Concussion Treatment: A Sun Prairie, WI Chiropractor’s Perspective

Physical manifestations may show up right away while cognitive symptoms appear hours, days, and even weeks later.

How We Treat Concussions in Sun Prairie, WI

Specific Chiropractic Care in Sun Prairie, WI

Chiropractors focus on a misalignment in the spine, called a subluxation. When a subluxation is present, it causes information traveling between the body to the brain to become distorted. Sometimes this distorted information is felt as pain, but it can also present as numbness, tingling, or decreased range of motion.  When there is enough force for an injury to occur, there is typically enough force for a subluxation to occur. This may be a new subluxation or existing subluxations that were present but didn’t cause any symptoms.  Failure to correct these subluxations can lead to degeneration, chronic pain, and limited range of motion. 

Chiropractors are the only doctors who are sufficiently trained to correct subluxations in the neck. When these subluxations are corrected, concussion symptoms can improve significantly.

Therapeutic Exercise

The body is made to move and it heals best through movement. Movement helps all parts of the body to heal, from the muscles and joints to the nerves. Because concussions are due to an injury, it’s very important that exercises are performed safely and properly to avoid exacerbation of injuries. 

At Noble Choice Chiropractic, we have a specific exercise protocol for concussions. This protocol incorporates vestibular exercises, range of motion, and strength to facilitate the effectiveness of the chiropractic adjustment.

Common Causes of Concussions

Car Accidents

Research has shown that speeds as little as 5-10 mph can generate significant enough G-forces to injure soft tissues in the neck. This means the little fender bender you had may have actually caused bodily damage even if you didn’t feel the effects immediately. Shock and adrenaline after an accident can prevent symptoms from presenting for hours and sometimes even days afterward. This is why it’s so important to collect insurance information even if you feel fine.

A common misconception is that property damage is equal to bodily damage and this couldn’t be further from the truth.  Less visible damage to the car doesn’t mean the passengers didn’t sustain any injuries. This is because cars absorb energy, so if there is less damage to the car that means there is more damage absorbed by the passenger.

Sports Injury

Athletes of all levels are at risk of concussions, not just professional athletes. Most people associate football and hockey with a higher chance of brain injury but most contact sports carry a risk.  Soccer, basketball, baseball, and rugby are prime examples of riskier sports but wrestling and volleyball also have a higher incidence of concussions. 10% of all concussions are because of sports and recreation activities. 

Concussion symptoms are not always obvious which is why immediate care is needed. Many cognitive symptoms such as irritability and difficulty concentrating, present days to weeks after a concussion is sustained. Once an athlete has sustained a concussion, he or she is at a greater risk for subsequent concussions. Repeated concussions have long-term consequences.

Slips and Falls

A common misconception is that the head has to strike a surface for a concussion to occur. This is not true, as concussions can happen when the head is whipped back and forth forcefully, like during whiplash. 

The older population is more likely to sustain concussions as balance and coordination deteriorate with age. In fact, one in three adults over the age of 65 falls every year. Serious concussions can leave permanent side effects on the brain and can result in brain bleeding and coma.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a chiropractor in Sun Prairie, WI help with a concussion?

Absolutely! The doctors at Noble Choice Chiropractic have taken extra training in personal injuries and concussions. They can diagnose and treat your symptoms and get you back to normal quickly.

What are five symptoms of a concussion?

Common symptoms include headache, neck pain, blurry vision, dizziness, and confusion. If you suspect you have a concussion, it is important to seek care immediately. 

How long does a concussion usually last? 

Concussion symptoms can last anywhere from days to months, depending on the severity of the injury. 

Is it safe to sleep with a concussion?

Yes. It is a misconception that you shouldn’t go to sleep after a concussion when actually your body needs to rest to heal. 

How do I check for a concussion?

Many times concussions are based on symptoms, but a baseline test is usually performed in a medical office. Noble Choice Chiropractic uses an FDA-approved test to diagnose concussions.