Concussion Treatment Spokane: What You Need to Know About Persistent Post-Concussion Symptoms

Concussions are a form of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Although the term “mild” can be misleading, the consequences are anything but. Many people recover quickly, but for others, the symptoms linger and worsen with time. In Spokane and across the U.S., we are seeing an alarming rise in individuals who suffer from persistent post-concussion symptoms that disrupt daily life and resist conventional care.

If you’re searching for effective concussion treatment in Spokane, it’s important to understand what a concussion really is, why some people don’t recover, and what targeted therapies work best. Let’s dive in.

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What Is a Concussion?

A concussion is a physical injury to the brain. It happens when the brain rapidly shifts inside the skull, often due to impact or whiplash. This trauma stretches and damages nerve fibers, disrupting the brain’s ability to function normally.

For years, doctors believed concussions were minor because they rarely caused bleeding or visible damage on imaging. But we now understand that the disruption is functional. That means it changes how the brain works—not necessarily how it looks.

In most sports-related concussions, about 80% of people recover within a month. However, 20% do not. The recovery rate is even lower—closer to 60%—for concussions due to falls or accidents, especially in the elderly. This suggests that age, physical condition, and pre-existing injuries impact recovery.

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Concussion Myths That Delay Healing

Many outdated beliefs about concussions can actually make symptoms worse or delay recovery. Here are a few of the most harmful myths:

1. You need to lose consciousness to have a concussion.
False. Most concussions do not involve loss of consciousness. Any strong enough impact—direct or indirect—can cause a concussion.

2. You can see a concussion on an MRI.
Also false. Unless there’s bleeding, swelling, or structural damage, MRIs often look completely normal. Diagnosis depends on signs and symptoms, not imaging.

3. Don’t fall asleep after a concussion.
This advice only applies if you suspect severe trauma (like skull fractures or internal bleeding). Otherwise, rest is essential.

4. Don’t exercise at all.
It’s true you should avoid high-impact activity, but light aerobic exercise is actually beneficial. Walking, cycling, or gentle swimming helps the brain heal.

5. The symptoms will just go away.
Sometimes they do. But if symptoms last more than a month, targeted concussion treatment becomes essential. Even if symptoms resolve, structural damage may still exist.

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Most Common Post-Concussion Symptoms

The symptoms of concussion can vary widely. Some appear right away; others take days or weeks to develop. The most common include:

• Headaches or migraines

• Neck pain or stiffness

• Dizziness or a feeling of imbalance

• TMJ Pain

• Blurry vision

• Brain fog or trouble concentrating

• Fatigue and poor energy levels

• Autonomic issues like digestive upset, fainting, or blood pressure changes

If you’ve experienced any of these symptoms after a head or neck injury, it’s time to explore effective concussion treatment in Spokane.

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What Really Happens During a Concussion?

Concussion is far more than a “brain bump.” It involves a cascade of events that derail your brain’s ability to heal:

1. Energy Crisis in the Brain
After a concussion, damaged nerve cells leak neurotransmitters and ions. This leak causes the nerves to fire too easily, overloading circuits and draining energy reserves. The brain enters a metabolic crisis—it needs energy to heal, but it keeps burning through its reserves.

2. Structural Damage to the Neck and Skull Base
You can’t hurt your head without also injuring your neck. The same force that jars the brain also strains the ligaments that support your skull and cervical spine. Damage to these structures restricts circulation and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow. When CSF can’t circulate properly, inflammation lingers, and healing stalls.

3. Loss of Brain Efficiency
Injured brain cells rarely fully regenerate. But the brain can build new pathways—through a process called neuroplasticity. The right therapies, especially those involving eye movement and balance, help rebuild efficient neural circuits.

If you are looking for best upper cervical chiropractors in Spokane to help with issues related to an atlas misalignment, whiplash and concussion, contact our office at 509-315-8166 to request an appointment.

