Concussions are depressingly common in modern culture, not only in the world of contact sports but also from auto accidents and other traumatic injury events. In the sporting world, an estimated 300,000 concussions occur each year, many of them in school-age athletes. This type of brain injury can produce a variety of distressing symptoms, some of which share similarities with those caused by other types of damage. Fortunately, you can obtain relief from your symptoms with the aid of chiropractic care here at RiverTowne Family Chiropractic.
Concussion Causes and Symptoms
A concussion is a potentially serious injury to the brain caused by the brain hitting the inside of the skull. While some people confuse concussions with contusions, or “brain bruises,” a concussion doesn’t produce localized bleeding in the brain the way a contusion does (although both injuries can occur simultaneously). A concussion can damage both the brain matter itself and the connections between them, affecting the way you talk, think, and perceive stimuli until the damage heals. Any incident that forces the brain to impact the inside of the skull can create a concussion, from a blow to the head to a sharp jolt to the neck and body (as in an auto collision).
A concussion can display a wide spectrum of symptoms and symptom severity. You may find yourself minimally affected, or you may be totally debilitated by symptoms such as:
- Dizzy spells
- Tinnitus
- Vomiting
- “Brain fog” or mental confusion
- Difficulty speaking, or understanding speech
- Headaches
- Memory loss
- Vision problems
One of the added frustrations of these symptoms is the fact that many of them can also be caused by related accident injuries such as cervical subluxation (misalignment of the vertebrae and vertebral joints of the neck). This can make it harder to pinpoint the exact cause of your distress.
Getting Help From Our St. Charles Chiropractor
If you or a member of your family displays concussion symptoms, make an appointment at RiverTowne Family Chiropractic. Our St. Charles chiropractor, Dr. Bickmeyer, can employ advanced diagnostic techniques to determine whether you’re suffering from a concussion, a cervical subluxation, or possibly both. Chiropractic adjustments to the cervical spine can restore misaligned vertebrae to their usual positions, relieving local nerve impingement that can cause so many concussion-like symptoms.
If you definitely have a concussion, our St. Charles chiropractor can provide you with comprehensive advice and guidance on the steps you need to take to optimize the brain’s natural healing processes. These will likely revolve around intensive rest — not just the cessation of everyday physical activities, but also reduced work or school schedules and limited mental stimulation from TV, books, games and other things that tax your powers of focus and concentration. We can also instruct you on healthy lifestyle practices to help prevent future concussions.
Call RiverTowne Family Chiropractic for Safe, Effective Care
Don’t let a concussion or look-alike cervical symptoms make your life miserable. Call 636-947-7463 to schedule safe, effective care!