Any blow to the head, face or neck may cause a concussion. A blow to the body from an incident like a car accident may also cause a concussion if its force causes the brain to move. A concussion is a serious injury. While the effects are typically short-term, they can lead to long-lasting symptoms and long-term effects – especially if left untreated.
75 to 90 per cent of concussions, or traumatic brain injuries, are mild in nature. They also occur without a loss of consciousness or obvious neurological signs. This situation rules out any serious disease or injury and the need for a CT scan or MRI, and most concussions can be treated skillfully in the community with a trained chiropractor or physiotherapist and appropriate recommendations for return to play and activity.
Rowan’s law was passed in 2018 to protect athletes from the negative outcomes associated with repeated concussions or return to play that is too early. It helps to support a safer environment for competitive amateur athletes, children and youth to play sport.
Rowan’s Law mandates sports organizations to:
- Ensure athletes under 26 years of age, parents of athletes under 18 years of age, coaches, team trainers and officials confirm every eyar that they have reviewed Ontario’s Concussion Awareness Resources.
- Establish a Concussion Code of Conduct that sets out rules of behaviour to support concussion prevention.
- Establish a removal-from-sport and return-to-sport protocol.
Chiropractors have several roles in diganosing and managing concussion:
Provide Immediate, Field-Side Assessment
If a chiropractor is on the sidelines and an athlete is suspected of a concussion, they, as the first point of contact, can help determine if they need:
- Urgent attention, such as going to a hospital emergency room
- To visit their medical doctor or nurse practitioner for further assessment
- No further assessment is required
As part of an interprofessional circle of care, they can also provide comprehensive advice towards suspected concussions and help rule out more serious forms of medical and neurological conditions.
Make an Informed Referral
Most athletes will make a complete recovery and are able to return to full school and sport activities within one to four weeks of when the injury occurred. The other 15 to 30 per cent will experience symptoms that last longer and may benefit from more long-term care. A chiropractor can give these patients an informed referral to a medically supervised interprofessional concussion clinic, which may include experts in sport medicine and health care.
Assist the Interprofessional Care Team with Concussion Management
Chiropractors can assist the interprofessional team as part of the circle of care overseeing their patient’s concussion management and recovery. They can also co-manage return to play decisions and sports-specific guidelines.
All OCA chiropractors have the expertise to help address co-existing issues related to the neck and back. Others have pursued additional training that positions them to provide care for various other concussion-related issues and or symptoms.
Build on Our Expertise in Sports-related Injuries
Chiropractors have earned the trust of athletes and are considered a credible resource when assessing and treating their injuries. The fifth most common condition being treated by chiropractors in Ontario are sports injuries. Some chiropractors who specialize in sports, can offer even more expertise.
Patients looking for Concussion related treatment, baseline assessment testing and support for Return to Play after a Concussion should book with Dr. Patrick Maziarz.
