Concussions are commonly associated with direct impacts to the head, but cervicogenic concussions—are related to issues in the cervical spine (neck). Cervicogenic concussions often arise from injuries that cause trauma to the neck and upper spine, leading to symptoms that resemble a traditional concussion. These include headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, balance issues, and potential sensitivity to light and sound. This type of concussion can be particularly challenging, but concussion therapy in Grande Prairie offers targeted treatments to address both the symptoms and the root causes.
Cervicogenic Concussion: What Sets It Apart?
Cervicogenic concussion differs from a typical concussion because its symptoms originate from the neck and upper spine rather than a direct brain injury. This form of injury can happen through a whiplash event, such as a car accident, sports injury, or sudden jerk to the neck. The trauma can strain or injure the neck’s muscles, ligaments, and joints, leading to headaches and various vestibular (balance) issues. Effective treatment goes beyond concussion protocols, focusing on the cervical spine to restore function and alleviate discomfort.
How Physiotherapy Plays a Role in Cervicogenic Concussion Recovery
Concussion therapy in Grande Prairie is crucial for cervicogenic concussions because it provides a specialized approach targeting both neck stability and neurological health. Here’s a look at some unique physiotherapy interventions:
1. Manual Therapy for Neck Mobility and Stability
Manual therapy involves hands-on techniques that relieve stiffness, improve mobility, and reduce muscular tension in the neck. A physiotherapist can improve blood flow, reduce inflammation, and enhance neck stability by working with the cervical spine’s soft tissues and joints. For cervicogenic concussions, manual therapy is essential in addressing the underlying mechanical issues contributing to symptoms like dizziness and neck pain.
Exercise: Cervical Rotation Stretch
- Begin by sitting up straight with shoulders relaxed.
- Slowly turn the head to one side until a gentle stretch is felt in the neck. Hold for 10–15 seconds.
- Return to the center, then rotate the head to the opposite side, holding again for 10–15 seconds.
- Repeat this stretch 5–10 times on each side.
This exercise gently improves the neck’s range of motion, helping to relieve stiffness and tension while promoting better alignment in the cervical spine.
2. Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for Dizziness and Balance
Vestibular rehabilitation focuses on treating dizziness and balance issues, both common in cervicogenic concussions. VRT uses targeted vestibular exercises to retrain the inner ear’s vestibular (balance) system, helping to improve coordination and reduce vertigo. For cervicogenic concussions, vestibular exercise therapy is beneficial, as neck dysfunction can impair balance and spatial awareness.
Exercise: Gaze Stabilization Exercise
- Sit or stand comfortably with the thumb extended out in front at arm’s length.
- Focus on the thumb, keeping it in the center of vision.
- Slowly turn the head side-to-side, keeping eyes fixed on the thumb, without letting focus waver.
- Continue for 1 minute, gradually increasing the speed as comfort allows.
- Repeat this exercise 2–3 times daily.
This exercise retrains the vestibular system by improving eye-head coordination, reducing dizziness, and enhancing balance.
3. Neuromuscular Re-education for Coordination
This technique retrains the brain and neck muscles to work harmoniously, restoring coordination. Cervicogenic dizziness often disrupts the connection between neck muscles and the vestibular system, which affects balance and head movement. Neuromuscular re-education includes exercises that reinforce healthy communication between the neck and the brain, supporting steadier head control and reducing symptoms.
Exercise: Head Tilt Coordination Drill
- Sit or stand with the spine straight and shoulders relaxed.
- Begin by gently tilting the head to the right to touch the ear to the shoulder, then return to the center.
- She was followed by tilting to the left side, holding briefly, then returning to the center.
- As the head tilts, guide it smoothly, focusing on controlled, balanced movement.
- Perform 10–12 repetitions on each side, working towards fluid, steady head control.
This exercise strengthens the neuromuscular pathways between the neck and brain, improving coordination and reducing symptoms like imbalance and dizziness.
4. Proprioceptive Training for Spatial Awareness
Proprioceptive training is a technique that enhances body awareness and spatial orientation, which is critical for individuals dealing with cervicogenic concussion management. This method teaches the body to recognize joint position and movement without relying solely on visual input. Improved proprioception aids in regaining stability and reduces the risk of dizziness during head movements.
Exercise: Balance and Reach Drill
- Stand on one leg with the knees bent and extend the opposite arm forward.
- Slowly reach the extended arm in various directions—forward, sideways, and downward—while maintaining balance on one leg.
- Hold each reach for 2–3 seconds before returning to the center.
- Repeat this exercise for about 8–10 times on each leg.
This exercise challenges the body’s balance systems and encourages the brain to recalibrate spatial awareness, helping alleviate dizziness and improving postural stability.
Integrating these techniques into a physiotherapy plan can support recovery from cervicogenic concussions by improving mobility, stability, balance, and coordination.
Restoring Comfort and Confidence with Physiotherapy
Recovering from a cervicogenic concussion isn’t just about eliminating symptoms—it’s about restoring stability, resilience, and confidence. Concussion therapy in Grande Prairie addresses the structural and neurological aspects, enabling patients to return to daily activities with greater comfort and peace of mind. Ready to Restore Your Well-Being? If cervicogenic concussion symptoms have held you back, consider reaching out to the GP Pain Physiotherapy Clinic. Our team is prepared to support your journey with expert care to help you regain strength and stability. Take the first step towards recovery today.
