NFL, Concussions and Upper Cervical

(Editors Note:  This is a few years old but still may provide useful information. Remember the objective of upper cervical care is to correct head neck misalignment that is interfering with proper brain to body communication. When this is corrected the body functions at a higher level and can often correct other problems more efficiently on its own. Please do not confuse upper cervical care as a treatment for any condition, disease or symptom.)

How the NFL concussion lawsuit is going to legitimize upper cervical chiropractic care

by Dr. Ward

If you don’t follow sports, you might be missing one of the most important stories to develop in the intersection between sports and health.

Over the past several years, multiple lawsuits have been filed against the National Football League on behalf of over 2,000 players who report experiencing symptoms of concussion, or mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). The players say that repeat head trauma from playing professional football has lead to them to experience a body of symptoms similar to severe brain injury.

What are some of these symptoms? Headache, brain fog, confusion, ringing in the ears, fatigue, poor sleep quality, and depression.

What’s interesting about these symptoms is how similar they are to the symptoms patients often present with in upper cervical chiropractic offices. Upper cervical chiropractors often see the same pattern of symptoms, right down to the poor sleep quality, brain fog, and depression.

And not because their patients have played professional football.

The symptom connection between the NFL and upper cervical chiropractic patients
Rather, upper cervical chiropractic patients often have a history of playing high school sports. Of falling out of trees. Of being in motor vehicle accidents. Of falling down the stairs. Of being launched from a snow-mobile. Of having their head struck or their neck whip-lashed on one or more occasions.

These are also the same histories and symptoms of people who experience vertigo, migraines, multiple sclerosis (MS), and even other degenerative brain diseases, like Parkinsons.

These are also the same histories and symptoms of people that are being investigated by upright MRI. People who, with this new and different diagnostic tool, are being found to have significant changes in the function and position of their brain and neck. These same kind of symptoms are presenting in people with reduced flow of their cerebral spinal fluid. Or of partially closed vertebral arteries. Or even a partially descended lower brain being pulled into the spinal canal, called tonsillar ectopia.

So—what’s going here? What exactly does this mean? Well, it’s hard to predict what’s going to happen, but this is what I think will happen—broken down into three points.

Three predictions coming from the NFL concussion lawsuit

Medicine will starting looking at the brain, spinal cord, and spine together. The emphasis is on the together part. You see, except in extreme cases, medicine sees a brain injury as something that only exists in the brain. And a neck injury as only something that exists in the neck. But the blood, tissue, and cerebral spinal fluid are all continuous between these two parts of the body. Symptoms of brain trauma can actually be symptoms of neck trauma, and vice versa.

The extremely large prevalence of persons suffering with mild TBI and neck trauma will begin to be recognized as standard imaging for these studies (hospital x-rays, and normal MRI) are going to be found less and less helpful. There is an epidemic of brain fog, depression, concentration problems, and other similar symptoms in the general population that require more than just medication or watching and waiting. Case series in upright MRI and even microangiography (looking at small blood vessels in the neck and lower brain) will lead to complete recognition that physical trauma, especially upper neck injury, leads to a change in blood flow and CSF in the brain.

Because private enterprise, professional athletes, and billions of dollars in damages are involved, the NFL is going to be forced to lead the way in uncovering some of these connections in order to protect itself from further liability and protect its largest assets: its players. (To put things in perspective, these lawsuits may lead to settlement larger than the one wrangled from Big Tobacco.) The concussion that a quarterback took ten years ago may play a role in helping a future MS patient get the help they need.

Which brings us to the final point, captured in the title of this article. This developing information, coming from several independent studies and sources is going to legitimize what upper cervical chiropractors have known for years:

Neck trauma changes brain function. Reversing that trauma through specific adjustments can help restore that brain function.

You heard it here first—the NFL is going to legitimize upper cervical chiropractic care. And you’ll know its happening when upper cervical doctors using x-rays and precise adjusting techniques join the other chiropractors, physical therapists, and team trainers, who are already on the sidelines.

