The neck is always involved — and often the missing piece of recovery
Concussion awareness has improved dramatically in youth sports. What's still underappreciated is that every concussive event is also a cervical spine event — and the neck component of recovery is frequently not addressed.
The same forces that cause the brain to move within the skull also whiplash the head and neck. The cervical vertebrae, discs, and soft tissues absorb those forces. In many cases, the neurological effects of the concussion resolve on a normal timeline — but the cervical dysfunction persists, continuing to produce headaches, dizziness, and fogginess that look like lingering concussion symptoms.
This is increasingly recognized in sports medicine and rehabilitation — the cervical spine is part of the post-concussion picture, not separate from it.
We work with young athletes in the Groton area — soccer, football, hockey, lacrosse, gymnastics — who are in various stages of concussion recovery. Parents often bring them in after the neurological rest phase, when symptoms should be resolving but aren't fully. Cervical assessment frequently reveals restrictions that help explain the persistence.
Dr. Steve works within whatever return-to-play protocol the athlete's medical team has established. He evaluates the cervical spine specifically, addresses any dysfunction found, and communicates with parents and other providers about what he finds. He does not rush treatment — for acute post-concussion care, the approach is always gentle and measured.
The CDC's Heads Up program has comprehensive resources on concussion recognition and management for parents, coaches, and healthcare providers.
Call us or request a new patient appointment. Dr. Steve will take the time to understand what’s going on before recommending anything.