Concussion DC Alaska

In a 2022 systematic review by Jildeh et al. they found an increased incidence of lower extremity injuries at 90 days and 1 year after having a concussion. If that wasn't enough in a different study done in 2020 by McPherson et al. they found a 1.6x increase in ACL injuries, up to 3 years following the diagnosis of a concussion.
When the brain isn't functioning at its best, other issues seem to follow. Having a thorough exam after a concussion that includes more than the head may help you avoid other serious injuries.

One of the most commonly missed parts of a concussion evaluation is the neck. The neck assists your eyes in responding to stimuli around you through a reflex called the cervico-ocular reflex. Neck movements can directly affect eye and gaze direction, particularly when the head is moving; essentially, your neck muscles send signals to your brain to adjust your eye movements to maintain a stable visual field even while your head is turning. Neck stretches, massage and exercises may be the difference between a quick recovery and persistent symptoms.
Make sure you get your neck evaluated after a concussion.

A poor diet often results in a leaky gut, permitting toxins to enter the bloodstream and trigger an inflammatory response. This state of inflammation places additional strain on the body, hindering the healing process after an injury. If you are at a high risk for a head injury or have already sustained one, a good starting point is to focus on eating healthier.

As we get into the soccer season here in Alaska we can't forget about the types of injuries that affect our athletes. Concussions are very common in the soccer, particularly in the female athletes. Getting a baseline test improve diagnosis and return-to-play due to results being specific to each athlete. Get tested and be sure you are doing all that is necessary to keep playing the sport you love.