Research Discovers Upper Neck is Key to Resolving Post-Concussion Syndrome

An injury causing a shifting of the brain inside the skull is known as a concussion.  Symptoms of concussions usually resolve themselves within 7-10 days.  But what about those who have symptoms that persist far beyond that?  University of Buffalo sports medicine researcher took on the task of finding out why.  In his research of 128 post-concussion cases, he had this to say:

Based on our research, we conclude that some patients who have been told they’ve suffered a concussion, and whose symptoms persist for several months may actually have suffered a neck injury, rather than a concussion, or in addition to a concussion…

UB's Lead Researcher: John Leddy M.D.
NUCCA and concussion

Did I have a Neck Injury with My Concussion?

Concussion and NUCCA

Research now shows Head Injury and Upper Neck Injury symptoms to be nearly identical.

Dr. Leddy explains that many concussion sufferers and their doctors blame their concussion (head injury) for all their continued symptoms.  However, Dr. Leddy has proven this not to be the case.  In the 128 concussion sufferers he tested, he found the majority of them passed concussion tests such as the “treadmill” test.  This was proof that not only was a neck injury sustained at the same time of the head injury, but also that the head injury was likely no longer responsible for the continued symptoms.

In fact, it was found that neck injuries that occur during a concussion are nearly identical in symptom to the cognitive problems previously thought to only be related to concussions.  The silver lining to this problem is that neck injuries have been shown to be correctable with the proper treatment.

People who have had neck injuries can also have problems with concentration and with memory. They feel like they’re in a fog, which is exactly what people report after concussion.

Dr. John Leddy

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

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 findings” (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.

FREE CONCUSSION FOCUSED CONSULTATION

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Molland Spinal Care doctors are Eatontown Upper Cervical Chiropractors trained by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA).  Our NUCCA Clinic has helped many people find natural relief from post-concussion syndrome in Eatontown, New Jersey.  As NUCCA Chiropractors we are uniquely trained to correct problems in the Upper Cervical Spine (upper neck).  This vital area is intimately connected to the central nervous system and problems in this area have been shown to be an underlying cause of a variety of different problems.  More information can be found on our website at https://www.mollandspinalcare.com

Resources and Helpful Links

  • Post Concussion Syndrome Journal
    • Cameron MM, Vernon H, et al. The Role of the Cervical Spine in Post-Concussion Syndrome.  The Physician and Sports Medicine. 2015.
  • Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Jouranl
    • Ellis, Leddy, Wiler.  Physiological, vestibule-ocular, and cervicogenic post-concussion disorders: an evidence-based classification system with directions for treatment.  Brain Injury. 2014.
  • Sports Medicine Journal on Concussion
    • Leddy J. Brain or Strain? Symptoms Alone Do Not Distinguish Physiologic Concussion from Cervical/Vestibular Injury.  Clinical Journal of Sports and Medicine.
  • Mayo Clinic
  • NUCCA Association