concussion
A concussion affects more than just the brain. Because the forces that injure the brain often involve the head and neck together, evaluating the upper cervical spine is an important part of understanding the full picture.
What Is a Concussion?
A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury caused by a force that makes the brain rapidly accelerate or rotate within the skull. While symptoms vary from person to person, many individuals experience headaches, dizziness, brain fog, difficulty concentrating, balance problems, light sensitivity, neck pain, or fatigue.
The force required to cause a concussion doesn't only affect the brain—it also places significant stress on the neck, especially the upper cervical spine.
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Why We Evaluate the Upper Neck After a Concussion
The force that causes a concussion doesn't just affect the brain—it also places significant stress on the upper cervical spine. In many cases, the head and neck experience rapid acceleration, deceleration, and rotation together, making injury to the upper neck common following a concussion.
The upper cervical spine surrounds the brainstem, one of the body's most important neurological control centers, and contains one of the highest concentrations of sensory receptors in the body. These receptors constantly provide the brain with information about head position, movement, and balance. When the upper cervical joints aren't functioning properly, that altered sensory input may contribute to symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, balance problems, and neck pain.
This region is also closely associated with the movement of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)—the clear fluid that cushions, protects, and nourishes the brain and spinal cord while helping remove metabolic waste. Following a concussion, researchers continue to investigate how changes in brain motion, neck biomechanics, and CSF dynamics may influence recovery.
Because the upper cervical spine plays such an important role in normal neurological function, we believe it deserves a thorough evaluation following any concussion or head injury. Our goal is to determine whether dysfunction is present and, if so, provide a precise correction based on objective findings.
How we Evaluate
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![A man and a woman sitting on an examination table in a medical office, looking at a phone and a piece of paper together.]()
Consultation
We take the time to understand your health history, symptoms, previous injuries, and your goals.
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![A woman undergoing an upper cervical x-ray procedure.]()
Digital X-rays
If indicated, specialized upper cervical X-rays allow us to evaluate the alignment of the upper neck with precision.
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![A woman with long blonde hair wearing a headband with sensors, performing functional neurology tests.]()
NeckCare Functional Testing
The neck contains some of the highest concentrations of sensory receptors in the body. We use NeckCare technology to objectively measure range of motion, joint position accuracy, and sensorimotor control. These tests help us understand how well your neck is functioning and provide measurable data we can track over time.
You won’t find testing like this anywhere else in the Black Hills.
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![Dr. Kyle performing posture screen software to analyze a patient's posture.]()
Posture Analysis
Your posture provides valuable insight into how your body is adapting to gravity. Even small shifts in head and shoulder position can place additional stress on the muscles and joints of the neck.
Using digital posture analysis, we objectively measure alignment rather than relying on visual observation alone. This gives us a baseline that we can compare throughout care.
Why Precision Matters
No two people have the exact same anatomy, injury history, or movement patterns. That's why we don't believe every patient should receive the same adjustment.
Our goal is to gather as much objective information as possible before making a correction. Every step—from posture analysis and specialized X-rays to functional testing—is designed to help us determine whether an upper cervical correction is appropriate and, if so, exactly how to perform it.
Rather than relying on force, our approach emphasizes specificity. A precise correction is designed to work with your anatomy, not against it.
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Book NowFrequently Asked Questions
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The force that causes a concussion affects both the brain and the neck. Because the upper cervical spine surrounds the brainstem and plays an important role in balance, posture, and nervous system function, we believe it deserves a thorough evaluation following a head or neck injury.
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Upper cervical chiropractic uses a gentle, precise approach that typically does not involve twisting or forceful rotation of the neck.
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If clinically appropriate, specialized X-rays help us understand the unique alignment of your upper neck and guide care.
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Your first visit is approximately one hour.
During that time, we'll take the time to understand your health history, discuss your symptoms and goals, perform a detailed examination, evaluate your posture, and determine whether specialized upper cervical imaging is appropriate.
Our goal isn't to rush you through an appointment—it's to gather the information needed to understand whether the upper cervical spine may be contributing to your condition and develop a personalized plan based on objective findings.
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Not usually. Our first priority is understanding exactly what's going on. If additional imaging or testing is needed, we'll review those findings before making any recommendations. This approach allows us to provide care that's based on objective information rather than guesswork.
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The cost of your initial visit depends on the specific examination procedures and testing the doctor determines are appropriate for your individual case. Every patient is different, and we tailor the evaluation based on your history, symptoms, and clinical findings.
If you'd like to learn more about what your visit may include or receive an estimate based on your situation, our team would be happy to help. Please give our office a call, and we'll answer any questions you have before scheduling.
Get started today.
Schedule your NO COST CONSULTATION today!
Book Now