Chiropractic Care After Concussion: A Functional Neurology Approach
A concussion—or mild traumatic brain injury—can disrupt the delicate communication between your brain, spine, and sensory systems, leading to headaches, dizziness, imbalance, and cognitive “fog.” Beyond rest, effective recovery hinges on retraining the nervous system and restoring normal sensorimotor integration. At Bridge Chiropractic in Clairemont, we integrate chiropractic adjustments with functional neurology principles to support your post-concussion rehabilitation.
Functional Neurology Foundations
Functional Neurology Management of Concussion emphasizes lasting concussion recovery through central nervous system remodeling and neuroplastic changes rather than just symptom relief. By applying these principles in a chiropractic setting, we evaluate and treat dysfunctions in:
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Spinal–Brain Communication: Misalignments in the upper cervical spine can alter proprioceptive signals to the cerebellum and vestibular nuclei, exacerbating dizziness and balance issues.
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Key Chiropractic & Neurorehabilitation Techniques
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Gentle Cervical Adjustments
Precise, low-force chiropractic adjustments to the upper neck restore normal joint mechanics and recalibrate afferent (sensory) pathways that inform your brain about head position. -
Vestibular–Visual Retraining
Guided eye-head coordination exercises (e.g., gaze stabilization drills) help retrain the vestibulo-ocular reflex, reducing motion-induced dizziness and improving spatial orientation. -
Proprioceptive Stimulation
Instrument-assisted neuromodulation tools (such as light or vibrational feedback devices) stimulate mechanoreceptors in the cervical spine, enhancing balance and postural control. -
Soft-Tissue Myofascial Release
Releasing tension in suboccipital muscles at the base of the skull improves blood flow and eases pressure on cranial nerves, supporting headaches and neck pain commonly seen post-concussion.
Home Strategies to Accelerate Recovery
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Neck and Eye Mobility Drills: Gently rotate and tilt your head while keeping your eyes fixed on a target to rebuild coordinated movement.
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Balance Exercises: Practice single-leg stands or tandem walking (heel-to-toe) with gaze fixation to reinforce proprioceptive pathways.
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Relaxation Techniques: Deep-breathing or guided imagery can down-regulate central sensitization, reducing cognitive and emotional stress.
What to Expect in Your Care
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Comprehensive Neurologic Assessment: We evaluate your history, perform vestibular and proprioceptive tests, and analyze posture to identify concussion-related dysfunctions.
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Customized Rehabilitation Plan: Your program blends chiropractic adjustments, neuro-rehabilitative drills, and soft-tissue therapies—each tailored to your unique presentation.
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Ongoing Monitoring & Guidance: We track symptom changes and refine your home exercises and ergonomic recommendations to ensure continuous progress.
Don’t let concussion symptoms linger. At Bridge Chiropractic in Clairemont, Dr. Nate Beyerl combines gentle chiropractic adjustments with neuroscience-informed techniques inspired by the Carrick Institute—helping you restore balance, clarity, and confidence.
Call 858-247-1214 or visit bridgechiropracticsd.com to schedule your post-concussion evaluation.