Chiropractic care is often misunderstood when it comes to head injuries like concussions. Many people assume chiropractic treatment is only for back or neck pain, but research and clinical experience show that chiropractic adjustments can support the nervous system, promote proper spinal alignment, and enhance the body’s natural healing processes.
At McAuley Family Chiropractic, we specialize in helping patients in Federal Way, Puyallup, and the surrounding area recover from concussions through gentle, non-invasive chiropractic care. Our team provides compassionate, individualized treatment that supports both your physical and neurological recovery that works with most insurance providers to bring better healing to our patients.
What Happens to the Body After a Concussion
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a sudden impact or jolt to the head or body. Although concussions are often labeled as “mild,” they can have significant short- and long-term effects. Some can manifest as less severe issues while others can be more immediately apparent, such as general unease or imbalance. No matter how a concussion manifests, it is important that it is addressed immediately.
When the brain experiences sudden movement, nerve cells can become stretched or damaged, leading to chemical changes and inflammation. This disruption affects brain function and can manifest as a variety of symptoms, including:
- Headaches or migraines
- Dizziness or balance problems
- Nausea or vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Fatigue or sleep disturbances
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering
In addition to these neurological symptoms, many concussion patients also experience musculoskeletal issues. Whiplash and neck injuries are common in auto accidents, contributing to ongoing pain and stiffness that can slow recovery.
Why Concussion Symptoms Sometimes Persist
For some individuals, symptoms may persist for weeks or even months, a condition often referred to as post-concussion syndrome. This can occur due to:
- Untreated neck or spinal misalignments
- Lingering inflammation or poor blood flow
- Stress, anxiety, or disrupted sleep
- Delayed medical intervention
How Chiropractic Care Can Help With Concussion Recovery
Chiropractic care offers a gentle, non-invasive approach to supporting the body’s healing process after a concussion. By focusing on spinal alignment and nervous system function, chiropractors can help restore balance, reduce tension, and improve overall recovery outcomes.
The Connection Between the Spine and Brain Function: Supporting Natural Healing Through Alignment
The nervous system, which encompasses both the brain and spinal cord, serves as the body’s central communication network, controlling and regulating virtually every function. Because the spinal cord runs through the vertebral column, any misalignment in the spine can directly affect how the nervous system operates.
This is particularly true in the neck, where misalignments can place abnormal stress on nerves, restricting the flow of signals between the brain and the rest of the body. When this happens, individuals may experience a variety of symptoms, including increased pain, headaches, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, and even a general sense of fatigue or mental fog.
Chiropractors utilize precise, targeted spinal adjustments to restore proper alignment, improve mobility, and reduce tension throughout the spine and correct back pain. Correcting misalignments in the spine can lead to a range of benefits, including reduced tension and stiffness in the neck and upper back, improved blood flow and nutrient delivery to the brain, enhanced coordination and balance, and a decrease in the intensity and frequency of headaches.
For individuals recovering from injuries such as concussions, restoring spinal alignment is especially important. Proper alignment helps remove barriers to nerve function, promoting optimal communication between the brain and body.
Complementary Approach to Medical Treatment
Chiropractic care is often used alongside traditional medical care. While physicians may focus on imaging, medications, and monitoring neurological function, chiropractors can provide hands-on treatment to improve spinal health, reduce musculoskeletal pain, and enhance the body’s natural recovery processes. This complementary approach ensures that patients receive comprehensive care tailored to their needs.
Chiropractic Care for Auto Accident-Related Concussions
Auto accidents are one of the most common causes of concussions in adults. Even low-speed collisions can result in sudden head movement and whiplash, leading to both neurological and musculoskeletal injuries. Chiropractic care for concussions is uniquely positioned to address the effects of these injuries.
Addressing Whiplash and Neck Injuries
Whiplash occurs when the head is rapidly thrown forward and backward, stretching and straining the muscles, ligaments, and discs of the neck. This type of injury often accompanies a concussion in auto accidents and can contribute to:
- Stiffness and decreased range of motion
- Chronic neck and shoulder pain
- Headaches and dizziness
Through gentle adjustments and soft tissue therapies, chiropractors can relieve tension, restore mobility, correct neck pain, and support the body’s recovery from whiplash and concussion simultaneously.
Why Choose Chiropractic Care After a Car Accident
Chiropractic care offers several advantages for post-accident concussion recovery:
- Non-invasive treatment: No surgery or medications are required.
- Personalized care: Treatment plans are tailored to your specific symptoms and recovery goals.
