Have you or a loved one received a concussion?
Have you or a loved one received a concussion?
You may have red Dylan Cleaver’s article recently looking at trauma in rugby players. If not have a look! https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=12230455
Many of us have experienced a concussion in our lives. Be it through a sporting incident, car accident, or a simple fall at home or in the workplace. We believe that more attention needs to be given to individuals who experience this. “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.” [1] We only have one brain, spine, and nervous system, take care of it!
Those who experience a concussion may notice they are feeling different for a few hours, to even a few days or weeks after receiving the TBI. Some experience “Headache or a feeling of pressure in the head, temporary loss of consciousness, confusion or feeling as if in a fog, dizziness, ringing in the ears, nausea, vomiting, slurred speech, delayed response to questions, fatigue, and more.” [2] These signs may be present in adults and children alike. Some may have symptoms right away and others may take a few hours or days to show.
If you or someone near you has received a concussion it is important to take time to look after your brain and the injury. If symptoms do not subside after a day it is best to seek immediate medical help. This could be continued vomiting, impaired motor skills, or even severe fogginess. Rest must be a priority. Many will feel tired for days following a TBI. Take short naps and avoid over stimulating the brain. Try not to study, work on a computer or read. Give the brain time to rest. Use caution when driving after a concussion. It is best to take a few days off from normal activity to heal. At all costs avoid the potential of a second concussion from happening. Rest and do not play contact sports until you have completely healed.
Beyond rest, there are a few things that can help you recover from a TBI. It has been found “Omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs), vitamin D3, curcumin, resveratrol and other polyphenols, and magnesium have all been shown to clinically reduce inflammation… and are used worldwide to treat inflammatory-related conditions.”[3] Along with these supplements it is wise to get checked by a chiropractor. Not only will getting adjusted, and reducing subluxations help you feel better, it will allow the body to heal itself and help restore nerve function, blood flow, and soft tissue repair.
New Zealand has a strong sporting culture, while we love it, it can not only cause subluxations but also concussions. Take notice of others when on the pitch and help if you believe a mate has experienced a concussion. Feel free to give us a call to see a chiropractor for help with this. We also have supplements to help the inflammatory response in the brain. Remember chiropractic helps the body to heal this condition, and supports you to be the best you can be!
- https://www.cdc.gov/headsup/basics/concussion_whatis.html
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/concussion/symptoms-causes/syc-20355594
- http://cdn2.perfectpatients.com/childsites/uploads/219/files/Postconcussion-Syndrome.pdf
