Vancouver clinic outlines what to look for in chiropractic care after concussion

Jassal Chiropractic in Vancouver says a physician should assess a suspected concussion first, then chiropractic care may help with neck-related symptoms after a head injury. The clinic is using fall sports season to spell out what families should ask before booking an appointment.

Why it matters: - Families dealing with a head injury often need to sort out what is a concussion issue and what is neck-related pain. - Jassal Chiropractic says symptoms such as headaches and dizziness can come from the concussion, the neck injury, or both. - The clinic is using fall sports season in Vancouver to point people toward safer next steps after a head knock.

What happened: - Jassal Chiropractic, a clinic at 3496 Main St. in Vancouver, described where chiropractic care fits after a suspected concussion. - The clinic said a physician should assess a suspected concussion first. - The clinic said its care focuses on the neck and uses a gentle, low-force technique with no twisting or cracking. - The clinic published guidance on what to look for in a chiropractor after a concussion.

The details: - A suspected concussion should be assessed by a physician before any chiropractic care begins. - Warning signs that call for 911 or emergency care include a worsening headache, repeated vomiting, loss of consciousness, a seizure, trouble staying awake, increasing confusion, slurred speech, weakness or numbness. - HealthLink BC at 811 can help in British Columbia if someone is unsure what to do next. - Diagnosing and managing a concussion is a medical matter, and a chiropractor should not claim to treat the brain injury itself. - Return-to-school, return-to-work and return-to-sport decisions belong to the doctor. - No chiropractor should clear a child to play. - Jassal Chiropractic says care after a physician assessment can focus on stiffness, whiplash-type strain and headaches linked to the neck. - The clinic says the pace of care should match the patient’s progress and the physician’s guidance. - A first visit includes a detailed injury history, previous head injuries, medications and any notes from a doctor or the emergency department. - The clinic says a first visit also includes an exam of the neck and spine, including posture and range-of-motion testing. - Jassal Chiropractic says it uses neuro spinal scans as a baseline, but those scans do not diagnose or measure a concussion. - The clinic uses the Torque Release Technique. - A parent or guardian attends visits for children. - The clinic says it sees people from Mt. Pleasant, Fairview, South Cambie, Oakridge, East Vancouver, Kitsilano, Burnaby and Richmond. - More information is available on the clinic's concussion chiropractor page.

Between the lines: - The clinic is drawing a clear boundary between concussion care and musculoskeletal care. - That distinction matters because families may be looking for symptom relief without replacing medical assessment or return-to-play guidance. - The emphasis on working with physicians, physiotherapists, kinesiologists and trainers suggests a team-based recovery model.

What's next: - Patients who suspect a concussion should get medical assessment first, then decide whether neck-focused chiropractic care fits the recovery plan. - Families and athletes should ask any provider how the provider coordinates with doctors and other clinicians before starting care. - The clinic is steering readers to its concussion information page for more details on its approach.