How chiropractic may help with post-concussion syndrome

What is a Concussion?

According to the CDC, “a concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce around in the skull, creating chemical changes in the brain and damaging brain cells (1).”

Immediate Symptoms 2,3

•   Headaches & Dizziness
•   Nausea or vomiting
•   Light/noise sensitivity
•   Confusion/foggy
•   Blurry vision
•   Loss of consciousness

Later issues 2,3

•   Behavioral /Mood changes
•   Answers questions slowly
•   Losses balance easily
•   Forgetful

Facts

There are 3.8 million sports-related traumatic brain injuries occur every year (5,6).

Children and teens are more likely to get a concussion and may take a longer time to heal from concussions than adults (5,6).

The Current Problem

There are many unanswered questions on the treatment for concussions in medical literature (3,4). The concept of 'return to school' & 'return to play' are important so that one doesn't rush the person back into activities that the healing brain isn't ready for. Research suggests rest early on and then slow and gradual progressing back with exercise and school (4).

Concussion Syndromes2,3

Post concussion syndrome: Occurs when the person or child is still having symptoms 2 weeks after the injury. This often occurs when there is a history of several concussions.

Second concussion syndrome: Occurs in a child who was still suffering with symptoms from an earlier recent concussion

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy- made famous by the movie, Concussion, this is a degenerative condition associated with multiple concussions.

Chiropractic Research

Journal of Chiropractic Medicine. Sept 2016. Olson, Tunning and Boesch. Chiropractic Management of Musculoskeletal Symptoms in a 14-year-old Hockey Player with Postconcussion Symptoms: A Case Report
Science Direct Article

Journal of Pediatric, Family, and Maternal Health, June 2016. Rubin, et al. Combining Chiropractic Care with Extinguishing of Primitive Reflexes: A Case Series of 8 Children.
Primitive Reflexes Document

Journal of Pediatric, Family, and Maternal Health, August 2016. Rubin, et al. Improvement in Autistic Behaviors Following Chiropractic Care: The Application of Polyvagal Theory and its Relationship to Pediatric Chiropractic.
Polyvagal Theory

PEDIATRIC CHIROPRACTIC
Board certified diplomate in pediatrics

EXPERIENCE
Private practice since 1989. Faculty at Life University & published author in peer reviewed journals since 2001

PREGNANCY & THE WEBSTER TECHNIQUE
Certified in Webster's technique and gentle care

CRANIAL ADJUSTING TECHNIQUE
Helps babies with cranial and suture problems such as plagiocephaly, brachiocephaly and facial asymmetry

GENTLE ADJUSTING
Advanced proficiency rated in the ACTIVATOR technique

MELILLO CERTIFIED in NEURODEVELOPMENTAL PROBLEMS Help for kids with ADHD, Autism, Sensory Processing problems combining chiropractic with nutrition and rehab exercises

SPORTS INJURY
Certified sports chiropractor, with emphasis on extremity injuries

References:

CDC Concussion Basics
CDC Traumatic Brain Injuries
CDC Concussion Symptoms
Science Daily
Dr. Hardick Chiropractic Concussions
Dynamic Chiropractic Article