Head Injury? Here's When You Should Worry
Whether you’re an athlete, a parent, or someone who’s taken a hard fall, understanding what a concussion is and how it may affect your brain and body is essential. Concussions are commonly misunderstood and underestimated, especially when symptoms are mild at first.
We often see patients dealing with lingering concussion symptoms, sometimes weeks or months after the injury. Let’s break it down clearly.
What Is a Concussion?
A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) that occurs when the brain experiences a sudden jolt or impact. Commonly, concussions occur from a direct blow to the head, whiplash or a fall/accident.
Even without losing consciousness, the brain can move inside the skull, causing chemical changes and inflammation that affects how it functions. This is why no two concussions are exactly the same, and symptoms can vary from subtle to severe.
Mild to Moderate Concussion Symptoms
Concussion symptoms can appear immediately, or hours to days after the fact. Here is what to watch for, starting with the most common:
Headache
Dizziness or loss of coordination
Fatigue or drowsiness
Nausea
Sensitivity to light/noise
Difficulty concentrating
Brain fog or slowed thinking
Irritability/mood swings
Neck pain
Sleep disturbances
If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms from a jolt to the head, it’s time to rest, monitor and seek guidance from a healthcare provider.
Severe or Dangerous Symptoms
Some concussion symptoms may signal a more serious brain injury and should be treated as emergencies. Here are red flag symptoms that require immediate medical help:
Repeated vomiting
Worsening or severe headache
Slurred speech
Seizures
One pupil larger than the other
Loss of consciousness (even briefly)
Inability to wake up or stay awake
Weakness/numbness in limbs
Unusual behavior or confusion
These symptoms require emergency attention to rule out structural problems such as bleeding in the brain.
Why Some Concussions Linger
It’s not uncommon for concussion symptoms to last days, weeks or even months. This is called post-concussion syndrome (PCS) and can include chronic headaches, ongoing brain fog, emotional changes or even vision issues.
The nervous system, cervical spine, and even vestibular system can all be affected by a concussion, especially if it was caused by a car crash or sports injury.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help
You might not think of your chiropractor when dealing with a concussion, but in many cases, we can help with recovery.
Chiropractic Support for Concussion Recovery:
Neck and spine adjustments to relieve tension and restore nervous system balance
Soft tissue therapy for neck strain and whiplash
Postural correction to reduce headaches and dizziness
Vestibular rehab (balance and coordination exercises)
Patient education to promote rest, brain healing, and gradual return to activity
What You Can Do at Home
Rest your brain - Limit screen time, bright lights, loud sounds, and multitasking.
Sleep well - Prioritize deep, quality sleep to support healing.
Hydrate & nourish - Fuel your body with brain-friendly foods and plenty of water.
Avoid rushing back to activity - Returning to sports, work, or even driving too soon can delay recovery.
Monitor symptoms - Keep a journal to track improvements or worsening signs.
When to See a Chiropractor
If you’ve had a concussion and you’re still experiencing neck pain, headaches, brain fog, or dizziness, chiropractic care should be the missing link in your recovery.
We work in collaboration with your medical team to ensure you’re healing safely, and we tailor each treatment to your unique case.
Concussions are common… but they’re not “just a bump”.
Even mild concussions deserve proper care! Your brain does so much for you, take the time to support its healing.
Ready to Feel Like Yourself Again?
If you’re dealing with concussion symptoms, book a consultation with our chiropractic team today. We’ll help assess your condition, support your nervous system, and guide you back to feeling clear, balanced, and strong.
