I’ve had 3 Concussions

Concussions are no fun.   I have suffered at least 3 concussions in my life.  When I was younger, at a public skate I was racing a friend and slipped and fell into the rink boards head first.  Back then, helmets weren’t required.  The 2^nd one was from a hockey hit during my teenage years.  The 3^rd and most recent was in adulthood.  I was chasing my nephew at a local park at dusk.  I ran up the slide after him and went forehead first into the metal cross bar that I didn’t see.  Ouch!

I had symptoms for 4 months.  Fatigue, dizziness, neck pain and headaches.  Frustrating to say the least.  What were the things I did to help myself heal?  Rest, limit screen time, limit any intense exercise, good nutrition, lots of water intake, and getting chiropractic adjustments.

I have seen many patients with post-concussion syndrome and to say most patients are frustrated with their recovery would be an understatement.  The good news is there are many things someone can do to help with their recovery.

Signs and Symptoms

There are many signs and symptoms that vary widely for people who have had a concussion (brain injury):

• Headaches/pressure in head
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Neck pain
• Ringing in ears
• Nausea/vomiting
• Difficulty concentrating
• Appearing dazed
• Slurred speech
• Sleep disturbances
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Irritability
• Many more!

It is important to get diagnosed correctly if you have hit your head, had whiplash, or trauma (like a fall) and experience any of the above signs or symptoms.  Please see your health provider or go to the emergency department immediately.

Recovery Tips

Recovering from a concussion is not fun.  Here are some tips to speed your healing:

• Rest – listen to your doctor; this includes physical and mental rest
• Limiting screen time
• Limiting anything that increases or worsens your symptoms
• Drink lots of water
• Increase your fruit and vegetable intake
• Increase your ‘good fats’ consumption – nuts/seeds/avocados/olive oil/coconut oil etc…
• Reduce or avoid sugary foods, alcohol, and caffeine

Chiropractic and Concussions?

Often when there is trauma to the head or neck, and a concussion has been diagnosed, there may be some help available from your chiropractor in addition to other treatments you may be receiving.  The neck can often be injured when a concussion has happened.  A neck injury, for example whiplash, could be causing some of the related neck pain and headaches associated with concussions. 

A thorough chiropractic exam would help to determine if someone suffering from post-concussion syndrome may be helped.  Tight muscles and neck alignment issues, if found, can be helped. It is worth exploring!

A few things a chiropractor can help with:

• Adjustments to help with neck alignment
• Soft tissue therapy to release tight and tender muscles in the neck
• Stretches or traction if indicated
• Postural exercises to help restore balance

There are many available modalities to help you in your recovery.  One thing is certain, managing your concussion requires a team approach.  Chiropractic care may just what the doctor ordered.

Be well,