Can Upper Cervical Chiropractic Help with Post-Concussion Syndrome?

Let’s be real—concussions are no joke. One minute you're going about your day, and the next, you're dealing with dizziness, headaches, brain fog, and maybe even mood swings that feel like your emotions have a remote control and someone else is pressing all the buttons.

For most people, those symptoms fade within a couple of weeks. But what if they don’t?

What if weeks turn into months, and you still feel like you’re living in someone else’s slightly fuzzy, off-balance body?

That lingering discomfort has a name: post-concussion syndrome (PCS). And if you’re reading this, chances are you (or someone you care about) are tired of feeling stuck in it.

Here’s where things get interesting: there may be a link between the alignment of your upper neck and your body’s ability to recover from a concussion. That’s where upper cervical chiropractic care enters the chat.

Post-Concussion Syndrome: When the Fog Doesn’t Lift

PCS is frustrating. Physically, mentally, and emotionally. Symptoms vary from person to person, but commonly include:

• Persistent headaches

• Trouble concentrating

• Dizziness or balance issues

• Sensitivity to light or noise

• Sleep disturbances

• Irritability or depression

Now, here's the part many people don’t realize—when the head sustains trauma, especially from sports, falls, or car accidents, it’s not just your brain that gets shaken up. The delicate area where your head connects to your spine—the upper cervical spine—often gets jostled, too.

Specifically, we’re talking about the atlas (C1) and axis (C2) vertebrae. These two bones are the gatekeepers for a TON of neurological communication. They protect the brainstem, help regulate blood flow to the brain, and keep your head on straight—literally.

When they’re misaligned, your body can start misfiring like a car engine that’s just a little bit off. And if your nervous system isn’t firing on all cylinders, that PCS recovery may stall out longer than it needs to.

So How Does Upper Cervical Chiropractic Help?

Upper cervical chiropractors are like the nerdy engineers of the chiropractic world. They focus almost entirely on the upper neck and use advanced imaging (like 3D X-rays or cone beam CT scans) to see exactly how your head and spine are lining up.

If they find that your C1 or C2 vertebra is misaligned—even by just a millimeter—they can perform precise, gentle corrections to restore proper positioning. And by “gentle,” we really mean it. No twisting, no cracking. It’s more like a strategic nudge that tells your nervous system, “Hey, let’s reset.”

When the upper neck is properly aligned, it helps:

• Reduce pressure on the brainstem

• Improve cerebrospinal fluid flow

• Normalize blood flow to the brain

• Support better communication between the brain and body

All of which may help your system calm down, reboot, and finally start resolving those lingering PCS symptoms.

Real Talk: This Isn’t a “One-Size-Fits-All” Fix

Look, we’re not saying upper cervical chiropractic is a magic wand. Concussion recovery is complex, and what works for one person may not work for another.

But for people who’ve “tried everything” and still feel stuck in a post-concussive fog, getting the upper neck checked is a low-risk, potentially high-reward move.

In fact, many people have reported things like clearer thinking, fewer headaches, better sleep, and improved balance after just a few weeks of care. Is it a cure-all? Nope. But could it be the missing piece for your recovery? Maybe.

You’ll never know unless you check your neck.

Where to Start

If you or someone you love is still struggling with PCS symptoms and no one’s looked at the upper cervical spine yet, it might be time. You can make an appointment with Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractic of Buffalo online at www.aobuffalo.com or call us at 716-775-5025.

At the very least, you’ll leave with a better understanding of how your head and neck are working together—or not.

Your brain deserves all the support it can get. So does your body. If getting your neck aligned helps both? That’s worth exploring, don’t you think?

This article is courtesy of Uppercervicalcare.com and is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a licensed healthcare provider regarding any symptoms, diagnoses, or treatment options related to your personal health.

#Upper Cervical Chiropractic #PostConcussion Syndrome #ChiropracticCareBenefits #Neck Alignment #AtlasOrthogonal #AtlasOrthogonalBuffalo