02/16/2026
A concussion (mild traumatic brain injury) often presents with headaches, dizziness, balance issues, and cognitive symptoms. However, research increasingly shows that many of these symptoms may also involve the cervical spine.
📚 Evidence from the literature:
• The British Journal of Sports Medicine (2017, Schneider et al.) found that patients receiving a multimodal approach — including cervical spine and vestibular therapy — returned to sport significantly faster than those treated with rest alone.
• The Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy (JOSPT) has published evidence showing that cervicogenic dysfunction can contribute to headache and dizziness following concussion.
• A 2020 clinical review in Sports Health highlights the importance of screening for cervical spine injury in individuals with persistent post-concussion symptoms.
• Research in Manual Therapy (now Musculoskeletal Science & Practice) has demonstrated that cervical joint dysfunction can alter proprioception and contribute to balance and sensorimotor disturbances.
Why this matters
The mechanism that causes a concussion (rapid acceleration/deceleration) also places significant force through the upper cervical spine. If cervical dysfunction is present, symptoms may persist even after the brain injury itself begins to resolve.
Chiropractic care does not treat the brain injury itself.
However, we evaluate and address:
✔️ Cervical joint restriction
✔️ Muscle guarding and soft tissue dysfunction
✔️ Impaired neck proprioception
✔️ Headache and neck-related symptom drivers
Current best practice supports a collaborative, active recovery model — not prolonged rest alone.
If you or your athlete is struggling with ongoing post-concussion symptoms, a comprehensive cervical spine evaluation may be a key component of recovery.
— Dr. Luke
