Forest Lake Sports and Concussions

People who play sports such as football, hockey, or soccer often know someone who has experienced a concussion. It’s a traumatic brain injury caused by a blow to the head or body. Whenever a person’s head or body are jarred whereas the brain inside the skull shakes, it’s likely a concussion. Some pass out because of it; others don’t. Some have cuts or bruises; others don’t. Most people fully recover from a concussion by getting rest. It may take a couple hours or weeks to recover.

What are some things athletes can do to help prevent concussions? For starters, wearing some sort of protective helmet/headgear helps. Look for a helmet that’s certified by the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment. The helmet needs to fit properly– it won’t do any good if it doesn’t.

Next, while playing sports avoid using the head as a point of contact. Trainers should encourage players not to “lead with the head” in order to avoid concussions.

Interestingly, studies have shown that people with stronger neck muscles show a lower rate of concussion, so during workouts put some emphasis on developing neck musculature.

Even by taking steps to avoid concussion, athletes still sometimes experience them. There are several symptoms to look for, including the inability to think clearly and concentrate. Physical symptoms of a concussion can include dizziness, blurry vision, balance problems and, of course, headaches. Pay attention to a person’s emotional mood and any abnormal sleep patterns, too.

While rest is the best medicine for a concussion, if problems arise that won’t seem to go away, consider consulting a doctor and/or chiropractor. They can help you deal with the pain and alleviate it. You should probably have another person drive you to your appointment because you’re not functioning at 100 percent. Furthermore, avoid any mentally or physically demanding activities so your body can heal.

If you have additional questions concerning concussions, please call us at 651-464-0800 or visit us online at www.lakewoodschiropractic.com