The Role of Chiropractic Care in Concussion Management for Athletes

In the world of sports, concussions are unfortunately common. Athletes in high-contact sports like football, hockey, and soccer are particularly at risk. A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a direct blow to the head or a sudden, forceful jolt to the body which makes the brain move rapidly within the skull.

Symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, confusion, memory loss, and, in severe cases, cognitive impairment. Proper management of concussions is crucial as repeated or mismanaged concussions can lead to long-term health problems, including chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and other neurodegenerative conditions.

One complementary approach that’s gaining recognition in the field of concussion management is chiropractic care West Ashley, SC. Chiropractors can play a key role in the diagnosis, recovery and rehabilitation process for athletes. This blog explores how chiropractic care can support concussion recovery, what techniques are commonly used, and why it might be an ideal complementary therapy for athletes.

Understanding Concussions and the Impact on the Body

A concussion's impact extends far beyond the brain, affecting the entire musculoskeletal and nervous systems. As noted in "Imaging Approach to Concussion" (Ware et al., Neuroimaging Clinics, 2023), neuroimaging research has transformed our understanding of mild traumatic brain injury from a static, self-limited condition to a complex pathophysiological process that evolves over time.

Athletes experiencing concussions commonly develop neck pain, stiffness, balance problems, and visual disturbances alongside cognitive symptoms. The intimate connection between the head, spine, and neck means that head trauma frequently cascades into issues throughout these regions. Traditional treatments which typically emphasize rest and gradual return to activity, may not fully address this comprehensive range of symptoms.

Chiropractic Care and Concussion Management

Chiropractic care, particularly in a sports setting, is increasingly valued for its holistic approach. Rather than focusing solely on the brain, chiropractic care aims to optimize the entire body's function to aid healing and recovery.

Chiropractors have specialized training in spinal adjustments, soft tissue techniques, and neurological assessments, which can all support an athlete’s return to their sport after a concussion.

Here are some of the ways chiropractic care can aid concussion recovery:

1. Alleviating Neck Pain and Improving Alignment
   Many athletes with concussions experience neck pain due to whiplash-like forces that can accompany a blow to the head. Chiropractors are skilled in identifying and addressing misalignments in the cervical spine, which is crucial since even minor spinal misalignments can lead to pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion in the neck. By restoring proper alignment in the spine and neck, chiropractic care can alleviate pain and discomfort, supporting the athlete’s overall recovery.
2. Balancing the Nervous System
   Chiropractors trained in neurology can assess the athlete's nervous system for any dysfunctions that may arise post-concussion. Certain chiropractic adjustments have been shown to stimulate the brain and nervous system, potentially aiding in neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to reorganize and heal. This approach is particularly helpful for athletes who may suffer from post-concussion syndrome (PCS), a condition where symptoms persist for weeks or even months after the initial injury.
3. Vestibular Rehabilitation
   Balance and coordination are commonly affected after a concussion. Some chiropractors specialize in vestibular rehabilitation, which is the process of retraining the body and brain to regain balance. They may use specific exercises that challenge the vestibular system and improve spatial awareness, reducing dizziness and improving stability. This can be especially beneficial for athletes who need quick reaction times and balance in their sports.
4. Reducing Inflammation and Promoting Healing
   Concussions often lead to an inflammatory response, not only in the brain but also in surrounding soft tissues, particularly in the neck. Chiropractors utilize soft tissue therapies, including myofascial release and targeted muscle therapy, to reduce inflammation and improve blood flow. You can also utilize Class IV Laser Therapy to improve blood flow, and decrease inflammation. This approach not only eases muscle tension but also promotes healing at the cellular level, helping athletes recover faster and reducing the risk of re-injury.
5. Mental and Emotional Support
   Concussions can be an isolating experience, especially for athletes who are used to high levels of physical activity and team engagement. Chiropractic care emphasizes a patient-centered approach that treats the individual holistically. Chiropractors often work closely with athletes, providing not just physical adjustments but also emotional support throughout the recovery journey. This approach can improve an athlete’s outlook and increase adherence to the recovery plan.

Chiropractic Care as Part of a Multidisciplinary Team

It’s important to note that chiropractic care for concussion management is most effective when part of a multidisciplinary team. Athletes recovering from concussions often work with medical doctors, neurologists, physiotherapists, and even psychologists to address the range of symptoms they may experience.

Chiropractic care can enhance and complement these treatments by focusing on musculoskeletal and nervous system health, which other therapies may not directly address.

Chiropractic care can be a valuable asset in the recovery and rehabilitation of athletes with concussions. By focusing on the alignment, function, and healing of the entire body, chiropractic care addresses many concussion-related symptoms that conventional treatments might overlook.

Chiropractors’ expertise in spinal health, nervous system function, and rehabilitation techniques allows them to offer a holistic and individualized approach to healing. For athletes, incorporating chiropractic care into their concussion management plan can help ensure a safer, faster, and more comprehensive return to the sport they love.

Author

Brad Gorski DC, FSBT At Elite Family Chiropractic in Charleston, South Carolina, Dr. Brad Gorski is a top-ranked chiropractor offering effective treatment options for back pain, knee pain, neck and shoulder pain, sciatica, migraines, pinched nerves, herniated discs, and more. Dr. Gorski received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa in 2008. He has completed extensive post-graduate training, becoming qualified in Hospital Based Spine Care, MRI Interpretation Review, and Trauma while also completing a Fellowship in Spinal Biomechanics and Trauma. He provides chiropractic care and helps his patients achieve their goal of optimum health and wellness.