5 Upper Cervical Care Testimonials

All of these testimonials come from Dr. Zachary Ward and his website

 

Sleeping better with more focus

Written on August 5, 2013 by DrWard in NUCCA Chiropractic Successes

What was life like before upper cervical care?
Okay health. I had migraines, and lower back pain, and shoulder pain spoadically–but it was manageable.
What about now?
I am sleeping better. I can get comfortable and sleep sounder. I have better focus, and am getting things done. No lower back pain and almost no shoulder tightness.
I really like that I’m actually holding my adjustments longer. I also like that I’m adjusted only if needed.
–Sarah M.

Headaches and post-concussion symptoms

Written on August 5, 2013 by DrWard in NUCCA Chiropractic Successes

How would you describe your health before you began receiving your adjustments? 
I had very severe headaches and ao a very low hear rate and blood pressure to the point where I was almost always nearly-fainting (3 – 5 times daily).
What is it that you heard or read that made you decide to choose my office for upper cervical chiropractic care?
My mom heard Dr. Ward speak at a networking group. She immediately thought of me and I started coming to his office for chiropractic care.
Were you skeptical about chiropractic care?
No. I would try anything to get better.
What are the three benefits that you’ve noticed since you’ve begun upper cervical chiropractic care?
1. Headache relief.
2. No more near-fainting.
3. Better attitude.
What aspect of this service have you enjoyed the most?
The improvement in me.
–Madison

A lot of shoulder and upper back pain

Written on August 5, 2013 by DrWard in NUCCA Chiropractic Successes

 

How would you describe your health before you began receiving your adjustments? 
I was in a lot of shoulder and upper back pain.
What is it that you heard or read that made you decide to choose my office for chiropractic care?
I live nearby and I saw the office.
Were you skeptical about chiropractic care?
I wasn’t sure if it would work for me. I wasn’t aware of “upper cervical care.” It seems completely different than traditional chiropractors that crack and twist your body for adjustments.
What are the three benefits that you’ve noticed since you’ve begun upper cervical chiropractic care?
1. I am able to sleep more soundly and longer through the night.
2. I have better posture/more aware of my posture.
3. No more or reduced shoulder pain.
What aspect of this service have you enjoyed the most?
The minimal adjustments make such a profound difference. It’s amazing.
–Sarah C.

No longer sleeping away weekends

Written on August 5, 2013 by DrWard in NUCCA Chiropractic Successes

Before upper cervical care?
My shoulders hurt and were uneven. I did not have much energy. I would sleep away my weekends.
Now, after a few weeks of upper cervical adjustments?
Now, I am happier, more social, and smile more. I sleep almost through the night, and I’m not waking up three times a night. I am more ready to go, rather than sitting at home. I feel more healthy and happy than I was before walking into your office. I am taking vitamins and eating healthier than I did before. I am very grateful.
Thank you,
Erik. H.

Recognizing problem posture

Written on August 5, 2013 by DrWard in NUCCA Chiropractic Successes

Dr. Zach has helped me to recognize when my body is out of alignment, creating a change in my posture. His adjustments have significantly affected my sinus, snoring, and sciatica. I have found that consistent exercise and adjustments go hand in hand with positive results. His personal care is second to none.

–Scott B.

(Editor's note: Remember the objective of upper cervical care is to correct head neck misalignment that is interfering with proper brain to body communication. When this is corrected the body functions at a higher level and can often correct other problems more efficiently on its own. Please do not confuse upper cervical care as a treatment for any condition, disease or symptom.)

Football, Concussions And Upper Cervical Care

Concussions During Football Season

By Dr. Adam Tanase

Despite vast improvements in protection equipment, athletes of all skill levels are still experiencing frequent concussions.

While modern medicine has a firm grasp on the dangers of this type of injury, much of the general public remains in the dark. A surprising number of students, parents, coaches and players don’t think concussions are a big deal. In fact, countless patients have told me (often with a smile on their face) that they’ve suffered a concussion.

It’s tempting to assume that if brain surgery wasn’t required, then the injury had no effect on them, so it must be okay to play in next week’s game.

According to the Mayo Clinic,

“Concussions range in significance from minor to major, but they all share one common factor — they temporarily interfere with the way your brain works. They can affect memory, judgment, reflexes, speech, balance and coordination.

Usually caused by a blow to the head, concussions don’t always involve a loss of consciousness. In fact, most people who have concussions never black out. Some people have had concussions and not even realized it.

Concussions are common, particularly if you play a contact sport such as football. But every concussion, no matter how mild, injures your brain. This injury needs time and rest to heal properly. Luckily, most concussions are mild and people usually recover fully.”

