Post-Concussion Syndrome

Natural, Neurological Support Through Upper Cervical Chiropractic & Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (mHBOT)

Understanding Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS)

A concussion is more than a “bump on the head.” It’s a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) that disrupts normal brain function—even if you didn’t lose consciousness.

While most people recover within a few weeks, many continue to experience symptoms for months or even years. This lingering condition is called Post-Concussion Syndrome.

Common PCS symptoms include:

-Persistent headaches or pressure
-Dizziness or vertigo
-Brain fog or cognitive slowing
-Sensitivity to light or sound
-Difficulty concentrating
-Fatigue or energy crashes
-Mood swings or irritability
-Neck pain or stiffness
-Visual blur or eye strain
-Sleep disturbances
-Balance issues or unsteadiness

What most people don’t realize is that PCS is often both a brain injury AND a neck injury—specifically affecting the upper cervical spine (C1 & C2).

That’s why combining upper cervical chiropractic with mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy (mHBOT) is one of the most effective natural solutions for long-term recovery.

Why Symptoms Last After a Concussion

A concussion disrupts the brain’s ability to regulate key functions like:

-Vision
-Balance
-Head and neck coordination
-Blood flow
-Cognitive processing
-Mood regulation
-Inflammation control

But in many cases, the upper cervical spine is also injured, even if imaging (MRI/CT) appears normal.

A misalignment in the atlas (C1) or axis (C2) can:

-Impair blood flow and cerebrospinal fluid circulation
-Irritate the nervous system
-Create abnormal muscle tension
-Alter balance and posture
-Trigger headaches, dizziness, and light sensitivity
-Slow healing inside the brain

This is why many PCS patients struggle even after “normal” scans and medications.

The Upper Cervical Connection to Post-Concussion Syndrome

The atlas and axis protect the brainstem, which controls:

-Vision and eye coordination
-Vestibular (balance) function
-Sleep–wake cycles
-Stress response
-Pain sensitivity
-Muscle tone in the neck and shoulders
-Heart rate and blood pressure

Even a slight misalignment from a concussion can create a cascade of symptoms that mimic or worsen PCS.

Correcting the upper cervical spine can help:

-Reduce headaches
-Improve blood/CSF flow
-Stabilize balance and spatial awareness
-Help the eyes work together again
-Reduce neck tension and nerve irritation
-Calm the nervous system
-Improve brain–body communication

Many PCS symptoms come directly from mechanical irritation of the upper neck, not just the brain itself.

How Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (mHBOT) Helps Concussion Recovery

mHBOT is one of the most researched natural therapies for post-concussion syndrome.
At Atlas Specific Chiropractic, we use a vertical soft chamber (up to 1.3 ATA) that is:

Comfortable and relaxing
Handicap accessible
Easy to enter and exit
Safe for long-term neurological recovery

During a session, you breathe concentrated oxygen in a pressurized environment, which helps:

-Increase oxygen delivery to injured brain tissue
-Reduce inflammation
-Enhance neuroplasticity (brain rewiring)
-Improve cognitive recovery
-Restore mitochondrial function
-Support mood and mental clarity
-Accelerate the healing of damaged neurons

Typical sessions last 60 minutes at pressure, with a 90-minute appointment time.

mHBOT and concussion recovery go hand-in-hand because concussions reduce oxygenation in specific areas of the brain, especially the frontal lobes.

Restoring oxygen allows the brain to finally catch up and heal.

Why Upper Cervical Care + mHBOT = A Powerful Combination

Treating the brain AND the neck produces far better results than either therapy alone.

Here’s why:

‍1. Upper cervical correction reduces brainstem irritation
‍→ improving communication to the rest of the body.

‍2. mHBOT increases oxygenation to injured brain tissue
‍→ speeding neurological recovery.

‍3. Better neck alignment improves blood flow and CSF movement
‍→ helping oxygen and nutrients reach damaged areas more effectively.

‍4. HBOT calms inflammation
‍→ allowing the upper cervical correction to hold longer.

‍5. Together they improve:
-Balance
-Headaches
-Eye tracking
-Fatigue
-Cognitive function
-Stress tolerance
-Emotional stability
-Sleep quality

This combined approach is specifically beneficial for patients who…

-Didn’t heal after traditional concussion care
-Have lingering dizziness, brain fog, or headaches
-Have neck pain with concussion symptoms
-Have symptoms made worse by head movement
-Have been told “everything looks fine” but still feel awful

PCS is a whole-body condition, and needs a whole-body solution.

Our 2-Day Evaluation Process for PCS

Day 1: Comprehensive Assessment
-Neurological history of the injury
-Detailed upper cervical examination
-Functional nerve scans (Tytron)
-3-view upper cervical X-rays (measured to 1/100th degree)
-Cervical posture and balance evaluation
-Discussion of goals and symptoms

‍Day 2: Findings Review
-Clear explanation of X-ray results
-Discussion of how the concussion affected neck alignment
-Personalized upper cervical care plan
-Recommendation for how HBOT will support recovery
-First correction (if indicated) or first HBOT session

You leave understanding exactly what happened and how we’ll help you heal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need imaging before care?
‍Yes — we use 3-view upper cervical X-rays to determine your exact misalignment.

‍Can I start HBOT even if my concussion was years ago?
‍Yes. mHBOT is effective for both recent and chronic PCS.

‍Is your chamber vertical or horizontal?
‍We use a vertical soft-sided chamber, easier to enter and ideal for patients who dislike lying in horizontal tanks.

‍Does insurance cover concussion care?
‍We are out-of-network, but accept HSA/FSA, and provide superbills for potential reimbursement.

Heal Your Brain, Restore Your Life

Post-concussion syndrome can feel overwhelming — but you do not have to live with these symptoms forever.

At Atlas Specific Chiropractic in Hiawatha, IA, we help patients restore their health naturally through upper cervical chiropractic and mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy, giving the brain and neck exactly what they need to heal.

📞 Call (319) 343-8540 or schedule your first visit today.

Your recovery starts here.