Regardless of how it happens, a blow to the head can lead to a concussion. Whether you’ve been injured in a car accident, hurt playing a contact sport, or even hit your head because of a fall, a concussion is a very serious injury. Any time you suspect a concussion it’s important to get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible. What might seem like a mild headache after a blow to the head can actually lead to a sign of something more serious going on. Once you’ve been to the doctor to rule out anything serious like swelling or bleeding on the brain, you may find yourself searching for a South Austin chiropractor to help you heal from your concussion.
Understanding Your Concussion
A concussion is actually the most common example of a traumatic brain injury and can affect your brain’s functioning. Concussions can actually be caused two ways: by a blow to the head or by a violent shaking of your head and neck. Your brain is protected by your skull and there is also a layer of fluid inside your skull that helps keep your brain cushioned against the light movements of everyday movements. However, when you experience a blow to the head, it can cause your brain to shake up or slide back and forth too forcefully, sometimes even making contact with the skull, causing a brain injury.
Mild concussion cases usually have temporary side effects like headaches, difficulty balancing, and trouble concentrating, many people who experience a concussion also have trouble remembering the event that actually led to the concussion. Signs and symptoms of a concussion can be physical and cognitive. Some physical symptoms include ringing in your ears, nausea or vomiting, blurry vision, and even drowsiness or fatigue. Other more cognitive signs can include feeling like you are in a fog or feeling dizzy, like you’re seeing stars. If someone witnessed your concussion and how you responded afterward, they may also be able to observe signs like slurred speech, looking dazed, forgetfulness, or delayed responses in conversation.
Chiropractic Care for Your Concussion
While concussions are not uncommon, it doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be taken seriously. It can take time to heal from a concussion, and your chiropractor can provide a natural, drug-free approach to the healing process.
Initial Examination
There are many things to expect on your first visit to a chiropractor. When you meet with your South Austin chiropractor for the first time, they will want to know more about what caused your concussion and all the symptoms you have experienced afterward. You will also discuss your medical history and any current medical concerns you may have in addition to the concussion. Chiropractors utilize a holistic approach to diagnosing and treating each person, so it helps to understand the importance of chiropractic care and how it connects to concussions. Your chiropractor will also perform a physical exam to assess your neurological responses, range of motion, and other ways the concussion may have impacted you.
Chiropractic Adjustments
The force of the blow to your head can have ripple effects through your neck and spine. A car accident or sports injury can shake you up and even knock your spine out of proper alignment. Even the smallest misalignment in your spine can affect your body’s healthy functioning. Chiropractic adjustments are a safe and gentle way to identify and resolve any misalignments in the spine called subluxations. Instead of masking your concussion symptoms with pain medications that only provide temporary relief, your chiropractor can perform adjustments to provide lasting relief to many symptoms.
Preventative Care
In between scheduled appointments with your South Austin chiropractor you can take steps to help support the healing process and help you prevent future injury. One of the most important things you can do while healing from a concussion is to give yourself enough time to rest. It is important to truly rest from activities that can put extra strain and stress on your body. There is no specific cure for concussions, though the way you spend your time afterward is key to your healing process. Time and patience are an important part of healing from a concussion, as is staying safe, whether on the field, in the car, or on the steps outside your home.
Accident injury doctor at ProCare Medical Center are here to help you through the healing and recovery process from any number of illnesses and injuries, including a concussion. Call or visit us online to learn more about our traumatic brain injury treatments available for you and schedule an appointment today!
