Concussions are a common injury in sport and daily life — particularly among young athletes, contact sport participants, and people who’ve experienced a fall or motor vehicle accident. While concussion itself is a brain injury, it can also lead to a wide range of physical symptoms that involve the neck, muscles, and nervous system.

At our clinic, we’re often asked: “Can chiropractic help after a concussion?”

Here’s what the evidence says — and how we may be able to help as part of your broader recovery team.

What is a Concussion?

A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) caused by a blow to the head, neck, or body that causes the brain to move rapidly inside the skull. It doesn't always involve a direct head knock — whiplash-type forces, like those seen in sport or car accidents, can also cause concussion.

The Australian Sports Commission highlights common signs and symptoms of concussion:

Headache
Dizziness
Balance problems
Neck pain
Sensitivity to light or noise
Difficulty concentrating or remembering
Fatigue
Feeling “off” or not quite right

In most cases, symptoms improve within 7–10 days, but some people experience lingering issues known as post-concussion symptoms.

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Where Chiropractic Fits In

While chiropractors do not diagnose or treat brain injuries, they can play a supportive role when musculoskeletal or nervous system symptoms persist after a concussion — particularly those related to the neck and upper spine.

Research shows that neck dysfunction is common after a concussion. This includes:

Restricted cervical spine mobility
Muscle tightness or guarding
Joint irritation
Dizziness or headaches linked to neck issues (also called cervicogenic symptoms)

This is where chiropractic may help — by assessing and addressing dysfunction in the cervical spine and surrounding soft tissues, chiropractors can support your body's physical recovery after a concussion.

The image shows a man lying on a treatment table while a person in a white coat gently holds his head, possibly during a medical examination or therapy.

What We Do

Our chiropractors may assist with:

Gentle, tailored spinal adjustments to address restricted joint movement (where clinically appropriate)
Soft tissue techniques to relieve tension and improve function in the neck and shoulders
Postural advice to support spinal health while recovering
Collaboration with your GP, physio, or neurologist, as needed, to ensure a safe and coordinated care plan

We always follow evidence-based guidelines and refer out if there are red flags or concerns beyond our scope.

Evidence & Research

Here are three articles that explore the role of chiropractic in concussion care, particularly in managing post-concussion musculoskeletal symptoms:

Chiropractic & Manual Therapies (2022) –

A commentary on the potential role of chiropractors in managing athletes with sport-related concussion, with a focus on cervical spine function.

Journal of Contemporary Chiropractic (2023) –

A case report on a 15-year-old male with post-concussion syndrome and whiplash. Chiropractic care over 8 weeks supported reductions in dizziness, headaches, and neck pain.

Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association (2016) –

A case series showing how multi-modal chiropractic care may assist with post-concussive symptoms in athletes, including dizziness, neck pain, and balance problems.

Important Considerations

Concussion should always be taken seriously. If you suspect a concussion, immediate medical assessment is essential.

Chiropractic care should only be considered after medical clearance and as part of a multi-disciplinary team approach.
Chiropractors do not treat brain injury — but they may help with physical symptoms that persist in the musculoskeletal and vestibular systems.
We encourage collaboration with your GP, sports physician, and allied health team to ensure the safest and most effective recovery.

If you or someone you know is recovering from a concussion and still experiencing symptoms like neck pain, headaches, or dizziness, a chiropractic assessment may be beneficial — especially if these symptoms are related to spinal or postural dysfunction.

If you're unsure whether chiropractic care is right for your situation, feel free to contact us for a chat — we’ll always guide you in the safest direction for your recovery.

Disclaimer: This article is for general education only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional for diagnosis and management of concussion or any head injury.

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References:

Shannon, N., Patricios, J. Sports-related concussion: assessing the comprehension, collaboration, and contribution of chiropractors. Chiropr Man Therap 30, 60 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12998-022-00471-z

Germann, D., Marshall, C., Kazemi, M. Multi-modal management of sport and non-sport related concussion by chiropractic sports specialists: a case series. J Can Chiropr Assoc 2020; 64(3). https://chiropractic.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/119476-1_Chiro_64_3h_Germann.pdf

Patel H. THE IMPACT OF CHIROPRACTIC MANAGEMENT ON A 15-YEAR-OLD MALE DIAGNOSED WITH POST-CONCUSSION SYNDROME AND WHIPLASH: A CASE REPORT. JCC. 2020;3(1):80-85. https://journal.parker.edu/article/78084-the-impact-of-chiropractic-management-on-a-15-year-old-male-diagnosed-with-post-concussion-syndrome-and-whiplash-a-case-report

https://www.ausport.gov.au/concussion