I’d like to append this description by saying that concussions have two things in common. The second being trauma to the neck.

After receiving the proper neurological exam from a medical practitioner, I believe that concussion sufferers should then receive a follow-up evaluation from an upper cervical doctor. Forces of this magnitude can absolutely cause damage to the spine and it’s supportive muscles, ligaments and soft tissues. Therefore the head and neck should both be properly evaluated.

Unfortunately, a high percentage of people (even some medical providers) aren’t aware that this experience can be the precipitating event for spinal degeneration and health problems which surface months or years down the road. So the earlier you address this damage, the easier it is to correct. In many cases you can limit (and often prevent) subsequent damage by handling it sooner rather than later.

(Editor's note: Remember the objective of upper cervical care is to correct head neck misalignment that is interfering with proper brain to body communication. When this is corrected the body functions at a higher level and can often correct other problems more efficiently on its own. Please do not confuse upper cervical care as a treatment for concussion or any other condition, disease or symptom.)

Concussion, Headache, Vertigo?... Upper Cervical Care?

(Editor's note: Remember the objective of upper cervical care is to correct head neck misalignment that is interfering with proper brain to body communication. When this is corrected the body functions at a higher level and can often correct other problems more efficiently on its own. Please do not confuse upper cervical care as a treatment for concussion, headaches, vertigo or any other condition, disease or symptom. This is also a more in depth post of one that I posted previously. Thanks to Dr. Bill Davis for this more in depth look.)

Adapted from: Do concussions cause chronic headaches and vertigo?

by Dr. Bill Davis

For years I have been asking my patients if they have a history of head and neck injuries including, car accidents, falls, times where they have been knocked unconscious, had a concussion or stitches to their head.

Why?

When accidents and injuries tear loose the connective tissue that holds the spine in place it creates a weakness, which can cause the spine to break down and lock into a stressed position.

The area of the body that is the most vulnerable to injury and has the most far reaching effects is the upper neck. The top bone in the spine, the atlas sits right underneath the skull and when the tissues around it become stretched and damaged the weight of the head can be shifted from center.

Once the position of the head is altered the position of the eyes and ears is altered as well. The brain will initiate a reflex called the righting reflex in order to balance the eyes and the semicircular canals in the ears with the horizon.

The problem is now the head is slightly off center and the spine must adapt to that position by often twisting and turning the remaining structure of the spine. This can lead to tilting of the shoulders, the hips and imbalance all the way down to the legs leading to an unequal distribution of weight.

Body imbalance can lead to a variety of different health problems, but frequently has the same root cause…

The original head or neck injury created a misalignment of the Atlas bone at the base of the skull which led to the subsequent problems with the structure of the body, nerve and blood flow from the brain to the body.

Here is a great example from a recent research article published in the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research ~ January 6, 2011

A 23-year-old female patient presented for upper cervical care five months after a slip and fall that resulted in a concussion. The patient presented with symptoms of vertigo and headaches consistent with post concussion syndrome. The patient had a longstanding history of headaches that were exacerbated by the concussion and a new complaint of positional vertigo that occurred immediately following the trauma. Significant body imbalances were noted including a leg length difference. Specific Upper Cervical X-rays demonstrated an upper cervical misalignment.

She began to receive Upper Cervical Specific Chiropractic care and the headache and vertigo was gone immediately following the first adjustment. Post X-Ray evaluation showed a significant improvement in the alignment of the head and neck. The follow up examination the following day revealed a significant decrease in muscles spasm in the neck and the legs were balanced.

The patient’s fourth visit was two weeks following the first adjustment and at that time the patient reported a slight nagging headache had begun earlier that day, rated at 2/10, but she did not have any symptoms of vertigo. The patient’s care was continued on a frequency of twice per month for evaluations and progress monitoring. She was evaluated with Atlas Orthogonal protocol for necessity of adjustment and her symptoms were monitored at every evaluation. She continued to report a complete resolution of vertigo and intermittent headaches rated as 2/10 that occurred at an average of two hours/day.

Who do you know that has had a concussion? Do they have a chronic health problem? Is there head/neck misalignment and interference in brain to body communication limiting the ability for you to heal?

Only an upper cervical doctor could tell you.