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Have you ever had a concussion, only to find that the initial blow to your head was just the beginning of your struggles? Many people assume that they’re in the clear once the dizziness or confusion subsides. However, for countless individuals, that’s when the nagging, persistent neck pain sets in. What starts as a seemingly mild injury can evolve into a constant source of discomfort that affects your daily routine—whether it’s trying to concentrate at work, caring for your family, or even enjoying time with friends.
Neck pain is one of the most common and frustrating symptoms that can follow a concussion, but it often goes neglected because it’s mistakenly attributed to the head injury alone. In reality, the forces that caused the concussion may also have shifted the delicate vertebrae in your neck, leading to an atlas subluxation or misalignment. If left unchecked, this misalignment can worsen symptoms over time, causing headaches, dizziness, and more.
Read on as we explore the connection between concussions and neck pain. We will look into how the trauma can affect the topmost neck bones and how Upper Cervical Chiropractic can make a big difference in your path to finding lasting neck pain relief in Draper care to correct atlas subluxation is essential for a full recovery. By addressing the root of your symptoms, you can reclaim your quality of life and move forward with less pain and greater mobility.
Key Takeaways: Neck Pain After Concussions and How to Find Relief
- Neck pain is a common symptom following a concussion. It often stems from strained neck muscles, subluxated atlas and axis bones, or pinching or compression of nearby nerves.
- Seek primary care first. It’s important to rule out emergency issues or more severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI) before exploring chiropractic care.
- Upper Cervical Care in Draper UT addresses the root cause. By focusing on the precise realignment of the atlas vertebra, Upper Cervical Chiropractors like Dr. Cheney help alleviate not just neck pain but also other post-concussion symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and fatigue.
- Patients experience comprehensive neck pain relief in Draper when they seek help from Dr. Cheney. Addressing atlas subluxation can improve overall health and reduce persistent symptoms, allowing you to regain control of your life.
Always Seek Primary Care First
Before diving into chiropractic care, it’s important to understand the severity of concussions and the potential for post-concussion syndrome. A concussion is a traumatic brain injury (TBI), and while some symptoms may resolve on their own, others can indicate more serious, underlying issues. Suppose you’ve recently had a concussion and are experiencing symptoms like severe headaches, loss of consciousness, seizures, or confusion. In that case, seeing a primary care provider or visiting the emergency room right away is crucial. Medical professionals will help rule out life-threatening complications like brain bleeds or significant trauma, ensuring that you receive the appropriate care first.
Once these emergency concerns get addressed, it’s time to consider how to manage any lingering issues—especially if neck pain remains a persistent problem. While it’s common to think of a concussion as just a head injury, your neck often bears a large portion of the impact. This sudden force can strain the muscles and vertebrae in your neck, particularly the upper cervical region, which is crucial in supporting your head and overall spinal alignment.
The Connection Between Concussions and Neck Pain
When a concussion occurs, the force that causes the brain to move within the skull can also affect the neck. The cervical spine, particularly the upper cervical region, is highly susceptible to injury during such events. Here’s how:
Muscle Strain and Sprain
The sudden movement that causes a concussion can also strain or sprain the muscles and ligaments in the neck, leading to pain and stiffness. Imagine the muscles in your neck working overtime to stabilize your head during the impact. This strain can result in lingering discomfort.
Joint Misalignment
The impact can cause misalignment in the cervical spine, particularly the atlas vertebra (the topmost vertebra that supports the skull). This misalignment, known as atlas subluxation, can result in significant discomfort and contribute to various other symptoms. Think of it as your body’s alignment being slightly off, causing many issues.
Nerve Irritation
A misaligned atlas can irritate or compress the nerves in the neck, leading to pain that radiates to the shoulders, arms, and even the head, exacerbating post-concussion headaches. This nerve irritation can make simple daily activities feel like a chore.
Symptoms to Watch for After a Concussion
In addition to neck pain, individuals who have suffered a concussion might experience a range of symptoms that suggest atlas subluxation:
- Persistent headaches or migraines: These can be relentless and make it hard to focus on anything else.
- Dizziness or balance issues: Feeling off-balance can be unsettling and increase the risk of further injury.
- Fatigue and difficulty concentrating: It’s like your brain is stuck in a fog, making everyday tasks challenging.
- Visual disturbances: Blurred vision or seeing spots can be particularly troubling.
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears): This constant noise can be incredibly distracting.
- Jaw pain or discomfort: Sometimes, the pain extends to the jaw, making it uncomfortable to eat or speak.
These symptoms can significantly impact life and your overall well-being, making it essential to address the underlying trigger of your condition rather than just managing the symptoms.
How can an Upper Cervical Doctor Provide Draper UT Neck Pain Relief?
Dr. Cheney helps patients by unlocking lasting Draper UT neck pain relief and diagnosing and correcting misalignments in the upper cervical spine. Here’s why consulting one can be particularly beneficial after a concussion:
Precise Diagnosis
Upper Cervical Chiropractors use advanced imaging techniques to identify subtle misalignments in the atlas and axis vertebrae, often missed by standard diagnostic methods. This means you get a clear picture of what’s going on with your neck.
Gentle Adjustments
The techniques employed by Upper Cervical Chiropractors like Dr. Cheney, are gentle and non-invasive, focusing on realigning the atlas to its proper position without forceful manipulation. You won’t have to worry about harsh treatments; expect a careful and considerate approach.
Comprehensive Care
By addressing the root cause of symptoms through precise adjustments, patients often experience relief from neck pain and a range of post-concussion symptoms, leading to improved overall health and quality of life. It’s about getting you back to feeling like yourself again.
Take Action for Your Health
If you’ve suffered a concussion and are dealing with persistent neck pain or other related symptoms, it’s time to take action. Booking a consultation with Dr. Cheney can be a crucial step in your recovery journey. By addressing potential atlas subluxation, you can alleviate pain, reduce other symptoms, and promote long-term health and well-being.
Don’t let post-concussion symptoms control your life. Reach out to Dr. Cheney today and take the first step towards a healthier, pain-free future. Your body will thank you for it.
FAQs: Upper Cervical Care and How it Can Unlock Neck Pain Relief in Draper UT
Why is it important to seek primary care after a concussion?
It’s essential to rule out emergency complications, such as brain bleeds or severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Primary care ensures these issues are addressed before considering chiropractic care for lingering symptoms like neck pain.
How can a concussion cause neck pain?
The force of a concussion affects not only the brain but also the neck. This can strain muscles, misalign the atlas vertebra, and compress nerves, contributing to persistent neck pain and other symptoms.
How does Upper Cervical Chiropractic care help with post-concussion neck pain?
Upper Cervical Chiropractors like Dr. Cheney gently realign the atlas vertebra, relieving pressure on nerves and reducing muscle strain. This alleviates post-concussion symptoms, including neck pain.
What other symptoms besides neck pain can Upper Cervical Chiropractic care help with?
In addition to neck pain relief in Draper, Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care can also help you manage headaches, dizziness, fatigue, jaw pain, and ringing in the ears (tinnitus) caused by atlas misalignment.
How soon should I seek chiropractic care after a concussion?
After ruling out emergency concerns with primary care, it’s beneficial to consult an Upper Cervical Chiropractor as soon as you notice lingering symptoms such as neck pain, headaches, or dizziness. Early care can prevent symptoms from worsening.
To schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Cheney, call our Draper office at 385-331-7035. You can also click one of the buttons below.
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