Post-Concussion Syndrome: A Natural and Alternative Treatment

What is Post-Concussion Syndrome?

Post-concussion syndrome is a condition that can develop after someone experiences a concussion. A concussion is a mild traumatic injury to the brain that results from a sudden blow to the head and this can result in a variety of symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. 

This condition occurs in 15-20% of all people who experience a concussion. It’s more common in adolescents than it is in adults, and symptoms tend to be more severe in children.

Signs and Symptoms of Post-Concussion Syndrome

Post-concussion syndrome is caused by damage to the brain that occurs during a concussion. In some cases, this can result in more severe symptoms than those experienced during the initial concussion.

The common symptoms of post-concussion syndrome are headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. Some people may also experience mood changes or problems with balance. Occasionally, post-concussion syndrome can lead to more severe symptoms, including seizures, migraines, and mobility issues.

How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects Post-Concussion Syndrome

The upper cervical spine, which includes the atlas and axis vertebrae, is the topmost portion of the spine. Because the upper cervical spine connects to the base of the skull and brainstem, it plays a significant role in the health of the brain and nervous system. 

During an impact injury, one or more vertebrae in the upper cervical spine can become misaligned, producing inflammation around the brainstem and central nervous system. This can cause a variety of issues, including reduced blood flow, compressed nerves, and increased pressure on the brain. Without chiropractic intervention, these issues may lead to the onset of post-concussion syndrome. 

How Our Post-Concussion Syndrome Treatment Works

At our office, we use upper cervical chiropractic care to treat post-concussion syndrome. Before we can correct any misalignments in your upper cervical spine, we will need to pinpoint the exact angle and location of the misaligned vertebrae. To do so, our expert chiropractor, Dr. Hoefer, will employ digital X-rays and cone-beam computed tomography scans.

Once we have assessed your scans, Dr. Hoefer can target any misalignments with a series of non-invasive chiropractic adjustment techniques. By utilizing gentle and precise spinal adjustments, we are able to restore alignment to the upper cervical spine and improve nervous system function. This can help reduce inflammation around the brainstem and increase blood flow to the brain, alleviating if not eliminating the symptoms of post-concussion syndrome.

If you’re looking for a natural treatment for post-concussion syndrome, Dr. Hoefer services patients all over Orange County, including Anaheim, Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, Dana Point, San Clemente, Newport Beach, and Santa Ana.