Very few conditions warrant more attention and notoriety in today’s culture than concussions (also called mild traumatic brain injury). Concussions plague more people of all ages than ever before. Real solutions can only be achieved through proper education and awareness. Evidence proves that Chiropractic provides unique health benefits and answers to people suffering from this horrible condition.
A few recent statistics include:
- At least 10 million traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) serious enough to result in death or hospitalization occur annually
- An estimated 57 million people worldwide have been hospitalized with one or more TBIs
- As many as 3.8 million concussions occur in the United States per year during competitive sports and recreational activities
- A common cause of TBI is sports and recreational activities which accounted for an estimated 325,000 TBI-related emergency department (ED) visits among children and teens in 2012 in the United States
- Children have the highest rate of emergency department visits for TBI of all age groups
- Children and teens make up approximately 70% of all sports- and recreation-related concussion seen in the emergency department
- During a season, 69% of high school (Secondary School in Ireland) athletes, with a possible concussion played with concussion symptoms and that 40% of those same athletes said their coach was not aware they had a possible concussion
- Athletes who have, at any point in their lives, had a concussion have an increased risk for another concussion
- Most concussions occur without loss of consciousness
Most parents and adults do not fully understand the magnitude of the concussion topic. A recent blockbuster movie called “Concussion” starred Will Smith and showed the seriousness of this condition. Concussion treatments designed to achieve the greatest results rely on early recognition of symptoms. One of the most significant problems exists in the circumstance that most concussions go undetected, undiagnosed, and unaddressed because the effects are not felt immediately.
Chiropractic plays a unique and important role in caring for people with concussions for two major reasons. Chiropractors undergo scientific training designed to detect a problem with the brain, nervous system, and spine before any symptoms arise. Chiropractic care also improves the function and integrity of the spine, brain, and nervous system, which happens to be the most important aspect of improving the lives of those suffering with concussions.
Research from 2015 found that a whiplash-type injury to the neck is commonly associated with concussions. Outstanding results accompanied the utilization of Chiropractic care to help patients suffering from concussions. Traditional Chiropractic care for post-concussive syndrome patients resulted in rapid and sustained improvement in all signs and symptoms, allowing the tested athletes to return to full competition.
A Chiropractic evaluation and adjustments amplify health and recovery for all concussion sufferers. A spine and nervous system evaluation provide critical relief for conditions that might otherwise go unnoticed. Scanning the brain, spine, and nervous system using MRI, CT, or even X-rays usually prove to be unremarkable because concussions typically manifest in neuronal dysfunction, not structural damage of the involved neurons. Advanced imaging misses the main objective.
Chiropractors evaluate and test for signs and symptoms specific to concussion-type injuries. Chiropractic care also plays a unique role in helping concussion sufferers recover through a healthy, drug-free environment not delivered by any other health professional. Concussion awareness continues to promote education throughout athletics and activities. Optimal recovery and long-term health through the hands of a Chiropractor need to accompany that awareness.
References:
Phys Sportsmed. 2015 Jul;43(3):274-84. The role of the cervical spine in post-concussion syndrome.