Healing Time For Your Spine
Cervical spine injuries are very common in any whiplash or sports based injuries that occur that jar the head in a forward and backward motion within the skull. Cervical injuries and concussion have significant overlap in symptoms which makes it challenging to pinpoint the exact source of where these symptoms are coming from. In fact, more research is needed to determine an identifiable way for physicians to rule out concussion when diagnosing cervical injury.
According to a 2016 publication from the Journal of Athletic Training, some common symptoms of concussion and cervical injury include the following:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Irritability
- Sleep disturbances
- Blurred vision
- Neck stiffness
- Balance disturbances
- Depression (concussion only)
- Cognitive deficits
- Memory deficits (concussion only)
- Attention deficits
- Decreased cervical range of motion
- Decreased isometric neck strength
At the Morahan Center we do an extremely comprehensive evaluation to assess vision, motor, cognitive, and physical limitations inhibiting symptoms from resolving. If cervical spine injury is detected, basic neck range of motion exercises may be prescribed as part of a patient’s active recovery plan. In keeping the neck active and identifying these issues early on, the Morahan Center strives to get ahead of the symptom progression before they have an opportunity to worsen.