Top 5 Concussion Myths
Concussions are one of the most misunderstood injuries in both sports and everyday life. Because they are often invisible and don’t always involve dramatic symptoms, concussions are frequently minimized, ignored, or improperly managed. Unfortunately, misinformation surrounding concussions can delay recovery and increase the risk of long-term complications.
Education is one of the most important tools we have when it comes to brain health. Understanding what concussions are, and what they are not, can help individuals, parents, and athletes make safer decisions and seek appropriate care at the right time, especially when working with a sports chiropractor Charleston SC who understands the demands placed on the nervous system during athletic activity.
What Is a Concussion?
A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury that affects how the brain functions. Rather than being a structural injury that shows up clearly on imaging, concussions are primarily functional injuries, meaning they disrupt how the brain and nervous system communicate.
Concussions can result from direct or indirect forces applied to the body that cause the brain to move rapidly within the skull. Because of this, symptoms can vary widely and may not appear immediately. This variability is one of the reasons concussion myths persist.
5 Concussion Myths That You Should Know
1.) In order to get a concussion, you must get a direct blow to the head.
A person does not need a direct blow to the head in order to get a concussion. Other ways someone can get a concussion include being near an explosion, a rapid spinning of the head, whiplash of the head and neck, receiving a blow to another part of the body, and sadly in the case of babies, Shaken Baby Syndrome.
2.) Concussions always include a loss of consciousness.
Only 10% of concussion cases lose consciousness. The other 90% do not.
3.) All concussions present with the same symptoms.
No two concussions are the same and there are 6 different clinical trajectories of concussions that include:
1.) Cervical
2.) Post-traumatic Migraine
3.) Ocular
4.) Vestibular
5.) Cognitive/Fatigue
6.) Anxiety/Mood
4.) All concussion treatments are the same.
Due to the many factors of how a concussion can occurs and the 6 different trajectories of concussion, no treatment is the same.
5.) Helmets can prevent concussions.
While helmets have been shown to prevent a skull fracture and severe traumatic brain injury, there is very little evidence showing that a particular type of helmet or brand that reduces the incidence of concussion.
Why Concussion Symptoms and Recovery Vary
Because concussions affect the nervous system, symptoms can involve many different areas of function. Some people experience headaches or neck pain, while others struggle with dizziness, visual disturbances, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, or emotional changes. In many cases, the neck, eyes, balance system, and brain all play a role in how symptoms develop and persist.
This variability is why concussions must be evaluated on an individual basis by a Charleston chiropractic clinic. A one-size-fits-all approach often fails to address the specific systems involved, which can prolong recovery.
The Risk of Poorly Managed Concussions
It is also important to understand that concussions do not automatically mean long-term brain damage is inevitable. Long-term effects are more commonly associated with poorly managed concussions, repeated injuries, or returning to sport or activity before the brain and nervous system have fully healed.
If an athlete or individual is presenting with symptoms after an injury, it is extremely important that they are removed from the sport or activity immediately. They should not return, even if symptoms seem to disappear quickly. Symptoms can fluctuate, and early improvement does not always indicate full recovery.
A healthcare professional who is proficient in evaluating concussion symptoms should clear the individual before returning to sport, work, or normal daily activities.
Concussions and Chiropractic Care: Clinical Considerations
Chiropractic care can be a powerful tool for supporting the nervous system during healing. However, it is important to understand that certain chiropractic techniques may be contraindicated during the acute phase of a concussion.
When the nervous system is already under significant stress, it may not tolerate certain types of afferent input. If you visit your chiropractor after a concussion or concussion-like injury, it is critical to inform them immediately. In the acute phase, they may avoid adjusting the head and neck or utilize low-amplitude, gentle techniques that are more appropriate for that stage of healing.
Clear communication with all healthcare providers ensures care is both safe and effective.
Making Informed Decisions Protects Brain Health
What matters most with concussions is taking the proper measures to stop further damage and support full recovery. Early recognition, removal from activity, individualized care, and patience during the healing process all play a vital role in protecting long-term brain health.
By understanding and challenging common concussion myths, individuals and families are better equipped to make informed decisions that prioritize safety, healing, and overall well-being.
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Frequently Asked Question
Can a chiropractor help with concussion recovery?
A chiropractor can help support concussion recovery by addressing nervous system regulation, cervical spine involvement, and movement-related dysfunctions that may contribute to symptoms. Care is individualized and focused on supporting healing rather than treating the brain injury itself. Chiropractic is often part of a broader, collaborative recovery approach.
Do sports chiropractors treat concussions?
Sports chiropractors do not “treat” concussions directly, but they play an important role in managing associated musculoskeletal and nervous system factors. This may include cervical spine assessment, movement evaluation, and symptom-guided care. They often work alongside other healthcare providers during recovery.
Should you see a chiropractor after a concussion?
Seeing a chiropractor after a concussion can be appropriate once the injury has been properly evaluated and the provider is informed of the concussion. Chiropractors can help assess neck involvement and guide safe, supportive care. Timing and technique selection are critical.
How does chiropractic care fit into return-to-play decisions?
Chiropractic care can support return-to-play decisions by assessing cervical spine function, movement quality, and symptom response. Chiropractors do not independently clear athletes but may contribute clinical findings to a multidisciplinary care team. Final clearance should come from a qualified healthcare professional overseeing concussion management.
Is chiropractic care safe after a concussion?
Chiropractic care can be safe after a concussion when techniques are appropriately modified and timed. High-velocity adjustments may be avoided during the acute phase in favor of gentler approaches. Clear communication between the patient and chiropractor is essential.