The Hidden Link: Why Your Concussion Recovery Demands a Comprehensive Cervical Spine Evaluation
When most people think of concussion treatment, they picture rest, cognitive therapy, and gradual return to activities. However, a growing body of research reveals a critical connection that’s often overlooked: the intimate relationship between head injuries and cervical spine dysfunction. Understanding this connection isn’t just important for healthcare providers—it’s essential for anyone seeking complete recovery from a traumatic brain injury.
The Biomechanical Reality of Head Injuries
Research has found that the average concussion takes 96 G’s of force, while the average whiplash neck injury takes only 4-6 G’s of force. This means that almost 95% of concussive head injuries also lead to an upper cervical neck injury! This striking statistic reveals why comprehensive evaluation is crucial—when your head sustains enough force to cause a concussion, your neck has absorbed nearly 16 times more force than needed to cause injury.
Concussion and whiplash could result in misalignment (“subluxation”) of your neck vertebrae, especially in your upper cervical spine. This type of injury can misalign the top two bones of the spine known as the Atlas and Axis. These critical vertebrae, located at the junction where your skull meets your spine, play a vital role in protecting your brainstem and facilitating proper nervous system function.
The Cervical Spine’s Role in Concussion Symptoms
The upper cervical spine isn’t just structurally important—it’s functionally critical to your recovery. C1 or C2 misalignment can reduce blood flow to the brain, put pressure on the brainstem (impacting nerve signals traveling through it), and even impact cerebrospinal fluid drainage. A misalignment in the upper cervical spine can put pressure on the brainstem, impacting the body’s ability to recover from a concussion and potentially intensifying symptoms.
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.
Many persistent concussion symptoms may actually stem from cervical spine dysfunction, including:
- Chronic headaches that worsen with neck movement
- Dizziness and balance issues
- Cognitive fog and concentration difficulties
- Sleep disturbances
- Mood changes and irritability
Why Traditional Imaging Often Misses the Connection
“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.) This is why many concussion patients continue to struggle with symptoms despite being told their scans are “normal.”
The problem targeted by this review of literature is the lack of data regarding the association between mTBI and cervicogenic impairment. The majority of scientific publications focus on diagnosing mTBI, and there is little evidence on the possible involvement of the cervical region. Cervical spine examination after a cranial trauma is essential, but the association between symptoms and mTBIs is poorly described in the literature.
The Chiropractic Advantage in Personal Injury Cases
For individuals dealing with personal injury cases involving head trauma, seeking care from an experienced injury chiropractor provides distinct advantages. Unlike traditional chiropractic adjustments that may involve forceful movements, upper cervical adjustments are gentle and highly focused on correcting specific misalignments. These adjustments are performed with precision to avoid any additional stress to the injured areas.
At Chiropractic First in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the main goal has always been to provide personalized chiropractic treatment at a reasonable price. Our Chiropractor utilizes the latest and greatest chiropractic techniques, promoting faster recovery time with shorter treatment time. You can be sure that our team is focused on getting you to your healthiest!
Comprehensive Evaluation: What to Expect
A thorough cervical spine evaluation following a head injury should include:
- Detailed assessment of upper cervical alignment
- Neurological testing to evaluate brainstem function
- Range of motion and stability testing
- Specialized imaging when appropriate
- Evaluation of cerebrospinal fluid flow patterns
In order to treat post-concussion syndrome, we must first identify whether there is a misalignment in the upper cervical spine. To locate a misalignment, we will perform a range of objective chiropractic tests.
The Importance of Integrated Care
That is why it is so important to get appropriate therapy alongside upper cervical chiropractic adjustments for post-concussion syndrome. In summary, chiropractic care can absolutely be beneficial for patients with post-concussion syndrome. But the adjustments need to be done in the right way and in combination with other therapies.
Successful concussion recovery often requires a multidisciplinary approach that may include physical therapy, vestibular rehabilitation, vision therapy, and specialized chiropractic care. Post-concussion recovery often requires time, and regular chiropractic adjustments help maintain alignment, allowing the nervous system to function optimally as the body heals.
Taking Action for Complete Recovery
If you’ve suffered a head injury, don’t let cervical spine dysfunction go unaddressed. Currently, there is no one-size fits all approach to preventing and treating concussions. Upper Cervical Chiropractic must be considered for anyone that has experienced one or multiple concussions. Restoring proper alignment facilitating improved nerve, blood, and CSF flow is vital in the healing and recovery process.
The connection between concussions and cervical spine health represents a paradigm shift in how we approach traumatic brain injury recovery. By addressing both the neurological and structural components of head trauma, patients can achieve more complete healing and reduce the risk of long-term complications.
At Chiropractic First, Dr. Heath practices with passion, total commitment and hard work. He cares for you and your family as he cares for his own. Located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, our team understands that comprehensive concussion care requires attention to the often-overlooked cervical spine component of head injuries. Don’t let incomplete treatment limit your recovery—ensure your concussion evaluation includes the critical cervical spine connection.