What is a concussion?
A concussion is a type of traumatic head injury that forces the brain to move back and forth rapidly. This type of injury puts the brain in danger as it induces chemical and physical changes in the brain. Concussions are usually caused by a sudden direct blow, bump, or jolt to your head and it is the most common and least serious type of traumatic brain injury. Bike accidents, falls, fights and accidents are examples of the causes of concussions. Although it is considered least serious it might bring longterm problems for your health and wellness. The brain consists of neurons, arteries, veins, CSF, and is a sensitive organ surrounded by multiple layers for protection. A concussion can disturb the brain’s function by effecting changes to each of its parts.
concussion symptoms
symptoms of concussion depends on the severity of the injury, but here we focus on less severe concussions
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- sleep issues
- Blurred vision
- Fatigue
- Forgetfulness
- Concentration and memory issues
What is a whiplash injury?
Whiplash is similar to concussion and they might happen together sometimes, but Whiplash injury is a type of traumatic injury to the neck caused by the rapid back and forth movement of the neck just like cracking a whip. It is common following a rear-end car collision, in amusement parks, sports accidents, and falls. Whiplash is a sudden transfer of energy forcing the structures of your neck to unexpectedly straighten and bend beyond their normal range of motion.
According to Harvard medical school, when your car is hit from behind, your trunk is pushed forward by the force from the rear impact. As a result, your head moves both back and down. That motion bends the vertebrae in your upper neck back while those in the lower neck move forward. Seen from the side, your neck momentarily looks like an S, as the upper and lower areas of your neck are unnaturally forced in different directions (see illustration). Researchers now believe that this “S phase” of whiplash is when injury is most likely to occur, as the muscles, ligaments, and joints strain to hold the vertebrae together against opposing forces. The S-phase is quickly followed by the classic, whiplike action of your head and neck. This entire sequence occurs within the first second after impact.
WHIPLASH INJURY SYMPTOMS
- Neck pain
- Worsening of pain with neck movement
- Upper back pain
- Headaches
- Difficulty concentration
- Sleep problems
- memory issues
- Shoulder pain
- Lower back Pain
- numbness or tingling in fingers
osteopathy for Whiplash and concussion
Osteopathy is a non-pharmacological, non-invasive manual medicine. A manual osteopath can mitigate irritation, and inflammation, and can strengthen weak muscles. We, the manual osteopaths, can help the head and neck myofascial system to recover faster by applying gentle techniques that bring more blood circulation to the area. blood circulation is an essential part of recovery as they bring nutrients and sweep the damaged particles away. Manual osteopaths can use mobilization and muscle energy techniques to empower your injured myofascial units of the neck and ease its tensions in whiplash injuries. Joint mobilization techniques help your neck pain as mid-neck vertebral joints dysfunction is one of the leading causes of neck pain. Osteopathy helps your body to recover faster and you can get back to your favorite activities sooner. Craniosacral therapy is a great approach to Concussions and Whiplash. It helps your CSF or cerebrospinal fluid to circulate better and CSF is a major key in healing process of the brain. The cranial osteopathy can enhance the parasympathetic release which helps your sleep issues, depression, anxiety, and headaches following both whiplash and concussion. As a manual osteopath in Vancouver, I have seen patients that described the cranial osteopathy session as a brain resetting procedure.
