After a concussion from a car accident, fall, or sports injury, most people recover within 2–4 weeks. But for a significant minority, headaches, dizziness, brain fog, and neck pain persist for months. A growing body of research shows that many of these lingering symptoms come from cervical spine and vestibular system dysfunction — both of which are highly treatable.
Also known as: Post-concussion syndrome, PCS, Mild traumatic brain injury, mTBI
Symptoms of post-concussion
- Headaches starting at the base of the skull
- Dizziness, vertigo, or balance problems
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Brain fog, difficulty concentrating, or memory issues
- Light or noise sensitivity
- Fatigue and sleep disturbance
- Visual disturbances or motion sickness
Common causes
- Motor vehicle accident (rear-end collisions especially)
- Slip and fall with head impact
- Sports-related head impact (football, hockey, soccer, MMA)
- Workplace falls or struck-by injuries
- Underlying whiplash injury that wasn't fully treated
How we treat post-concussion
We combine multiple disciplines under one roof so you get the right care for your case — not just whatever one provider happens to offer.
Auto accident injury care
Same-day exam, clear documentation for your attorney, and PI lien billing while your claim is open.
Learn more →Chiropractic care
Gentle cervical mobilization to address the cervical component of post-concussion headaches and dizziness.
Learn more →Physical therapy
Vestibular rehab, gaze stabilization, and graded return-to-activity progression.
Learn more →Pain management
Targeted treatment for persistent post-traumatic headaches and cervicogenic pain.
Learn more →What to expect on your first visit
- Detailed history of the injury and current symptoms
- Cervical spine and vestibular exam to identify treatable drivers
- Coordination with your primary care, neurologist, or attorney
- Gradual, symptom-guided return-to-activity plan
- Re-evaluation at regular intervals to track recovery
Frequently asked questions
How long do post-concussion symptoms usually last?
Most people recover within 2–4 weeks. About 10–20% have symptoms beyond a month, and that's when targeted cervical and vestibular care makes the biggest difference.
Should I just rest until I feel better?
Older guidance was 'cocoon therapy' — total rest in a dark room. Current research strongly supports gradual, symptom-limited activity starting within a few days. Prolonged inactivity actually slows recovery.
Do I need a brain scan?
Not usually — most concussions are diagnosed clinically. Imaging is reserved for red-flag symptoms like worsening headache, repeated vomiting, focal weakness, or loss of consciousness greater than 1 minute.
Ready to start treatment?
Same-day appointments available. We accept most major insurance, workers' comp, and personal injury liens.
Related conditions we treat
Other spine and musculoskeletal conditions commonly seen alongside post-concussion.
Whiplash
Whiplash is a soft-tissue neck injury caused when the head is rapidly snapped backward and then forward — most commonly in rear-end auto accidents. The sudden force overstretches cervical muscles, ligaments, and facet joints, and can also irritate or injure cervical discs. Symptoms often appear hours or days after the crash, which is why same-day documentation matters for both your recovery and any personal injury claim.
Learn more →Sciatica
Sciatica is pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve — from the lower back, through the buttock, and down one leg. It's almost always caused by compression or irritation of a lumbar nerve root, most often from a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or facet arthritis. The good news: the vast majority of sciatica cases resolve without surgery when treated early with the right combination of decompression, manual therapy, and rehab.
Learn more →Herniated Disc
A herniated disc happens when the soft inner core of a spinal disc pushes through a tear in the tough outer layer, often pressing on a nearby nerve root. It can occur in the cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back), or lumbar (low back) spine. While the term sounds alarming, most herniated discs respond very well to non-surgical care that combines decompression, chiropractic adjustments, and rehab.
Learn more →