CONCUSSION AND NECK INJURY
Most people suffering from concussion feel better between 10-14 days. Among athletes, 10-15% of them suffering from concussion will have prolonged symptoms which can last of months and years which end up effecting their basic activities like remembering things, shopping etc. Further research needs to be conducted to understand why only some people suffer from long lasting symptoms of concussion.
Upon concussion, the cervical spine is extremely vulnerable due to forward and backward motion of the head which causes whiplash. It has been shown through research that a 70-120 G’s range of linear acceleration is required to cause a concussion and only a 4.5 G’s force is required for a mild neck strain. Therefore, it can be hypothesized that most concussion also has level of cervical spine injury which includes soft tissue or even the joints of the neck. The whiplash and concussion symptoms are very similar, which are as follows:
a) Dizziness,
b) Headaches,
c) Change in visions
d) Vertigo
e) Mood changes and irritation
f) Some level of cognitive changes like loss of memory/concentration.
Research has shown that physiotherapy focusing on vestibular or cervical rehabilitation can he significantly helpful to people suffering from concussion. Cervical injury treatment includes release of soft tissue, stregthentin of the deep neck flexors and other exercises o strengthen the neck.
- Hislop et al, Reducing Musculoskeletal injury and concussion risk in schoolboy rugby players with a pre-activity movement control exercise program: a cluster randomised controlled trial - Br J Sports Med, 2017, online. “…. Clear reductions in overall match injury incidence and concussion incidence were noted in the intervention group.” “These findings[...]
- Naish et al, Can a Specific Neck Strengthening Program Decrease Cervical Spine Injuires in a Men’s Professional Rugby Union Team? A Retrospective Analysis - Journal of Sports Science and Medicine (2013) 12, 542-550. “The main finding was a significant decrease was found in the number of match-related cervical spine[...]
- Effects of a 12-week neck muscles training on muscle function and perceived level of muscle soreness in amateur rugby players - Sport Sci Health (2016) 12:443–452
- Effects on Physical Performance and Pain from Three Dynamic Training Programs for Women with Work-related Trapezius - Myalgia., Rehabil Med 2001; 33: 162–169 “The study indicates that regular exercises with strength, endurance or co-ordination training of neck/shoulder muscles might alleviate pain for[...]
- Tailored exercise program reduces symptoms of upper limb work-related musculoskeletal disorders in a group of metalworkers: A randomized controlled trial - Manual Therapy 20 (2015) 56e62
- Correlation between increase in Neck Strength and decrease in Neck Injuries and Concussion in Athletes and Helicopter pilots - Increase in the number of reported incidences of concussion in football, rugby and other high impact sports have surely created a concern among athletes, family[...]
