Chiropractor evaluating post-concussion patient in Murray, UT

Concussion Chiropractor in Murray, UT

Post-concussion headaches, dizziness, and neck pain — certified concussion care

Chiropractic Care for Post-Concussion Symptoms in Murray

A concussion does not always resolve on its own schedule. Many people continue experiencing headaches, dizziness, neck stiffness, and brain fog for weeks after the initial injury — a condition known as post-concussion syndrome. At Mecham Chiropractic in Murray, Dr. Cody Mecham addresses the cervical spine and musculoskeletal components that often drive or prolong these symptoms.

Dr. Mecham holds ACBSP Concussion Registry certification and CDC Heads Up provider training — specific credentials that prepare him to recognize concussion-related red flags, evaluate the cervical spine's role in ongoing symptoms, and coordinate care with other providers when needed.

The Neck's Role in Post-Concussion Symptoms

Many concussion-related symptoms — particularly headaches and dizziness — have a significant cervical component. When the head is impacted or rapidly decelerated (such as in a car accident or sports hit), the cervical spine absorbs the same forces. Joints become restricted, muscles go into protective spasm, and the upper neck can create referral patterns that look like concussion symptoms.

This overlap is important because purely concussion-focused care may miss the cervicogenic contribution, and purely orthopedic chiropractic care may miss the neurological context. Dr. Mecham's concussion training helps navigate both.

Common Post-Concussion Symptoms That May Have a Cervical Component

  • Post-impact headaches: Often cervicogenic — originating from the upper neck joints and muscles rather than purely from the brain.
  • Dizziness and balance issues: The upper cervical spine has dense proprioceptive input into the vestibular system. Restriction or injury here can contribute to dizziness.
  • Neck pain and stiffness: Frequently accompanies concussion, especially from vehicle crashes or contact sport impacts.
  • Visual disturbance or sensitivity: Can sometimes involve cervical muscle tension or upper neck joint dysfunction.
  • Difficulty concentrating: While often purely neurological, physical tension and pain from the cervical spine can increase cognitive load and worsen focus.

Dr. Mecham's Concussion-Aware Approach

Not every chiropractor is trained to recognize the signs of concussion or understand when chiropractic care is appropriate versus when referral is needed. Dr. Mecham's concussion registry training and CDC provider certification provide a framework for:

  • Identifying red flags that require immediate medical attention
  • Assessing which symptoms are most likely cervicogenic versus neurological
  • Timing the start of cervical chiropractic care appropriately after concussion
  • Collaborating with athletic trainers, neurologists, or PCPs managing the concussion

Full credential details are available on the Dr. Cody Mecham certifications page.

When Chiropractic Care Is Appropriate After a Concussion

Chiropractic evaluation of the cervical spine is generally appropriate once:

  • The acute rest phase is complete
  • No structural injury to the head, neck, or cervical spine has been identified on imaging
  • Major neurological red flags (severe worsening headache, repeated vomiting, loss of consciousness) are resolved
  • The managing physician or athletic trainer has cleared return to activity

Dr. Mecham will screen each patient carefully and communicate with other providers managing the concussion if you are in an active recovery protocol.

Concussion and Auto Accidents

Auto accident impacts are one of the most common causes of concurrent whiplash and concussion. Whiplash, headaches, and dizziness from a crash may involve both cervical injury and a mild traumatic brain injury at the same time. Dr. Mecham's training allows him to assess both dimensions and ensure the treatment plan addresses whichever component is driving the ongoing symptoms. Learn more on the auto accident chiropractic page.

Sports Concussions in Murray

Athletes recovering from sports concussions benefit from cervical spine evaluation as part of their return-to-play protocol. Restricted neck mobility, headaches triggered by exertion, and residual dizziness can all slow the return to full sport participation. Chiropractic care targeting the cervical spine can accelerate recovery and reduce the cervicogenic load on the healing brain. See also: sports injury chiropractic in Murray.

Serving Murray and Nearby Communities

Our Murray clinic is convenient for patients from Holladay, Millcreek, South Salt Lake, Sugar House, Cottonwood Heights, and the broader Salt Lake Valley who need post-concussion care with a chiropractor who understands both the cervical and neurological context.

Book a Concussion Evaluation

This page supports patient education on post-concussion chiropractic care. It is reviewed against the site's editorial policy, connects to Dr. Cody Mecham's background and concussion certifications.

Post-Concussion Chiropractic FAQs

Can a chiropractor help with post-concussion symptoms?

Yes. Many post-concussion symptoms — especially headaches, dizziness, and neck pain — involve the cervical spine and surrounding structures. Chiropractic care addresses the neck component of post-concussion syndrome, which is a significant and often overlooked contributor to prolonged symptoms.

What post-concussion symptoms can chiropractic treat?

Chiropractic care is most helpful for cervicogenic headaches, post-impact neck pain and stiffness, dizziness with a cervical component, and restricted movement in the upper cervical spine that persists after a concussion. It is part of a broader management approach, not a standalone concussion treatment.

How soon after a concussion can I see a chiropractor?

Timing depends on the severity of the concussion and clearance from the managing physician. Once acute rest is complete and major red flags are resolved, chiropractic evaluation for the cervical spine involvement is appropriate and beneficial for ongoing recovery.

What does Dr. Mecham's concussion training include?

Dr. Cody Mecham holds ACBSP Concussion Registry certification and CDC Heads Up provider training. These credentials support his ability to identify concussion-related red flags, assess the cervical spine's role in post-concussion symptoms, and coordinate care appropriately.

Is chiropractic safe after a concussion?

Chiropractic care focused on the cervical spine is generally safe after a concussion, once the acute phase has passed and no structural injuries to the head or cervical spine have been identified. Dr. Mecham screens each patient and adjusts the approach based on current symptoms and clinical findings.

Can a car accident cause a concussion and neck injury together?

Yes. Whiplash injuries from car accidents commonly involve both the cervical spine and a concussive component. Headaches, dizziness, brain fog, and neck pain after a crash can reflect both conditions simultaneously, which is why a thorough evaluation is important after any significant impact.