Concussion Recovery: The Role of Your Chiropractor
Concussions may be labelled “mild” traumatic brain injuries, but their effects can be anything but mild—especially when left untreated or poorly managed. Whether it's from a sports injury, fall, or car accident, concussions require careful attention and a structured recovery plan. Chiropractors play an increasingly vital role in helping individuals navigate this journey.
What Happens During a Concussion?
A concussion occurs when the brain experiences a sudden, forceful movement—such as from a blow to the head, a violent jolt, or a fall. This movement can cause the brain to bounce, twist, or shift inside the skull, triggering several physiological responses:
Rapid acceleration and deceleration: The brain strikes the inner walls of the skull, like jelly in a jar.
Axonal damage: Delicate nerve fibers (axons) may stretch or tear, interrupting brain communication.
Chemical imbalances: Neurotransmitters and brain ions become unstable, affecting brain function.
Reduced blood flow: Oxygen and nutrients may be temporarily restricted.
Inflammation: Swelling or immune responses can intensify symptoms.
Common Causes of Concussion
Contact sports (football, rugby, soccer, etc.)
Falls, especially in children and older adults
Motor vehicle accidents or whiplash injuries
Violent shaking or physical assault
Concussion in Australian Sport: A Growing Concern
Concussions are particularly prevalent in youth and contact sports. In Australia:
In 2021–22, there were 17,700 concussion-related emergency visits and 10,800 hospital admissions.
Over 20% of these were sports-related, underscoring the impact of concussion in athletic environments.
High-Risk Sports
National Rugby League (NRL) reported 15.4 diagnosed concussions per 1,000 hours of match play in 2019.
A Victorian study found that sports like motorsport, equestrian, Aussie Rules football, rugby, and roller sports had the highest rates of concussion-related hospitalisations.
Why Concussions Should Never Be Ignored
While there’s often no visible injury, the damage from a concussion is widespread and invisible—affecting communication between neurons across multiple areas of the brain. Here’s why that matters:
Cumulative Effects: Repeated concussions can lead to long-term cognitive decline, emotional instability, and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE).
Second Impact Syndrome: Suffering a second concussion before the first heals can lead to rapid brain swelling and, in some cases, death—especially in young athletes.
Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS): Some symptoms—like memory issues, depression, or fatigue—may persist for weeks or months, far beyond the expected recovery window.
How Chiropractic Care Supports Concussion Recovery
Chiropractors can offer a multi-faceted, supportive approach to concussion rehabilitation, especially in coordination with other health professionals.
1. Cervical Spine Assessment & Treatment
Concussion-related symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and neck pain often stem from the cervical spine—especially following whiplash.
A chiropractor may:
Gentle spinal manipulation or mobilise the neck to improve joint movement
Use soft tissue therapy to relieve muscle tension and reduce inflammation
Help alleviate cervicogenic headaches and postural discomfort
2. Vestibular & Balance Rehabilitation
Concussions can impair the vestibular system, affecting balance and spatial awareness.
Chiropractic vestibular rehab may include:
Specific head, eye, and body movement exercises
Gaze stabilisation training
Coordination and motion sensitivity retraining
3. Neurological Rehab & Functional Exercises
Some sports chiropractors use functional neurology techniques to promote brain-body integration, including:
Visual-motor coordination drills
Cognitive-motor exercises
Proprioceptive training
4. Guided Return-to-Activity Plans
Recovery doesn’t mean immediate return to full activity.
Chiropractors can help:
Monitor symptom changes during light physical or cognitive tasks
Educate patients on pacing, rest, and red-flag warning signs
5. Ongoing Support for Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS)
If symptoms persist for weeks or months after the initial injury, chiropractors may also:
Address chronic headaches, fatigue, or neck pain
Work alongside neurologists, psychologists, or physiotherapists
Provide advice on sleep, posture, stress, and nutrition to support overall brain health
Concussion in Children: Extra Vigilance Required
Children may present different or subtler symptoms, such as:
Excessive crying or irritability
Sleep disruption
Feeding difficulties
Unusual or withdrawn behaviour
Prompt evaluation is essential if concussion is suspected in a child.
Infographic: Concussion signs and symptoms
Final Thoughts
While concussions are common, especially in sports, they are not to be taken lightly. Prompt assessment, proper rest, and a well-structured recovery plan, involving chiropractic care, can make all the difference in healing safely and effectively.
If you or your child has experienced a concussion, consult with your chiropractor or healthcare provider to develop a personalised recovery strategy.
As one of the most well-known therapies in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it’s still widely practiced today, with modern variations and applications in healthcare.
Concussions may be labelled “mild” traumatic brain injuries, but their effects can be anything but mild—especially when left untreated or poorly managed. Whether it's from a sports injury, fall, or car accident, concussions require careful attention and a structured recovery plan. Chiropractors play an increasingly vital role in helping individuals navigate this journey.
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