PREVENTION IS KEY - When dealing with concussions, research is finding that it is more beneficial to focus on prevention rather than trying to fix the damage. At Oasis Chiropractic we can evaluate athletes with a baseline concussion test. This baseline testing can significantly reduce the risk for the athlete returning to action too early and prevent making them more susceptible to the dangerous second concussion syndrome. (http://www.brainandspinalcord.org/second-impact-syndrome/)
1. ADD OMEGA-3
Multiple studies show the effects of inflammation increasing the odds and severity of concussion.
Omega-3 from fish oil is an anti-inflammatory fatty acid. Fats make up a large portion of the brain and
nerves. Less inflammation has a huge benefit for prevention. In addition to adding fish oil, avoiding
or reducing inflammatory foods like sugar and grains will also be beneficial. (J Am Coll Nutr. 2016 Jul;35(5):469-75. doi:10.1080/07315724.2016.1150796. Concussions, Traumatic Brain Injury, and the Innovative Use of Omega-3s. Lewis MD.)
We offer the Omega Quant Test to determine a patient’s Omega-3 level. This is a take home test done with a simple finger poke and by mailing the sample to the lab. The goal is to be in the range of 8 – 12 %.
2. IMPROVE NECK STRENGTH
Studies are showing for every 1 pound increase in overall neck strength you reduce your risk of concussion by 5%. (Neck Strength Predicts Concussion Risk, Study Says New research shows that stronger necks may lead to safer heads. By Sean Gregory @seanmgregory Feb. 21, 2013 ) One way to measure neck strength is to use the functional neck flexor endurance test. To do this test, a person lays on their back on a flat surface. They then lift their head off the table one inch. The average hold time should be at least 39 seconds for males and 29 seconds for females. (The Deep Neck Flexor Endurance Test: Normative Data Scores in Healthy Adults Manuel A. Domenech, PT, DPT, EdD, Phil S. Sizer, PT, PhD, Gregory S. Dedrick, PT, ScD, Michael K. McGalliard, PT, ScD, Jean-Michel Brismee, PT, ScD)
3. IMPROVE THE CURVE IN YOUR NECK
Multiple studies have shown that an optimal curve in your neck improves neck strength by 7-10X.
(Clinical Biomechanics, March 2016 Volume 33, Pages 98–102, Decreased neck muscle strength in patients with the loss of cervical lordosis, Mahmut Alpayci, Emre Şenköy,Veysel Delen,Volkan Şah, Levent Yazmalar, Metin Erden, Murat Toprak, Şeyhmus Kaplan, to Chiropractic Biophysics the ideal cervical curve is 42.5 degrees. (https://idealspine.com/what- is-cbp) To properly evaluate the curve in the neck we recommend a cervical x-ray. If the curve is less than optimal there are several options to restore the curve including chiropractic adjustments and home neck stretches. At
Oasis Chiropractic PA we offer x-ray services to evaluate the spine or other potential injuries that happen during sports. Schedule your visit today!
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