can affect your physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being. These symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and changes in mood.

Mild traumatic brain injuries, although classified as 'mild', can have serious implications. They are often the result of falls, sports injuries, and car accidents, and they can lead to long-term complications if not properly treated. While many people recover from a concussion within a few weeks, others may develop post-concussion syndrome (PCS). PCS symptoms can be similar to those of a concussion but may persist for a longer period, sometimes even years.

 

Challenges After a Concussion

The challenges faced after a concussion are vast and vary from person to person in both symptoms and severity. Physically, individuals may experience persistent headaches, dizziness, and balance problems. These symptoms can make everyday tasks difficult and frustrating.

Cognitively, concussions can lead to difficulties with memory, concentration, and decision-making. These challenges can affect a person's ability to perform at work or school and can lead to feelings of frustration and inadequacy. Emotionally, it's not uncommon for individuals to experience mood swings, anxiety, and depression following a concussion. The combination of physical discomfort, cognitive difficulties, and the emotional strain can be overwhelming, making the recovery process seem daunting.

How Can Chiropractic Care Help with Post-Concussion Challenges?

Chiropractic care can play a significant role in managing post-concussion challenges. This is because chiropractors focus on treating conditions related to the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system.

For physical symptoms like headaches and dizziness, chiropractic care can provide relief by correcting misalignments, muscle spasms, or trigger points along the spine or in the neck that may be contributing to these symptoms. By restoring normal function to the spine and improving blood flow to the brain, chiropractic care can help alleviate these common post-concussion symptoms.

From a cognitive perspective, chiropractic care can improve brain function by enhancing the communication between the brain and the rest of the body. This can result in improved concentration, memory, energy, and cognitive function.

Emotionally, chiropractic care can help by promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels. Regular chiropractic care can improve overall well-being, which can have a positive effect on emotional health.

The Role of Functional Neurology

Functional neurology offers another layer of care for PCS. This discipline views the nervous system as a dynamic entity, constantly changing in response to external and internal stimuli. Functional neurology uses personalized, brain-based therapies to help the brain heal.

Functional neurologists conduct thorough examinations to identify specific neurological dysfunctions in patients after a concussion. They then create personalized treatment plans that may include exercises, light therapy, and cognitive tasks, all aimed at retraining the brain and nervous system to function properly.

Functional neurology is grounded in the concept of neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. This is particularly important in PCS, where the brain may have been negatively impacted by the injury. Through targeted therapies, functional neurology can help in rewiring the brain and enhance recovery.

Benefits of Combining Techniques

Combining chiropractic care and functional neurology creates a synergistic approach to helping recovery after a concussion. Chiropractic adjustments can alleviate physical symptoms and improve overall nervous system function, creating a better environment for the brain to heal. Functional neurology, on the other hand, directly targets the brain's recovery process, helping to re-establish healthy neural pathways and cognitive functions.

These approaches are non-invasive and drug-free approaches to healing. This means that they don’t carry the risk of side effects associated with medication or surgery. Additionally, they focus on the body's natural ability to heal itself. By restoring proper function to the nervous system, the body can work more effectively to heal and repair after injury.

Working closely with the treatment team, both approaches can be tailored to the individual needs of the patient. This means that the treatment plan can be adjusted and modified as the patient's condition improves, ensuring that they receive the most appropriate care at all stages of their recovery.

Solutions for Post-Concussion Challenges

There are several solutions for post-concussion challenges that we utilize in our office. Spinal adjustments, or manipulations, are the most common treatment provided by many chiropractors. These adjustments help to restore normal function to the spine and alleviate symptoms related to the nervous system.

Other techniques that can be helpful for post-concussion challenges that we layer into care at Calibration Chiropractic + Functional Health include soft tissue therapy, functional neurology, low level laser therapy, cranial therapy, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications.

Begin Your Path Towards Concussion Recovery

The journey to recovery from post-concussion syndrome can be challenging. However, the integration of chiropractic care and functional neurology offers a comprehensive approach that addresses both the physical and neurological aspects of PCS. By focusing on the body's natural healing processes and the brain's ability to adapt and recover, these therapies provide hope and tangible solutions for those suffering from the lingering effects of concussion.

We offer a holistic, non-invasive approach to managing the challenges faced following a concussion or mild traumatic brain injury. By focusing on the health of the spine, nervous system, and brain, our office can help provide relief from physical symptoms, aid cognitive function, and support emotional well-being.

If you or a loved one has suffered a concussion, consider the benefits of chiropractic care and functional neurology, and begin your path to recovery. Visit Calibration Chiropractic + Functional Health at our Mansfield, Texas, office. Call (817) 779-3435 to schedule an appointment today.