Concussions: Why Proper Evaluation and Whole-Body Treatment Matter More Than You Think

Concussions are often misunderstood.

They’re commonly described as a “mild” traumatic brain injury—but there’s nothing mild about how they can impact your brain, your body, and your long-term health if not properly managed.

At the Natural Care Center of Woodbury, we take a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to concussion care—because treating the brain alone is not enough.

What Is a Concussion? (And Why It’s More Than a “Mild” Injury)

A concussion is a functional traumatic brain injury (TBI)—meaning brain function is disrupted, even if imaging looks normal.

This commonly occurs from:

• Sports injuries (football, hockey, soccer, gymnastics, cheer, etc.)

• Falls

• Car accidents

• Sudden acceleration/deceleration forces (whiplash)

In fact, sports-related concussions are one of the leading causes of concussion in both youth and adults, especially in contact and high-impact activities.

Even without direct head impact, rapid movement of the head and neck can cause:

• Brain movement within the skull

• Neurological disruption

• Associated cervical spine injury

Why Proper Concussion Screening Is Critical

Not all concussions are obvious—and many are underdiagnosed or improperly managed.

A proper concussion evaluation should include:

Cognitive Testing

• Memory

• Focus and attention

• Processing speed

Balance & Coordination Assessment

• Postural stability

• Vestibular function

Symptom Tracking

• Headaches

• Dizziness

• Sensitivity to light/noise

• Sleep changes

Clinical tools may include:

• Symptom checklists

• Neurocognitive testing

• Balance assessments

• Standardized concussion tools (e.g., SAC)

According to the CDC and Mayo Clinic, early and accurate assessment is one of the most important factors in recovery.

It’s Not Just the Brain—It’s the Entire Injury

One of the most overlooked aspects of concussion care:

The injuries that caused the concussion are often left untreated

Most concussions—especially from sports and accidents—involve:

• Neck trauma (whiplash-type forces)

• Muscle strain and soft tissue injury

• Joint dysfunction in the cervical spine

These contribute directly to:

• Headaches

• Dizziness

• Brain fog

• Prolonged “post-concussion” symptoms

Research shows that cervical spine dysfunction can mimic or worsen concussion symptoms, making proper musculoskeletal evaluation essential.

Why Experience Matters in Concussion & Trauma Care

Concussion care requires more than basic screening—it requires understanding both neurological and biomechanical injury. One of our providers in particular has dedicated years of training and education to this topic.

Dr. Jeffrey Albright, DC, has advanced training in:

• Whiplash Injury Biomechanics & Traumatology

• Concussion and brain injury care

• Accident-related injury analysis

• Collaborative, multidisciplinary treatment

He has extensive experience treating:

• Sports-related concussions

• Motor vehicle accident injuries

• Complex, persistent post-concussion cases

This allows for a more complete evaluation of:

• The brain injury itself

• The underlying physical trauma contributing to symptoms

What Evidence-Based Concussion Treatment Looks Like Today

Modern concussion care has evolved significantly.

Outdated Approach:

• Prolonged rest in a dark room

• Avoiding all activity

Current Evidence-Based Approach:

1. Short Initial Rest

• 24–48 hours of relative rest

2. Gradual Return to Activity

• Light movement introduced early

• Progressively increased based on symptoms

3. Targeted Rehabilitation

Depending on symptoms, treatment may include:

• Vestibular therapy (balance/dizziness)

• Vision therapy

• Cognitive support

• Cervical spine (and possibly other spinal areas) and soft tissue treatment

Research shows that prolonged inactivity may delay recovery, while guided, progressive activity improves outcomes.

Our Approach: Whole-Person, Collaborative Concussion Care

At Natural Care Center of Woodbury, we don’t treat concussions in isolation.

We take a multidisciplinary, whole-body approach, which may include:

• Chiropractic care (especially cervical spine function)

• Soft tissue therapy and rehabilitation

• Movement-based recovery strategies

• Acupuncture for nervous system support

• Nutritional guidance for healing

• Coordination with medical providers when appropriate

This approach aligns with current research emphasizing individualized, multi-system care for concussion recovery.

When Should You Seek Care for a Concussion?

Seek immediate medical evaluation if you experience:

• Worsening headaches

• Repeated vomiting

• Confusion or disorientation

• Loss of consciousness

• Neurological changes

Even mild symptoms should not be ignored—especially after:

• A sports injury

• A fall

• A car accident

The Bottom Line: Concussions Are a Whole-Body Injury

A concussion is not just a brain injury—it is a multi-system condition that often involves:

• Neurological dysfunction

• Cervical spine injury

• Muscular and soft tissue damage

Proper care requires:

• Thorough concussion screening and evaluation

• Treatment of both brain and body

• A guided, progressive recovery plan

Don’t Wait It Out—Get Evaluated Early

If you or your child has experienced:

• A sports-related head injury

• Whiplash or trauma

• Ongoing headaches, dizziness, or brain fog

Early evaluation can significantly improve recovery outcomes.

Concussion Care With Us

At the Natural Care Center of Woodbury, we specialize in:

• Concussion evaluation and management

• Sports-related injury care

• Whiplash and trauma rehabilitation

• Evidence-based, collaborative treatment plans

Our goal is simple:👉 Help you recover fully—not just “get by.” Call us at 651-232-6830 or visit www.naturalcarewoodbury.com to learn more today!