If you’ve ever had a concussion or watched a loved one deal with one, you know it’s not something to take lightly. While symptoms can fade over time, the impact of repeated head trauma can be far more serious than many realize.
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, or CTE, is a progressive brain condition linked to repeated blows to the head, often seen in athletes and individuals with a history of concussions. Professional football players are most known for this condition.
While research into CTE is still evolving, one thing is clear: taking action early is key. At Bare Chiropractic, we believe that supporting the nervous system through gentle, neurologically focused chiropractic care is one of the best ways to promote long-term brain and spine health, especially after injuries that may not seem severe at first.
The Brain-Spine Connection
CTE develops over time, often without obvious warning signs until years later. It’s associated with changes in mood, memory, and behavior that can impact daily life. But what many people overlook is the critical connection between the brain and spine. Every message from the brain travels through the spinal cord before reaching the rest of the body. If there’s interference in that communication, especially following trauma, the nervous system can struggle to function at its best.
Concussions don’t just affect the brain; they can also create misalignments in the spine, particularly in the neck. These misalignments can interfere with how the brain communicates with the body, potentially slowing down healing and impacting neurological health over time.
Why Early Care Matters
After a concussion or head injury, the body goes into protection mode. You might feel okay after a day or two, but underlying stress on the spine and nervous system can linger. That’s why seeking care sooner rather than later can make all the difference.
As a trusted Billings chiropractor, Dr. Thomas Keogh takes a careful, individualized approach to care. At Bare Chiropractic, we assess how the injury may have impacted your spinal alignment and nervous system, and we tailor our care to support your body’s natural healing processes. Our goal isn’t just to help you feel better—but to help your body function better, too.
Whether you’re an athlete, a weekend warrior, or someone who’s had a few bumps on the head over the years, it’s never too early—or too late—to support your nervous system’s health.
Keep Your Future Bright
We know how concerning head injuries can be, especially when thinking about long-term effects like CTE. That’s why we’re here to help you take proactive steps for your health. If you or someone you care about has experienced a concussion, schedule your first visit to Bare Chiropractic.
Dr. Thomas Keogh and the rest of our team are here to support the Billings community with gentle, focused care that prioritizes the health of your spine and nervous system—because early care can lead to better outcomes down the road. Let’s take that next step together.
Sources
Jaslow, R. “Study of Former NFL Players Finds 1 in 3 Believe They Have CTE.” Mass General Brigham, Sep 23, 2024. https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/press-releases/study-finds-1-in-3-former-nfl-players-believe-they-have-cte
Van Heugten, C., Renaud, I., Resch, C. “The role of early intervention in improving the level of activities and participation in youths after mild traumatic brain injury: a scoping review.” Concussion, 2017 Aug 10;2(3): CNC38. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6093851/