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Best Steps for Concussion Treatment Spokane

There’s no “one-size-fits-all” solution to concussions. But most people benefit from a combination of structural, metabolic, and neurological therapies. Here’s a proven step-by-step approach:

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1. Rule Out Severe Injury First

If you have signs of fracture or bleeding—like vomiting, uneven pupils, bruising behind the ears, or fluid draining from the nose—go to the emergency room immediately. These are signs of a more serious traumatic brain injury (TBI), and early intervention is crucial.

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2. Restore Structural Integrity with Upper Cervical Chiropractic

Upper cervical chiropractic focuses on the top two bones in the neck—C1 (atlas) and C2 (axis). These bones protect the brainstem and play a vital role in fluid circulation. Injuries to this area often occur alongside concussions but are rarely treated.

At our Spokane clinic, we use precise diagnostic imaging like CBCT or DAX to identify misalignments. Then we apply gentle, customized corrections—without cracking, popping, or twisting. By restoring proper alignment, we normalize fluid flow and give the brain the support it needs to heal.

In fact, many clients who struggled with lingering post-concussion symptoms for months or years began seeing improvement within weeks of upper cervical care.

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3. Support Cellular Healing Through Diet and Supplements

Healing the brain requires fuel. But not just any fuel—your brain needs clean, stable energy sources.

Avoid sugar and refined carbs like white bread, rice, and potatoes. These spike blood sugar and trigger crashes. Instead, eat high-fat, high-protein meals with plenty of vegetables.

Key supplements include:

• Creatine (5–15g/day): Boosts cellular energy.

• N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) or Glutathione: Powerful antioxidants that reduce inflammation.

• Magnesium L-Threonate (1000mg/day): Restores healthy nerve function.

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids (3000mg+/day): Essential for brain repair.

• Vitamin D (5,000–10,000 IU/day): Supports immunity and brain function.

These nutrients help resolve the energy crisis and provide the raw materials for neurological repair.

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4. Restart Aerobic Exercise—Gently

Even 20 minutes of light activity each day can improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and stimulate brain repair.

Walk, cycle, or swim at about 80% of your max effort. If symptoms worsen, back off. But don’t avoid movement altogether—your brain needs oxygen and stimulation to heal.

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5. Begin Vestibular and Visual Therapy

Concussions often affect the balance centers of the brain. That’s why many people feel dizzy, clumsy, or “off” even weeks after the injury.

Specialized physical therapy can retrain your brain. This includes eye tracking exercises, balance drills, and movement sequences designed to rebuild damaged circuits. If you’re looking for advanced concussion treatment in Spokane, be sure to find a vestibular-trained therapist or functional neurologist with experience in post-concussion rehab.

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Why Upper Cervical Chiropractic Plays a Critical Role

Many people seek massage, acupuncture, or general chiropractic care for concussions. While these can be helpful, they often miss the root cause—upper cervical instability.

Our in-house study of 300 patients found that over 80% of upper cervical misalignments tilt forward. This direction often gets missed or worsened by traditional back-to-front adjustments. With precision imaging and a customized correction, we guide the bones back into alignment—like turning a key in a lock.

This single step allows everything else—physical therapy, exercise, supplements—to work better and last longer. When fluid can circulate and the brainstem is no longer irritated, healing can begin in earnest.

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Concussions Are Physical Injuries. Treat Them That Way.

Too many people believe concussions are just “in your head.” But make no mistake—they’re real physical injuries that affect everything from balance to memory to gut function. They are invisible but powerful. And the right care makes a big difference.

If you’re dealing with persistent symptoms and need effective concussion treatment in Spokane, don’t settle for vague advice or wait-and-see care. Address the structural injury. Solve the brain’s energy crisis. Rebuild your balance and coordination. Most importantly—give your body the tools it needs to heal.

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Looking for Concussion Treatment Spokane? We Can Help.

At our Spokane clinic, we specialize in post-concussion care that targets the underlying causes—structural, neurological, and metabolic. We use cutting-edge imaging and gentle upper cervical techniques to restore balance and fluid flow. Then we guide you through nutritional strategies, supplements, exercise, and rehabilitation.

If you’re tired of waiting for your symptoms to “just go away,” reach out today. The right treatment makes all the difference.