Concussion Recovery

A concussion occurs when a sudden impact or jolt causes the brain to move inside the skull, leading to inflammation, nerve dysfunction, and changes in brain chemistry. While symptoms often appear immediately, some can develop over days or weeks.

Common Symptoms of a Concussion

• Headaches and migraines
• Dizziness or vertigo
• Neck pain and stiffness
• Sensitivity to light and noise
• Cognitive difficulties (brain fog, memory issues, difficulty concentrating)
• Fatigue and sleep disturbances
• Mood changes (anxiety, irritability, depression)

If left untreated, post-concussion symptoms can persist for months or even years, affecting work, school, and overall quality of life.

At Grieb Chiropractic Clinic, we focus on addressing both the neurological and musculoskeletal effects of concussions. Through precise chiropractic techniques, we reduce inflammation, restore spinal alignment, and enhance brain-body communication to accelerate healing.

1. Chiropractic Adjustments for Spinal and Nervous System Health

Concussions often involve misalignments in the upper cervical spine (neck), which can further contribute to headaches, dizziness, and nervous system dysfunction. Our chiropractic adjustments:

• Realign the upper cervical spine (C1 & C2 vertebrae), reducing nerve interference
• Improve blood flow and cerebrospinal fluid circulation to promote brain healing
• Reduce tension in the neck and shoulders, easing post-concussion headaches

We utilize gentle, precise techniques such as:

• Gonstead and Diversified Techniques – Restore normal spinal function and nerve signaling.
• Activator Method – A low-force, instrument-assisted approach ideal for post-concussion patients.
• Toggle Recoil – A specialized upper cervical technique that optimizes nervous system function.

2. Neurological Rehabilitation for Brain Function Recovery

A concussion disrupts communication between the brain and body, leading to balance issues, poor focus, and dizziness. Our neurological rehab strategies include:

• Vestibular exercises to improve balance and coordination
• Oculomotor (eye-tracking) training to support cognitive recovery
• Postural retraining to reduce dizziness and fatigue

3. High Volt Electrical Stimulation (HVES) for Pain & Inflammation Reduction

For patients experiencing chronic headaches, muscle spasms, or nerve pain post-concussion, we use high-volt electrical muscle stimulation (HVES) to:

• Reduce inflammation and promote tissue healing
• Relax tight neck and shoulder muscles, easing headaches
• Enhance circulation to speed up recovery

4. Lifestyle and Nutrition Support for Faster Healing

Healing from a concussion requires more than just rest. We provide:

• Nutritional guidance – Anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and supplements like Omega-3s to support brain recovery.
• Stress management techniques – Breathing exercises, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques to aid the nervous system.
• Sleep optimization strategies – Poor sleep can slow recovery, so we help improve sleep hygiene and relaxation routines.

1. Pain Relief Without Medication: Chiropractic care addresses the source of pain without relying on prescription drugs, which can have side effects or lead to dependency.
2. Improved Mobility: Restoring proper alignment and reducing inflammation allows you to regain full range of motion.
3. Preventing Long-Term Issues: Untreated injuries can lead to chronic pain or degeneration. Chiropractic care ensures that injuries heal correctly, reducing the risk of future problems.
4. Personalized Care: At Grieb Chiropractic Clinic, we create individualized treatment plans to address your specific injuries and recovery goals.

• A study published in the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research found that chiropractic care focusing on upper cervical adjustments significantly improved post-concussion symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, and cognitive function (Zielinski et al., 2018).
• Research in Frontiers in Neurology indicates that spinal misalignments can contribute to persistent post-concussion symptoms and that correcting them can improve recovery (Haavik et al., 2020).
• A study in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics showed that manual therapy, including cervical spine adjustments, helps improve blood flow to the brain and reduce post-concussion headaches (Smith et al., 2017).