The New Zealand public is largely
unaware that concussion injuries can also affect the spine and this is
especially of concern in young athletes, according to the New Zealand
Chiropractors’ Association.
In
light of the recent death of a young sportsman, the NZCA stresses the potential
seriousness of head injury in sport and the need for careful screening.
According to Dr Hayden Thomas,
chiropractor and spokesperson for the New Zealand Chiropractors’ Association, concussion, also known as a mild traumatic brain injury,
occurs from a blow to the head or violent shaking, with approximately 24,000
cases in New Zealand every year[1]. It is a
common injury in sport, with most individuals recovering in 7–10 days but some
have persistent symptoms of dizziness, neck pain and/or headaches following a
sport-related concussion.
Dr Thomas explains: `We have had
a number of reports lately where chiropractors have seen individuals with head
injuries, some of which have been diagnosed with concussion, but our members
have been shocked that most of the people affected did not understand the neck
and spine were also traumatised by the blow to the head. Many people also don’t
realise the link between upper neck dysfunction as a possible cause of
headaches and dizziness which often gets passed off as coming from the mild
traumatic brain injury but responds well to chiropractic care.
`It is paramount the cervical spine and nervous
system are checked with any such injury to the head. We know that concussions
occur in all contact sports with the highest incidence in rugby, soccer, hockey
and basketball and that youth athletes may have a more prolonged recovery and
are more susceptible to a concussion accompanied by a catastrophic injury[2]. A greater
number, severity and duration of symptoms after a concussion are predictors of
a prolonged recovery.’
Dr Thomas points out that New Zealand is leading
the world in research into the neurological benefits of chiropractic but that
work related specifically to the chiropractic management of concussion in sport
is a nascent area of investigation in need of more funding.
He notes: `Recent work looking at a combination
of cervical and vestibular therapy, which is also carried out by chiropractors
trained in sports medicine, shows that there is decreased time to medical
clearance to return to sport in youth and young adults with persistent symptoms
of dizziness, neck pain and/or headaches following a sport-related concussion[3].
He adds: `Chiropractors commonly encounter
concussed athletes in clinical practice and we encourage our members to
understand the importance of using standardised concussion assessment tools and
current concussion guidelines.’
Athletes should be aware that chiropractic care
to restore the proper function of the spine and nervous system can help in the
post-concussive situation and also in the maintenance of spinal function and
optimum sports performance.
-Ends-
Further
Information:
Dr
Hayden Thomas, Chiropractor 027 299 9939
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