Many people are told that a concussion is “mild” and expect symptoms to resolve within a few days or weeks. Yet some continue dealing with headaches, brain fog, fatigue, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating months later. These lingering symptoms may affect work, school, sports, and everyday life.
For some people, post-concussion symptoms may be influenced by more than the brain injury itself. The neck and upper back can also be affected by the same forces involved in the original injury.
What is a Concussion?
A concussion is a neurologic injury that occurs when the brain rapidly accelerates and decelerates inside the skull.
This movement can disrupt normal communication within the nervous system and may lead to symptoms such as:
- Persistent headaches
- Brain fog
- Difficulty concentrating
- Forgetfulness
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Light or sound sensitivity
- Sleep changes
- Mood changes
- Difficulty processing information
While many people recover well, others continue experiencing symptoms after the initial injury.
The Neck Can Be Affected During the Same Injury
When someone experiences a concussion, much of the focus naturally goes to the brain.
But consider the force involved in a football collision, car accident, fall, or sports injury. The head doesn’t move independently from the neck.
The cervical spine and surrounding tissues may also be stressed during the incident. Depending on the mechanism of injury, this can involve muscles, ligaments, joints, spinal alignment, posture, and other pain-sensitive structures.
Neck-related problems may contribute to symptoms that continue after the initial injury.
Why Neck Injuries May Contribute to Headaches
The upper neck contains joints, muscles, and nerve pathways involved in head position, movement, balance, and coordination.
When these structures are irritated or injured, symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, neck pain, visual changes, balance problems, and difficulty focusing.
Some of these symptoms overlap with those associated with concussion, which is one reason evaluating the neck may be useful when symptoms persist.
A Broader Look at Post-Concussion Symptoms
Our team evaluates both neurologic and musculoskeletal factors that may be relevant after a concussion.
Depending on the individual, the examination may include cervical spine function, posture, motion, neurologic findings, spinal alignment, and upper back and shoulder function.
The purpose is to identify whether structural or biomechanical factors may be contributing to ongoing symptoms rather than assuming every symptom has the same source.
Why a Thorough Evaluation Matters
A concussion shouldn’t be brushed off simply because it was initially described as mild. The brain and nervous system deserve proper medical evaluation and management. At the same time, the structures affected during the same injury may also need attention.
For some people, recovery may involve more than one type of healthcare provider, particularly when symptoms continue over time.
Take Another Look at Persistent Post-Concussion Symptoms
If headaches, dizziness, brain fog, fatigue, or concentration problems are still affecting you after a concussion, evaluating the neck and upper spine may provide useful additional information.
Contact Green Chiropractic in Omaha to schedule an evaluation and determine whether structural or musculoskeletal factors may be contributing to your ongoing symptoms.