Concussion Recovery and Upper Cervical Care: Natural Relief for Headaches, Brain Fog & Dizziness
A concussion is more than just a bump on the head—it’s a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) that can disrupt the brain’s function and your life. While most people associate concussion recovery with rest and symptom management, many are unaware of how upper cervical spine alignment plays a crucial role in the brain’s ability to heal.
At Rising Tide Chiropractic, we specialize in a gentle, brain-focused approach that helps restore balance and function from the top down—starting at the upper cervical spine.
What Is a Concussion?
A concussion is caused by a blow, jolt, or rapid shaking of the head and brain, often occurring in:
Sports injuries
Car accidents
Falls
Assaults
Blast injuries (in military settings)
The brain moves within the skull, and even a minor shift can cause neurological, cognitive, and emotional symptoms that may last days, weeks, or longer.
Common Symptoms of a Concussion:
Headaches or pressure in the head
Dizziness or balance problems
Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
Nausea and sensitivity to light or sound
Fatigue
Mood swings, irritability, or anxiety
Sleep disturbances
The Upper Cervical Connection
The upper cervical spine—the atlas (C1) and axis (C2) vertebrae—sits directly beneath the brainstem and plays a vital role in:
Neurological signaling between the brain and body
Blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow to and from the brain
Structural stability of the head and spine
During a concussion, even without direct trauma to the neck, whiplash forces can cause subtle misalignments in this region, disrupting neurological and vascular function.
How Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care Supports Concussion Recovery
Upper cervical chiropractors use precise, low-force adjustments to restore alignment at the cranio-cervical junction. This may help:
Reduce pressure on the brainstem and cranial nerves
Improve blood flow and CSF circulation
Relieve headaches, dizziness, and visual disturbances
Support balance and postural control
Promote better sleep and cognitive clarity
What the Research Says:
A 2016 study published in Frontiers in Neurology highlights how even mild traumatic brain injuries can impair cerebral blood flow and brain function—especially when coupled with neck injury [Len et al., 2016].
Clinical reports and case studies suggest that patients with post-concussion syndrome often experience significant improvement in symptoms after upper cervical correction, especially when traditional treatments fall short [Elster, 2003].
Research has also demonstrated that correcting upper cervical misalignment can positively influence autonomic nervous system balance, which plays a critical role in recovery from head trauma [Zullinger et al., 2015].
Post-Concussion Syndrome: When Symptoms Linger
If symptoms last longer than a few weeks, you may be experiencing post-concussion syndrome (PCS). PCS can significantly affect your quality of life and is often related to unresolved neurological and structural imbalances.
Upper cervical care may help break the cycle by restoring neuromechanical balance to the head-neck junction, relieving physical tension that interferes with healing.
Realigning Recovery—Naturally
At Rising Tide Chiropractic, we begin with a detailed assessment, including 3D imaging and neurological testing, to understand how your head and neck are aligned and functioning. Our goal is to support your brain’s natural healing process through customized, gentle adjustments—no cracking, twisting, or guessing.
If you’ve had a concussion—recent or past—and still struggle with headaches, dizziness, fatigue, or brain fog, an upper cervical evaluation may be the missing piece in your recovery.
References
Len, T.K., & Neary, J.P. (2016). Cerebrovascular pathophysiology following mild traumatic brain injury. Frontiers in Neurology, 7, 84.
Elster, E.L. (2003). Upper cervical chiropractic management of a multiple sclerosis patient: A case report. Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research.
Zullinger, D., et al. (2015). Heart rate variability and upper cervical chiropractic care: A review of literature. Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research.
