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Addressing Post-Concussion Syndrome with Upper Cervical Chiropractic Adjustments

6/30/2025

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Addressing Post-Concussion Syndrome with Upper Cervical Chiropractic Adjustments
Concussions are more than just a bump on the head. For many individuals, the aftermath can linger long after the initial injury—sometimes for weeks, months, or even years. This lingering condition is known as post-concussion syndrome (PCS), and it can severely impact a person's daily life.

From brain fog and headaches to sleep disturbances and mood changes, PCS affects multiple areas of function. At Healthy Living Spinal Care in Hickory, NC, Dr. Joey Miles offers an often-overlooked yet promising approach to post-concussion healing: upper cervical chiropractic adjustments.


Serving Hickory and neighboring communities such as Lenoir, Conover, Lincolnton, and Statesville, Dr. Miles works with patients who are seeking gentle, drug-free solutions to manage the complex symptoms of PCS.

​His focus on the upper cervical spine—specifically the atlas (C1) and axis (C2) vertebrae—can help restore balance and neurological function in those suffering long-term effects after a head injury.


How Concussions Disrupt the Nervous System


A concussion can cause the brain to move rapidly within the skull, potentially damaging nerves, blood vessels, and the brain’s delicate internal structures. What’s often less discussed is how this trauma can also affect the upper cervical spine. Even minor whiplash or blunt force to the head can create misalignments in the C1 and C2 vertebrae—just beneath the base of the skull.

These vertebrae are uniquely positioned near the brainstem, a critical center for regulating autonomic functions such as heart rate, digestion, sleep, and balance. Misalignment in this area can place pressure on the brainstem and disrupt normal nerve signaling between the brain and body—exacerbating or even perpetuating the symptoms of PCS.
​

Common Symptoms of Post-Concussion Syndrome

Common Symptoms of Post-Concussion Syndrome

Patients experiencing PCS may deal with a wide range of symptoms, including:

- Persistent headaches
- Light and sound sensitivity
- Memory and concentration problems
- Fatigue and sleep disturbances
- Dizziness or balance issues
- Irritability or mood changes
- Blurred vision
​

The Role of Upper Cervical Adjustments in PCS Recovery


Upper cervical chiropractic care targets the root of the neurological disruption by correcting misalignments in the upper spine. Using highly precise imaging and gentle correction techniques, Dr. Joey Miles can realign the atlas and axis vertebrae to restore balance and reduce irritation of the brainstem and surrounding nerves.

By improving alignment and relieving pressure, these adjustments may allow the nervous system to function more optimally—promoting clarity of thought, reducing headaches, and helping to regulate sleep and mood. Many patients report significant improvements in symptoms after incorporating upper cervical care into their recovery plan.
​

Supporting the Body’s Natural Healing


One of the key principles of upper cervical chiropractic is supporting the body’s ability to heal itself. When the spine is in proper alignment, the nervous system can communicate more clearly with the rest of the body, triggering healing processes more efficiently. This is especially important for concussion recovery, where rest and time are critical—but so is reducing interference that may delay healing.

Dr. Miles emphasizes a holistic approach, combining spinal care with lifestyle recommendations to help patients regain their sense of wellness and function after a concussion.
​

Is Upper Cervical Chiropractic Right for You?


If you've been living with persistent symptoms following a concussion, upper cervical chiropractic care may be a valuable addition to your recovery strategy. It’s non-invasive, medication-free, and tailored to each individual’s needs. Dr. Joey Miles and the team at Healthy Living Spinal Care are here to guide you through a gentle and thoughtful process to help restore balance and improve quality of life.

Located in Hickory, NC, Healthy Living Spinal Care welcomes patients from Lenoir, Conover, Lincolnton, Statesville, and surrounding areas who are seeking a compassionate, experienced provider of upper cervical chiropractic care. Whether you're recovering from a recent concussion or dealing with long-standing PCS, this approach may offer the support your body needs to heal naturally.

