3 Easy Ways to Reduce Concussion Risk in Athletes
- Dr. Eric Hahn
- Aug 15, 2024
- 4 min read
Concussions are one of the biggest concerns for athletes and parents today—especially in contact sports like football, hockey, soccer, and wrestling. While most people focus on what to do after a concussion, the smarter approach is prevention.
At Oasis Chiropractic in Cottage Grove, we focus on helping athletes build resilience before an injury happens through our Sports & Performance Care—so they can stay in the game safely.
Why Concussion Prevention Matters More Than Treatment
A concussion is a brain injury caused by force or impact that disrupts normal brain function. While many athletes recover, repeated concussions or returning too soon can lead to serious long-term consequences—including Second Impact Syndrome, which can be life-threatening.
That’s why prevention is key.
At Oasis Chiropractic, we offer baseline concussion testing to track brain function before an injury occurs. This gives us a safe reference point and helps ensure athletes don’t return to play too early.
But beyond testing, there are 3 simple, research-backed strategies that can significantly reduce concussion risk.
1. Support Brain Health with Omega-3 Fatty Acids
The brain is made largely of fat—and inflammation plays a major role in how the brain responds to injury.
Why Omega-3s Matter
Omega-3 fatty acids (from fish oil) are powerful anti-inflammatory nutrients that support:
Brain cell structure
Nerve communication
Reduced inflammation after impact
👉 Lower inflammation = less severity and better protection
What to Avoid
To maximize results, reduce inflammatory foods like:
Sugar
Processed grains
Seed oils
How to Know Your Levels
Through our specialized Nutrition Response Testing protocols and evaluations, we offer the Omega Quant Test—a simple at-home finger prick test that measures your Omega-3 levels.
Ideal Range: 8–12%
Most athletes fall well below this—which means they’re more vulnerable than they think.
2. Build Neck Strength to Absorb Impact
One of the most overlooked factors in concussion prevention is neck strength. Research shows: For every 1-pound increase in neck strength, concussion risk drops by 5%.
Why This Works
A stronger neck helps:
Stabilize the head during impact
Reduce acceleration forces on the brain
Improve overall body control
Simple Test You Can Try
Neck Flexor Endurance Test:
Lie flat on your back
Lift your head about 1 inch off the ground
Hold as long as possible
Goal Times:
Males: 39+ seconds
Females: 29+ seconds
If you’re below this, your risk may be higher than you realize.
3. Restore and Maintain the Natural Neck Curve
Your cervical spine (neck) isn’t supposed to be straight—it should have a natural curve.
Why the Curve Matters
Research shows that a proper neck curve can:
Improve neck strength 7–10x
Better distribute force during impact
Reduce stress on the brain and nervous system
When the curve is lost (often from poor posture, screen time, or previous injuries), the neck becomes weaker and less protective.
How We Evaluate & Restore It
At Oasis Chiropractic, we use digital X-ray imaging to assess spinal alignment and curvature. If the curve is reduced, our Full Scale Chiropractic approach may recommend:
Precise Chiropractic Adjustments
Cervical traction
At-home corrective exercises
The Athlete’s Edge: Prevention + Performance
These three strategies don’t just reduce concussion risk—they also improve:
Strength and stability
Reaction time
Recovery
Overall performance
That’s why many high-level athletes are now prioritizing preventative chiropractic care as part of their training routine.
Take the Next Step: Protect Your Athlete Today
Don’t wait for an injury to take action. If you or your child plays sports in Cottage Grove or the surrounding area, proactive care is the best defense.
At Oasis Chiropractic, we offer:
✔️ Baseline concussion testing
✔️ Spinal and posture evaluations
✔️ Digital X-rays
✔️ Omega-3 testing
✔️ Athlete-focused chiropractic care
📞 Call us: 651-458-5565
🌐 Visit: https://www.cottagegrovechiro.com
Stay in the game. Stay safe. Perform at your best.
About the Author
Dr. Eric Hahn, DC is the owner of Oasis Chiropractic in Cottage Grove, MN. With a background in athletic training and years of experience working with athletes and student-athletes, Dr. Hahn specializes in helping individuals improve performance, prevent injuries, and optimize nervous system function through precise chiropractic care.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can chiropractic care help prevent concussions?
Chiropractic care improves spinal alignment and nervous system function, which can enhance stability, coordination, and neck strength—all key factors in reducing concussion risk.
2. What is baseline concussion testing?
It’s a pre-season test that measures brain function, giving a comparison point if a concussion occurs to ensure safe return-to-play decisions.
3. How long does it take to improve neck strength?
With consistent training, measurable improvements can occur within 4–6 weeks.
4. Are Omega-3 supplements safe for kids and athletes?
Yes, when taken appropriately. Omega-3s are widely considered safe and beneficial for brain health.
5. How do I know if my neck curve is normal?
The most accurate way is through a spinal X-ray and evaluation by a chiropractor.
6. What sports have the highest concussion risk?
Football, hockey, soccer, wrestling, and basketball tend to have higher rates due to contact and collision.
References
Oliver JM, et al. “Neck Strength and Concussion Risk Reduction.” Journal of Primary Prevention.
Bailes JE, et al. “Role of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Brain Injury.” Neurosurgery.
Iaccarino C, et al. “Dietary Influence on Neuroinflammation.” Frontiers in Neurology.
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