With school and sports in full swing, we’re tackling a topic that impacts far more people than you may realize: concussions. According to the CDC, 5–10% of athletes each season—and 14% of high school students—experience a concussion. And yet, many still think of it as “just a hit to the head.” The truth? Concussions are brain injuries that can change how we think, feel, and function—sometimes for weeks, months, or even years.

What is a Concussion? A concussion occurs when a blow or jolt shakes the brain inside the skull. This stretch on nerve cells disrupts communication, leading to:

• Headaches, dizziness, or brain fog

• Confusion or memory problems

• Mood changes and slowed reaction times

Even subconcussive hits—without obvious symptoms—add up over time, creating long-term challenges.

What the Research Shows

• Brain changes: Reduced blood flow and “frayed wiring” in brain pathways, especially in the frontal cortex (responsible for memory, mood, and decision-making).

• Cognitive effects: Slower attention, memory, and processing speed.

• Cumulative risk: Multiple concussions increase depression, anxiety, and long-term neurological problems.

• Recovery varies: Age, sex, genetics, and history all affect healing. Youth athletes and women often experience longer recoveries.

Supporting Recovery

The good news: the brain is resilient. With the right approach, we can promote healing and even strengthen function.

1. Chiropractic Care

Research shows adjustments don’t just affect the spine—they influence the brain. Adjustments stimulate the prefrontal cortex, the brain’s “executive control center,” helping reorganize pathways and strengthen new connections.  That translates into: Improved reaction times — demonstrated with faster hand-eye coordination and quicker response after care.

Enhanced brain plasticity — meaning the brain adapts and heals more efficiently

High-function thinking — in which better sensory-motor integration or in other words, the brain processes information more efficiently.

In the context of concussion recovery, this means smoother coordination, faster reflexes, and improved cognitive clarity.

2. Nutrition for the Brain

• Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil, flax, walnuts): support myelin repair and reduce inflammation.

• Antioxidants (berries, leafy greens, turmeric): help neutralize damaging free radicals released during brain injury.

• Magnesium and zinc: essential for neurotransmitter balance and brain plasticity.

• Adequate protein: provides building blocks for repair.

3. Lifestyle Keys

• Rest—but not too much: A few days of rest help, but prolonged inactivity can slow recovery. Gradually reintroduce activity.

• Sleep: Deep sleep is when the brain clears waste and builds new pathways. Prioritize 7–9 hours. Once serious injuries have been ruled out by a health professional, there is no need to frequently be woken up, so sleep! Your brain will thank you later.

• Cognitive pacing: Break tasks into manageable chunks, give the brain recovery time between challenges.

Stress management: High stress prolongs inflammation. Practices like mindfulness and breathing exercises are powerful tools.

Takeaway

Concussions are serious—but not hopeless. Every brain has a God-given capacity for healing. With the right tools—chiropractic care, targeted nutrition, smart lifestyle habits—we can not only recover but often come back stronger.

Remember, healing takes time! Be patient with your body and trust God’s design. Allow yourself grace to heal to avoid long term consequences of impatience.

Allison