- Holistic approach: Chiropractic care addresses both the brain and body, helping reduce persistent symptoms.
- Supportive environment: Patients receive guidance, reassurance, and education throughout the recovery process.
What to Expect During a Chiropractic Visit
During your first visit to McAuley Family Chiropractic, you can expect a thorough evaluation designed to understand the extent of your concussion and related injuries.
- Initial consultation: You will discuss your accident, symptoms, and medical history.
- Physical and neurological assessment: The chiropractor will evaluate your spinal alignment, range of motion, and neurological function.
- Personalized treatment plan: Based on your evaluation, a customized plan will be created to address your specific needs.
Subsequent visits will typically involve gentle spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and exercises to improve mobility, reduce pain, and support neurological recovery. Your treatment plan will be adjusted as needed to fit your individual needs and goals. Our dedicated team will work with you until we find the right personalized plan for you that puts your healing at the forefront.
Benefits of Seeing a Chiropractor for Concussion Recovery
Chiropractic care offers a comprehensive, natural approach to concussion recovery by addressing the close connection between the spine, nervous system, and brain. While medical treatment focuses on diagnosing and managing immediate symptoms, chiropractic adjustments help restore alignment, reduce tension, and enhance the body’s ability to heal itself.
Improved Balance and Coordination
After a concussion, many people experience dizziness, unsteadiness, or poor coordination due to disruptions in the vestibular system, the part of the inner ear and brain that controls balance. Chiropractic care can help by correcting subtle misalignments in the spine, especially in the neck, that may interfere with nerve communication and proprioception (the body’s sense of position).
Through gentle spinal adjustments and targeted rehabilitation exercises, chiropractors help retrain the nervous system and improve the integration of signals between the brain and body. As a result, patients often regain smoother, more stable movement, increased confidence when walking or exercising, and a greater sense of overall equilibrium.
Reduced Headaches and Neck Tension
Headaches and neck stiffness are among the most persistent symptoms after a concussion. These issues often stem from muscle tension, joint restrictions, or irritation of the nerves that travel through the cervical spine. Chiropractic adjustments aim to restore proper alignment and movement in the neck, relieving built-up tension and improving blood flow to the head.
In addition, soft-tissue therapies and stretching techniques can help relax tight muscles and reduce inflammation. Over time, patients typically experience fewer and less severe headaches, greater comfort during daily activities, and improved neck mobility.
Enhanced Focus and Energy Levels
Cognitive symptoms such as brain fog, difficulty concentrating, and low energy can linger long after the initial concussion. When the spine is misaligned, nerve communication between the brain and body can become disrupted, placing added strain on the nervous system.
Chiropractic adjustments help restore this communication, supporting better oxygen and nutrient flow to the brain. As physical tension decreases, mental clarity and alertness often improve. Patients frequently report sharper focus, better memory retention, and increased energy levels.
Support for Long-Term Healing
Concussion recovery doesn’t end when the most noticeable symptoms fade. Without proper care, lingering spinal or nervous system imbalances can lead to recurring headaches, fatigue, or difficulty concentrating. Chiropractic care supports long-term healing by maintaining spinal alignment, promoting efficient nerve function, and preventing chronic stress on the body. Regular adjustments help ensure the brain and body continue to communicate effectively, allowing the nervous system to remain resilient and balanced.
Patients who integrate chiropractic treatment into their recovery plan often experience more stable progress, fewer relapses, and an overall higher quality of life as they regain their full physical and cognitive potential.
When to Seek Help for a Concussion After an Accident
It is important to seek care promptly if you experience concussion symptoms following an incident. Early intervention can reduce the severity and duration of symptoms and prevent complications.
Signs You May Need Chiropractic Care
You should consider seeing a chiropractor if you experience any of the following after an accident:
- Persistent headaches or migraines
- Neck pain or stiffness
- Dizziness or balance issues
- Fatigue or sleep disturbances
- Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
- Ongoing whiplash or musculoskeletal discomfort
If you notice any combination of these symptoms, scheduling a chiropractic evaluation can be an important step in your recovery journey.
Start Your Recovery With McAuley Family Chiropractic
Recovery from a concussion is a journey, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. McAuley Family Chiropractic provides compassionate, knowledgeable, and personalized care for patients in Federal Way & Puyallup recovering from concussions and auto accident injuries. Our team is dedicated to helping you regain your health, reduce pain, and restore balance in your daily life.
Contact us today at (253) 874-9001 to schedule your first appointment and start on the journey to better healing. Let us guide you on your path to safe, effective, and lasting recovery.
