If you or someone in your family suffered a concussion weeks or even months ago and the headaches, brain fog, dizziness, or light sensitivity still haven’t gone away, you’re not imagining it. Post-concussion syndrome is real, it’s frustrating, and it can leave people feeling stuck when they’ve already “done everything right” — rested, followed up with their doctor, and waited for symptoms to fade on their own.
At Desoto Upper Cervical in Southaven, MS, Dr. David Hall and Dr. Troy Reistroffer work with patients whose lingering post-concussion symptoms often trace back to something that gets overlooked after a head injury: the alignment of the top of the neck. Let’s talk about why that connection matters and how upper cervical chiropractic care fits into recovery.
Table of Contents
What Is Post-Concussion Syndrome?
Post-concussion syndrome (PCS) refers to a cluster of symptoms that persist for weeks, months, or longer after a concussion, well beyond the typical healing window. Common symptoms include:
- Ongoing headaches or pressure at the base of the skull
- Dizziness or a feeling of being off-balance
- Brain fog, poor concentration, or memory trouble
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
- Neck pain or stiffness
- Sleep disturbances
- Irritability, anxiety, or mood changes
Every concussion is different, and PCS doesn’t always follow a predictable timeline. Some people recover fully within a few weeks; others struggle with symptoms for months. This is not a condition to self-diagnose or manage without a medical evaluation, and it’s important that any suspected concussion or head injury be assessed by a physician first.
The Overlooked Piece: What Happens to the Upper Neck During a Head Injury
Here’s something that often gets missed in concussion care: the forces involved in a concussion — whether from a car accident, a sports collision, a fall, or a blow to the head — rarely affect the head alone. The neck absorbs a tremendous amount of that same force, especially the upper cervical spine, where the skull meets the top two vertebrae (the atlas and axis).
This area is uniquely important because it houses the brainstem, the point where the brain and spinal cord connect and where signals related to balance, coordination, blood flow, and autonomic function are processed. When the atlas shifts out of its normal position following trauma, it can place mechanical stress on this sensitive region, potentially contributing to the very symptoms associated with post-concussion syndrome: dizziness, headaches, brain fog, and disrupted sleep.
This is why some patients who have already been medically cleared from their concussion still don’t feel like themselves. The brain injury itself may be healing, but an underlying upper cervical misalignment from the same trauma can continue driving symptoms if it isn’t identified and addressed.
How Atlas Orthogonal and Orthospinology Fit Into Post-Concussion Recovery
At Desoto Upper Cervical, Dr. Hall and Dr. Reistroffer use two precise, gentle techniques — Atlas Orthogonal and Orthospinology — to evaluate and correct upper cervical misalignments. Neither involves the twisting, popping, or forceful manipulation associated with general chiropractic adjustments, which matters a great deal for anyone recovering from a head or neck injury.
The process typically starts with detailed imaging and precise measurements to determine exactly how the atlas has shifted, down to fractions of a degree. From there, a correction is made using a gentle, low-force approach designed to guide the atlas back toward its proper position, without any abrupt movement of the head or neck. This precision-based approach is part of why upper cervical care is often considered appropriate for patients dealing with the aftermath of trauma, including whiplash and concussion-related symptoms.
By restoring proper alignment, the goal is to reduce mechanical stress on the brainstem and surrounding structures, which may help support the nervous system’s ability to regulate balance, blood flow, and normal function as the body continues healing.
Is This a Replacement for Medical Concussion Care?
No. Upper cervical chiropractic care is not a substitute for medical evaluation or treatment of a concussion. If you’ve had a recent head injury, or if you suspect one, your first step should always be evaluation by a physician or emergency medical provider. Watch for warning signs such as worsening headache, repeated vomiting, slurred speech, seizures, or increasing confusion, which require immediate medical attention.
Dr. Hall and Dr. Reistroffer see upper cervical care as a complement to medical concussion management, not a replacement for it. Many patients come to Desoto Upper Cervical after they’ve already been medically cleared but are still dealing with lingering symptoms that haven’t fully resolved. In those cases, checking the alignment of the upper neck can be a helpful piece of the puzzle that hasn’t yet been explored.
Self-Qualifier: Could Your Lingering Symptoms Be Connected to Your Upper Neck?
You may want to have your upper cervical alignment evaluated if you experienced a concussion or head injury and are still dealing with:
- Headaches or neck pain that haven’t resolved
- Ongoing dizziness, imbalance, or vertigo
- Persistent brain fog or trouble concentrating
- Fatigue or sleep problems that started after the injury
- Neck stiffness, especially near the base of the skull
- Symptoms that have plateaued despite following your doctor’s recovery plan
If several of these sound familiar, it may be worth having your atlas alignment checked at Desoto Upper Cervical, alongside your ongoing medical care.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How soon after a concussion can I see an upper cervical chiropractor?
This depends on your individual situation and should be discussed with your medical provider first. Once you’ve been medically cleared or your physician indicates it’s appropriate, Dr. Hall and Dr. Reistroffer can evaluate your upper cervical alignment as part of your broader recovery plan.
2. Will the adjustment involve any twisting or popping of my neck?
No. Both Atlas Orthogonal and Orthospinology are gentle, precision-based techniques that don’t involve the forceful twisting or cracking associated with general chiropractic care. This is especially important for patients recovering from head or neck trauma.
3. How do you determine if my atlas is misaligned?
Dr. Hall and Dr. Reistroffer use detailed imaging and precise measurements to assess the exact position of the atlas in relation to the skull and the rest of the spine. This allows for a highly specific correction rather than a general adjustment.
4. Can upper cervical care help with post-concussion dizziness specifically?
Many patients with post-concussion syndrome report dizziness or balance issues. Since the upper cervical spine plays a role in the body’s proprioceptive and balance-related signaling, correcting a misalignment in this area may help support improvement in these symptoms for some patients, though results vary from person to person.
5. How many visits does it typically take?
Every patient’s situation is different, depending on the severity of the misalignment, how long it’s been present, and individual healing patterns. Dr. Hall and Dr. Reistroffer will discuss a personalized plan after your initial evaluation.
6. Do I need a referral from my doctor to be seen?
No referral is required. Dr. Hall and Dr. Reistroffer are happy to work alongside your existing medical providers and can share updates on your care if that would be helpful for your treatment team.
7. What if my concussion happened years ago, not recently?
Upper cervical misalignments from an old injury can persist for years without being identified, since the body often compensates around them. Some patients seek care long after the original trauma because lingering symptoms never fully resolved. An evaluation can help determine whether your upper cervical spine is a contributing factor.
Ready to Get Your Upper Cervical Alignment Evaluated?
If you’re dealing with lingering symptoms after a concussion or head injury, Dr. David Hall and Dr. Troy Reistroffer at Desoto Upper Cervical are here to help you explore whether your upper neck alignment is playing a role, always in coordination with your existing medical care.
Desoto Upper Cervical
1134 Church Rd W, Southaven, MS 38671
Call or text: (662) 393-4848
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Visit us online: www.desotouppercervical.com
