Concussions are a hot topic these days, and for good reason. Whether you’re an athlete, a parent, a coach, or just someone trying to stay healthy, understanding how to prevent head injuries is critical. Typically, the focus on concussions is how to recover once you get a concussion. Many healthcare facilities and rehab programs do a great job at this. This is important, but it’s reactive care. What we are going to talk about in this article is proactive care- how to prevent future concussions and protect your brain. We’ll share practical, easy-to-understand tips for reducing your risk of concussions. Let’s get started!
What is a Concussion?
A concussion is a type of brain injury that happens when your head takes a hit or your body experiences a sudden jolt. When this happens, the brain moves quickly and makes contact with the skull. Concussions can be more severe the harder and faster the brain hits the skull. This can cause a range of symptoms like headaches, dizziness, vertigo, confusion, and nausea.
While some may recover from a concussion in a few weeks, repeated injuries can lead to long-term problems like chronic headaches, migraines, mood changes, mental health issues, and memory issues. That’s why prevention is so important.
Why Prevention is Key
Your brain is the control center for everything you do—thinking, moving, and feeling. It’s also incredibly fragile. Unlike a sprained ankle or a pulled muscle, the brain doesn’t heal as easily, so avoiding injury in the first place is always the best strategy. Research is beginning to show that even repetitive microtraumas to the brain (which don’t show any symptoms) can lead to long term health issues. We are starting to see that it’s important now more than ever to be proactive about concussions.
Taking steps to prevent concussions means you can avoid:
- Long-term brain damage
- Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)
- Cognitive problems, like memory loss or trouble concentrating
- Mental health issues, like anxiety or depression
7 Ways to Prevent Concussions
Here’s the good news: there are plenty of simple, effective ways to lower your risk of a concussion.
1. Increasing Neck Strength
This is the bread and butter of what we do in our office. In our opinion, it is the most promising approach to concussion prevention out there. It may surprise you, but having strong neck muscles can actually help protect your brain. A stronger neck absorbs more of the force from an impact, reducing the chances of a concussion. Training your neck muscles properly can also help your body respond with a quicker reaction time when your head is hit.
At Lighthouse Chiropractic and Wellness, we offer concussion prevention programs using the TopSpin360, a cutting-edge device that trains your neck muscles in all directions at once. It’s a game-changer for athletes and anyone looking to prevent injuries. This device not only makes your neck stronger and more stable, but helps your intrinsic neck muscles to react quicker and with more synchronization, which ultimately protects your brain.
2. Always Wear the Right Gear
If you’re playing sports or engaging in activities like biking or skateboarding, wearing proper protective gear is a must. Helmets are the first line of defense against head injuries. If your head smacks into concrete, asphalt, a pole, or some other hard surface, it doesn’t matter how strong your neck is, you’re going to get a concussion if you’re not wearing a helmet.
Make sure your helmet fits (like a football helmet) properly and is designed for the activity you’re doing. And don’t forget to replace it after a hard hit, crash, or every few years.
3. Focus on Your Posture
Good posture isn’t just about looking confident- it’s also about protecting your neck and spine. When your body and spine are aligned correctly, your neck is better able to stabilize your head, reducing injury risks.
Chiropractic adjustments and targeted, specific exercises can make a big difference with this. A spine with proper posture and good curvature with absorb impacts and hard hits far better than one with issues.
4. Learn Safe, Proper Techniques
If you play sports, learning proper techniques can be a lifesaver. For example, football players should tackle with their shoulders, not their heads, and hockey players should keep their heads up when checking.
Working with a coach or trainer who prioritizes safety can go a long way. Make sure you work with a coach or trainer who stays up to date on safe techniques and alterations as needed.
5. Stay Fit and Flexible
Strong, flexible muscles don’t just help you perform better—they also help you react more quickly and avoid awkward movements that could lead to falls or injuries. A balanced fitness routine that includes strength, cardio, and stretching is your best bet. Make sure to find the balance between stability and flexibility.
6. Improve Your Spinal Health
Your head, brain, and skull are supported by your neck and spine. Your spine contains your spinal cord and nervous system. The nervous system is the way the brain communicates to the rest of the body, including the muscles in your neck. When your head is hit, your brain sends a message to the neck muscles to react. If your spine is not aligned properly, your brain may not send this message (via the nervous system) to the neck muscles as quickly, leading to more severe injury. Misalignments in the spine may also slow down the body’s healing process after concussions or other injuries.
With our specific, individualized chiropractic care we make sure your spine and body are functioning properly so that you are prepared as possible for potential head injuries and/or concussions.
7. Educate Yourself and Others
Knowledge is power. Learn the signs of a concussion, and don’t hesitate to share what you know with family, friends, or teammates. Start taking action- be proactive, not reactive about concussions. Creating a culture of safety and prevention can make a big difference.
How We Can Help at Lighthouse Chiropractic
At Lighthouse Chiropractic and Wellness, we’re passionate about helping you stay safe and healthy. Here’s how we can support your concussion prevention journey:
- TopSpin360 Training: Strengthen and train your neck to reduce the risk of concussions.
- Postural Assessments: Find and fix alignment issues that may put you at risk.
- Improving Spinal Health: Make sure your spine and body are functioning properly with individualized chiropractic care.
- Post Concussion Holistic Recovery: Supplement recommendations, supportive nutritional guidance, chiropractic care, vibration plate therapy, class IV laser therapy
Take the Next Step
Concussions aren’t something to take lightly, but the good news is there’s a lot you can do to prevent them. Whether you’re an athlete looking to improve performance, a parent worried about your child’s safety, a coach trying to keep your players on the field, or someone recovering from a neck injury, we’re here to help. Ready to protect your brain and stop fearing concussions? Book an appointment with Lighthouse Chiropractic and Wellness today!
