Concussions

One dimension that remains misunderstood is the notion of a non-concussive impact to the head. Many of the athletes’ brains that have been studied are those of professionals who would not have reported concussion symptoms. Some of these brains would have signs of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (the famous CTE which is in the news a lot these days). What’s not clear is whether the problem stems from poor concussion management protocol at the time these athletes were playing the sport, or whether mild head impacts can cause brain problems (at the time of writing the trend is that sub-concussive head impacts can cause damage).

This would bring to the dock a whole host of other sports in addition to football and hockey; soccer, downhill skiing, cycling, skating and of course all the combat sports….

As a parent, should this information concern us? As the father of a healthy, active child, my opinion is no. In fact, it puts it into perspective. While in the past the risk of CTE was confined to certain sports (boxing, football and hockey were particularly singled out), with this new information, the risk would be extended to sports involving speed, falls and impacts to the head. There are not many risk-free sports left. Not all children want to swim or run track. And many team sports fall into the risk sports category.

What I think is important is the protocol and the guidance. If there is a problem, I want to know that my child will be properly supervised and not sent back to the playing field, track, or arena without being assessed for concussion risk by competent and well-trained personnel. Ironically, some of the sports that are “at risk” are those that have made the most effort to improve coaching and protocol. These sports are among the safest to play, not because there are no problems, but because if there is a problem the child is removed quickly. It’s much better than letting our child skate in an unsupervised park where nothing is done in case of a fall and we can’t even tell if he’s wearing his helmet.

Of course, each parent does what they feel is best for their child. But I think having a healthy, active child is just as important as being protected from potential problems and injuries. The best option is still to talk to our children so that they understand the risks and symptoms of a head injury and are able to tell you if they notice any symptoms. Because the reality is that a concussion can happen anywhere at any time.

In recent years, if there is one health topic that has been the subject of much ink, it is concussions. Sports such as hockey and football were particularly singled out, especially the NFL for not being as transparent as it could have been with the long-term negative effects and the way injuries were addressed.

Although the reality of professional contact sports is far from most of us, the fact remains that no one is immune to concussions, young or old, sedentary or active. If you think you or a loved one may have suffered a concussion, the Quebec government has a protocol in place that is important to follow.

Osteopathy can also help in cases where a concussion has been diagnosed by a doctor.

HOW CAN OSTEOPATHY HELP?

It activates the blood flow to the head by releasing the blockages and tensions that the impact would have produced (or blockages prior to the impact). With this approach the blood circulates more freely, facilitating and accelerating the healing process. Signs and symptoms such as headaches, foggy feeling, short, medium or long term memory loss, fatigue, and concentration problems can be improved with osteopathy. In addition, the osteopathy graduate will be able to treat the peripheral consequences of a concussion, neck problems, muscle pain, etc.

If you think you have suffered a concussion, you should stop your activity immediately and see a doctor. Afterwards, your osteopath can help you get back to a functional level as quickly as possible.

If you have any questions or comments,
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