Resolution of Post Concussion Syndrome Following Chiropractic Care

A case study published on September 12, 2023, in the scientific journal Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research documented the elimination of all post-concussion symptoms in a case after chiropractic care was rendered. Post-concussion syndrome is when symptoms from a concussion last longer than what would normally be expected from a concussion. The study authors note that after a concussion, people can experience a wide variety of symptoms that can be physical, cognitive and/or emotional.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes concussion by stating, "A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury, or TBI, caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull, creating chemical changes in the brain and sometimes stretching and damaging brain cells." The CDC estimates that approximately 3.8 million people in the United States suffer a concussion each year.

In this case, a 20-year-old ice hockey player went to the chiropractor two weeks after having suffered a concussion while playing hockey. During a game, he received a severe hit from another player. He was wearing a helmet, but he remembers his head hitting the ice. Although the man did not lose consciousness, he was unable to skate and was assisted to the bench. Two days later, his M.D. diagnosed him with concussion and told the man to just rest. This was the third concussion the man had suffered in the prior five years.

At the time of his visit to the chiropractor, the man reported that he had been suffering with headaches, nausea, dizziness, sensitivity to light, and double vision. The man additionally reported that he was suffering with problems with his short-term memory, difficulty concentrating, difficulty sleeping, and a feeling of constant exhaustion.

A chiropractic examination was performed which included spinal neck x-rays. Based on the findings, chiropractic care plan for the correction of subluxations was initiated. After only his first adjustment, the man reported a 50% reduction of all his symptoms. The improvement continued as he reported a 70% improvement after just two visits.

Within one week of chiropractic care, the man reported that he was completely symptom-free. He continued to remain symptom-free throughout the remainder of his chiropractic care. The study authors noted, "This complete reduction of symptoms after one week of care contributes a positive correlation between the care administered and the patient's recovery from post concussion syndrome."

In their conclusion, the study authors summed up this case by stating, "This case study serves to provide the details of chiropractic intervention and its positive outcome on 20-year-old male athlete that presented with symptoms classified as post-concussion syndrome. The patient had suffered a concussion as the result of a forceful head trauma two weeks prior to presenting for care."