3 Reasons Whiplash and Post-Concussion Syndrome are Similar and How to Find Relief
Whiplash and post-concussion syndrome are two of the most common head and neck injuries people suffer. Many people associate post-concussion syndrome with sports injuries, while associating whiplash with car accidents and hard falls. The interesting feature about these two health problems is that their symptoms are nearly identical. Below I will show you the top 3 reasons these injuries are so strikingly similar, and how Upper Cervical Care has been able to offer relief from both of them.
#1: Their Symptoms are Nearly Identical
Whether you are suffering from a previous whiplash injury or post-concussion syndrome, the symptoms you are experiencing are most likely very similar. These two conditions have been carefully studied by medical doctor and lead researcher at the University of Buffalo, Dr. John Leddy. In his research he states, “It is difficult to distinguish a concussion from a neck injury on symptoms alone”. Let’s take a look at this image of the most common symptoms of both injuries so you can see just how similar these conditions are.
#2: The Neck and Upper Cervical Spine are Injured in Both
When it comes to whiplash, many people understand the neck has been forcefully whipped back and forth, creating an injury to the neck. But what many do not realize about concussive head injuries is that a very similar injury occurs in the neck. The neck is a much more easily injured part of our body because it is not nearly as strong as surrounding structures like our skull or lower spine. This means the majority of the time a force to the head causes a concussion, we also experience a traumatic neck injury. A remaining neck injury is often why many concussion sufferers continue to experience post-concussion symptoms.
#3: X-rays and MRI’s Come Back Normal
If you have sought treatment for a whiplash injury or post-concussion syndrome, odds are you have had special imaging of your neck such as an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan. However, with these types of injuries, the most common conclusion of these images is that they appear “normal” or have “no significant findings”. What could be more frustrating than suffering from terrible symptoms and having doctors not be able to find anything wrong? Let’s explain what this injury did to the neck and why many doctors miss this problem.
What Happens to Your Cervical Spine During a Head or Neck Injury?
The most devastating effect of both whiplash and concussion injuries is that they often create a twisting or misalignment of the upper cervical spine. This vital area in our spine is easily injured due to its design, which is uniquely formed for movement and range of motion of the head. It is this slight, but significant twist of the upper spine which goes unnoticed or is not visible with traditional X-ray or MRI imaging. To find out if you are suffering from this all-to-common problem, it is recommended you visit a doctor specialized in identifying and correcting injury of the upper spine, such as an Upper Cervical Chiropractor. Upper Cervical doctors find it critical to correct upper neck misalignments in order to achieve relief from these symptoms.
Why Does Upper Neck Misalignment Lead to Continued Whiplash and Post-Concussion Symptoms
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Hope for Whiplash and Concussion Sufferers
Dr. Liz and Dr. Zach Molland of Molland Spinal Care in Middletown, NJ are specially trained NUCCA doctors who correct misalignment of the upper cervical spine, including those caused by whiplash and concussion injuries. So what makes NUCCA 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 Middletown, 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.
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 whiplash and 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