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment of any health condition. Upper cervical chiropractic is not a substitute for emergency medical care or professional treatment plans but may support overall health and recovery.
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How To Manage A Pinched Nerve With A Chiropractor for Migraines In Hickory

Neck pain in Hickory, or soreness in other parts of your body, can come from a variety of different sources. These range from arthritis to tendonitis to torn cartilages in your joints. This also doesn’t include the variety of other conditions that have back pain in Hickory as a common symptom. One common such example is getting a pinched nerve in the upper part of the spine, also known as cervical radiculopathy. This generally occurs when bone spurs start to appear around the discs in the spine. When everything is working well, the discs should absorb the shocks between each individual vertebra. A bone spur is a small bit of bone that is formed as we age and discs get weaker. When things go properly, bone spurs support the vertebrae as they get weaker, However, in some cases, those spurs press on nerve roots, leading to other symptoms.
 
Symptoms of Pinched Nerves
How do you tell that the soreness you are dealing with stems from a pinched nerve? No matter what area it’s in, you’re going to need to have an in-depth exam of the affected area to be absolutely certain. As an example, a pinched nerve is generally localized in one area. Another thing to note is that these are normally very sharp soreness. By comparison, if you simply overexerted a muscle, the sensation would likely be a duller strain. In some cases, a pinch may never have any other symptoms. Some people feel a sensation of pins and needles in a certain area. Others may feel numbness or weakness when trying to lift something.
 
Depending on where you feel your symptoms and the exact nature of them, your medical professional may be able to determine if it is a pinched nerve or not quite quickly. Generally, though, an exam will still be administered. These start by testing sensitivity, strength, and reflexes. You may be told to do different stretches and movements to determine what leads to symptoms and what relieves them. You’ll also likely need to provide details about your pain. For example, be sure to have a record of when the pain started, and any activities that you do that cause soreness to flare up. If it is soothed by certain activities, be sure to mention those as well. Your doctor might also ask if you have had other health changes or recently increased your physical activities. If the spinal nerves are impacted, they can manifest in surprising ways, like bladder and bowel issues.
 
Say that your standard exam isn’t enough to get to the root of these issues. Your doctor may instead decide to do imaging tests to figure out what’s causing the pinched nerve and where it is. This is mostly administered through X-rays or MRI scans. An X-ray can showcase details going on with your bones, but won’t show your discs and nerves. With this said, they can be useful for determining if you have narrow vertebrae or bone spurs. An MRI is able to do more, showing how healthy your nerves and discs are in detail. In some cases, an X-ray may be done to a certain area to check for bone injury. Lastly, if the issue is due to injured ligaments or tendons, an ultrasound may be needed.
 
Working With Your Fibromyalgia Chiropractor In Hickory
So, if you suspect that a pinched nerve is behind your soreness, or know it for a fact, what can you do? One asset that you have is doing a posture adjustment. To start, try and find a position that helps you feel comfortable with your soreness. After this, you can adapt your lifestyle and living spaces to help you stay in that posture as much as possible. For a lot of people, doing this in the workplace is a major source of problems. One way to get around this is by using a standing workplace. These help prevent pinched nerves, treat existing ones, and just lower overall soreness. You can either ask the HR department to modify your existing space or buy your own.
 
Another thing to note is that whenever you are dealing with a pinched nerve, you want to make sure that you are as rested as possible, along with lowering any activity that leads to soreness. Try and keep the cycle of rest going until your symptoms subside. After this, you can begin to start testing things together. For certain types of issues, like carpal tunnel syndrome, you may be able to use a splint to protect your wrist.
 
You have a lot of options that you can do at home to help lower soreness from pinched nerves. For example, a gentle stretch can help provide relief, but you don’t want to overextend yourself. Focus on smaller movements, and if you find yourself getting sore again, try and do something less intensive. Think about applying heat to your muscles in the affected area to help them loosen. Heat also supports healing by promoting blood flow. Generally, you want to apply it for 10-15 minutes at a time. You can also do ice instead if you prefer. Simply get some ice, wrap it in a washcloth, and apply it to the area for 10-15 minutes as well.
 
If you want additional help, consider looking into NSAIDs. These can help quite a bit with mild soreness and can be brought over the counter. With that said, just make sure that you read and stick to the recommended dosage. These aren’t going to be able to provide total coverage as well. If you find that you’re dealing with consistent, extreme, or repeated soreness, reach out to a medical professional. On top of performing the exams before, they may be able to provide a prescription for more powerful medication. They may also recommend a specialist like a chiropractor in Hickory. This will help you get the treatment you need.

Healthy Living Spinal Care
1055 13th St., SE , Hickory, NC 28602

828-485-2990

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