Whiplash-Induced Concussions:

whiplash induced concussions

Can I Have a Concussion Without Hitting My Head or Losing Consciousness?

Yes, it’s possible to have a concussion without a direct blow to the head or losing consciousness. This might come as a surprise to many, but it can occur through an injury known as whiplash-induced concussion.

What is Whiplash-Induced Concussion?

A whiplash-induced concussion occurs when a sudden, forceful movement of the head leads to a concussion without any direct trauma to the skull. In these types of injuries, the head is quickly jolted forward and then backward, or vice versa, causing the brain to shift inside the skull. This motion can disrupt the brain’s normal functioning, leading to symptoms typically associated with concussions, even though there was no blow to the head.

Key Symptoms of Whiplash-Induced Concussion

People who experience a whiplash-induced concussion may report symptoms such as:

  • Neck pain
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness or unsteadiness
  • Fatigue
  • Memory problems or feeling “foggy”
  • Visual disturbances
  • Mood changes
  • Difficulty concentrating

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms after a car accident, sports injury, slip or fall, or any other type of sudden, jerking motion of your head, it’s important to consider the possibility of a whiplash-induced concussion, even if you didn’t lose consciousness.

How Can Concussion Therapy and Chiropractic Care Help?

The good news is that concussion therapy, physiotherapy and chiropractic care play vital roles in helping individuals recover from whiplash-induced concussions. A collaborative approach between physiotherapists, chiropractors, and concussion specialists, can speed up recovery and reduce the risk of long-term complications, allowing you to get back to normal activities sooner.

Concussion Therapy

Concussion therapy focuses on treating the neurological symptoms of the injury. A concussion specialist or physiotherapist trained in concussion rehabilitation, such as Melissa Tomiyama at Synergea, will tailor treatment to address your ongoing symptoms. Some common elements of concussion therapy include:

  • Education: A structured plan will be developed for you to gradually return to work, sport or normal cognitive activities like reading or using screens, without exacerbating symptoms.
  • Balance and Coordination Exercises: To help restore your brain’s ability to maintain balance and coordination, exercises focusing on improving vestibular function are often included.
  • Visual Exercises: Since visual disturbances often accompany concussions, we will work with you on visual exercises to reduce light sensitivity, improve focus, and address other visual processing issues.
  • Neck rehabilitation: Due to your neck sustaining a whiplash injury, we will often work on exercises and hands on treatment to relieve pain, restore muscle balance and allow you to get back to regular function.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractors focus on optimizing the alignment and mobility of the spine, particularly the neck, which is crucial when dealing with whiplash-induced concussions. Chiropractic treatments for whiplash-induced concussions may include:

  • Soft tissue therapy and mobilization to reduce muscular response and inflammation
  • Gentle and appropriate joint manipulation to restore mobility
  • Gentle manual cervical traction or other appropriate techniques
  • Advice on whether to use ice or heat
  • Advice on appropriate return to activities of daily living (ADLs)

Seeking Treatment

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of a whiplash-induced concussion, don’t wait for the condition to resolve on its own. Early intervention with a combination of concussion therapy and chiropractic care can make a significant difference in recovery time and overall outcome. A tailored treatment plan will not only target your immediate symptoms but also work to prevent chronic issues in the future.

At Synergea, we are proud to offer the services of Melissa Tomiyama, PT, concussion assessment and management specialist, or any one of our four experience chiropractors.

Call Synergea at 403-247-2947 to book your appointment or if you have any questions.

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