Posttraumatic headaches in automobile accidents, falls and/or contact sports with head and neck trauma are commonly seen in a Chiropractor’s office. This post is about Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Relief of a Concussion.
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. Moreover, it could be a hit to the body that forces the brain to rapidly move inside the skull. This disrupts normal brain function. Ultimately, this requires physical and cognitive rest to heal properly. Most likely, with direct trauma to the head, injury may occur. Next, a cerebral contusion (bruise) may occur. Typically, headaches can surface immediately or later.
Frequently, patients with head trauma and loss of consciousness get a CT or MRI prior to presenting at our office. Also, they may have already seen another specialist to rule out any severe brain injury.
Symptoms of a Concussion
Firstly, even with neurologic function being intact, headaches from a concussion can be severe. It can feel like a dull tension headache.
Secondly, it can feel like a non-throbbing, persistent headache. And it is felt in the frontal or occipital (front and back of head) areas. It is often worse upon awakening.
Thirdly, it may resolve during the day, but worsen in the late afternoon. Unfortunately, these headaches have been reported to last as little as months to as much as years.
Fourthly, other symptoms of a concussion are cognitive, visual, vestibular (sensory network in your inner ear that controls balance and spatial orientation), physiological, or of cervical spine (neck) origin.
Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Relief From a Concussion- Causes and Treatment
First, there are a number of possible causes for post-concussion symptoms. Indeed, there is evidence supporting various theories. For example, it may be brain blood flow abnormalities, metabolic/inflammatory contributors, visual and vestibular disorders, and cervical spine dysfunctions.
Second, in a case study series, researchers found the benefit of manual therapy as provided by chiropractors for the symptoms of concussions. Additionally, this seemed to be the case whether the concussion was sports or non-sports related. Also, the case studies involved acute thru the chronic stages of concussions.
Third, the treatment plans in the studies above included soft-tissue therapy and spinal manipulation. And patient education on visual/vestibular rehabilitation exercises were provided. The researchers concluded chiropractors should be part of the interdisciplinary healthcare team for patients with post-concussion symptoms.
Fourth, a ‘brain recovery diet’ high in unrefined carbohydrates (i.e. real fruit juices, brown rice/pasta) was encouraged in the studies. So this was to try and counteract the possible blood-brain-barrier dysfunction. This was to fight the reduced intra-cerebral glucose levels that have been associated with a concussion. The ‘brain recovery diet’ consisted of three balanced meals. Specifically, the patient was encouraged to avoid refined sugars/carbohydrates (i.e. white bread or pasta) and select natural sources of carbohydrate instead. Also, patients were encouraged to select quality sources of protein (i.e. lean cuts of grass fed, free-range meats), to include quality fats (i.e. products high in omega-3 fatty acids), and select foods rich with natural antioxidants.
Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Relief From A Concussion
Meiri Chiropractic serving West Palm Beach, Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, North Palm Beach and the surrounding areas offers chiropractic care for concussions. Your chiropractor will examine, diagnose and determine your best course of chiropractic treatment for concussions . Call us in West Palm Beach at 561-253-8984 to schedule an appointment or to find out more about Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Relief From A Concussion. Start getting relief today!