Upper Cervical Chiropractic Offers Post-Concussion Syndrome Relief

What Causes Post-Concussion Syndrome

Researchers have found the average concussion requires 100 G’s of force to the head.  However, an upper neck injury requires only 4-6 G’s.  Since any force that is strong enough to damage the head can also damage the neck, it is estimated that over 90% of concussive head injuries also lead to an upper neck injuries.   This type of injury can misalign the top two bones of the spine known as the Atlas and Axis.  Misalignment and injury to the upper neck frequently leads to residual symptoms including:

• Headaches / Migraines
• Cognitive Problems (Inability to focus, memory loss, & confusion)
• Difficulty Sleeping
• Dizziness / Vertigo
• Anxiety / Depression
• Neck and Back Pain

It is important to note that even though many concussion sufferers do experience upper neck injuries, there are secondary types of post-concussion syndrome that may not involve the neck.

Why Does Upper Neck Misalignment Lead to Post-Concussion Symptoms

1. Altered cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow: Researchers have used MRI imaging to study CSF flow to and from the head.  What they found were those who suffered an injury to their head and upper neck had a twist or shift of their top neck vertebra, which led to a buildup of CSF in the head.  This blockage led to increased pressure and post-concussion symptoms.
2. Brainstem interference:  The brainstem is a vital bundle of nerves which pass through the upper neck vertebra, also know as the Atlas and Axis.  Since these nerves directly connect to the brain, they are responsible for many essential life functions.  Interference here may easily lead to pain and other symptoms.
3. Restricted blood flow: Brain imaging has shown the cranial blood flow changes that take place following a head or neck injury.  When injury causes upper neck misalignment, some brain centers may experience areas with a lack of oxygen, while other areas experience increased brain pressure.  This is thought to be one of the leading causes of post-concussion syndrome.

Signs Your Post-Concussion Symptoms are Stemming from an Upper Neck Problem

Few concussion sufferers are aware of the similarity of symptoms between post-concussion syndrome and whiplash.  These two conditions have such similar side-effects because they both involve injury to the upper neck.  Here is a list of symptoms that indicate your post-concussion syndrome is likely stemming from a correctable, upper neck problem.

• Pain localized to the neck and occipital regions
• Headache pain that is precipitated or aggravated by specific neck movements or sustained head position
• One or more of the following
  • Loss of neck mobility
  • Uneven neck muscle tone
  • Tenderness of neck muscles
  • Tilting of the head or neck
  • Forward leaning head position
• X-ray or MRI revealing
  • Loss or reversal of neck curvature
  • “No pathology” (X-ray and MRI images are primarily taken to rule out fractures, lesions, and disc herniation.  In many cases, when an X-ray or MRI report reveal “no findings”, it means there is an upper neck misalignment responsible for the unresolved symptoms.)

Hope for Concussion Sufferers

The NUCCA organization has specially trained doctors to correct the misalignment of the upper cervical spine, including those that lead to post-concussion syndrome.  If you haven’t heard of NUCCA Upper Cervical Care, that is because there are only 250 trained NUCCA doctors in the entire United States.  So what makes this care different from general chiropractic?

• Extremely gentle corrections.  When a NUCCA doctors makes a correction to the spine, a light and controlled pressure is focused on the upper spine, in just the right direction and depth.  It is completely painless.
• NUCCA is highly precise.  NUCCA utilizes mathematics and biomechanics to accommodate each patients “SPECIFIC” needs.  Exact measurements are taken to tailor the correction to each patient.
• Long-Lasting Results.  Upper cervical care is designed around healing and recovery.  As problem or damaged areas begin to heal and recover, corrections and relief last longer as well.  This means far less frequent health visits.

To find a NUCCA doctor near you, visit NUCCA.org.  Or to speak with one of our NUCCA Chiropractors in Eatontown, New Jersey, click the button below to schedule your complimentary concussion consultation.  While scheduling your consultation, you will have the opportunity to speak with one of our doctors about your particular symptoms.