How to Adapt Your Workouts With Knee Pain
Physical activity is vital for your mental and physical health, but knee pain may force you to change your normal workout. Here's how you can adapt your workout to still reap the benefits of exercise.
Common Signs of a Concussion
Concussions are one of the most common sports injuries. Because anywhere from 1.6 to 3 million athletes sustain concussions each year in America, concussions have been dubbed a silent epidemic.
If you think you’ve suffered a concussion, it’s important to seek medical attention. Without proper treatment, concussions can cause lingering or prolonged symptoms in 10-30% of people. Here at the International Spine, Pain & Performance Center, our providers are to help you recover from your sports injuries so you can get back to your favorite activities.
In this article, we’ll cover the most common signs of a concussion — and what to do if you think you or a loved one sustained this injury.
Spotting the signs of a concussion
It’s a common misconception that you always lose consciousness if you have a concussion. This isn’t true. Not all people lose consciousness, although you might feel disoriented or confused after a blow to the head.
Memory problems
If you have a concussion, you might not remember what led to your injury. Forgetting what happened is called amnesia. Other memory issues include:
- Forgetting what happened right before or right after your injury
- Having a hard time remembering new information
- Brain fog
- Slower-than-normal thinking
Studies show some of these problems persist even months after the initial injury, but this risk is increased if you receive a second concussion before healing from the first.
Physical signs
Concussions cause physical symptoms, such as:
- Headaches and neck pain
- Blurry vision
- Balance problems
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Sensitivity to light
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
Despite the fatigue, some people struggle with insomnia after a concussion. Look for unusual changes to your sleeping patterns, including sleeping too much or difficulty falling asleep.
Emotional signs
Although the physical signs and memory problems are the most well-known signs of a concussion, it’s important to note concussions can cause emotional problems too. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, concussions can lead to irritability, anxiety, and even feelings of sadness.
Healing after a concussion
All head injuries should be taken seriously. Some injuries may require emergency medical attention, especially if there was a loss of consciousness or any bleeding.
In addition to getting medical attention, rest is one of the most important things you can do after a brain injury. This includes avoiding physical activity and sports until medically cleared.
Rest isn’t the only treatment option. You may need physical therapy, especially if you also injured your neck or spine at the same time as your concussion. According to a statement made during the 5th International Conference on Concussion in Sport, physical therapy can be beneficial for those recovering from a concussion.
How we can help
As experienced sports medicine specialists, we can help you get back in the game safely. Whether you need physical therapy or other sports medicine services, we’re here to help you.
To learn more about your options, visit us online to request an appointment at one of our three convenient locations.
You Might Also Enjoy...
3 Causes of One-Sided Neck Pain
Pinpointing the source of your neck pain is the first step in finding relief, but what’s causing your one-sided neck pain? Read on to find out three potential causes of one-sided neck pain and how to help.
Myths and Facts About Physical Therapy
Physical therapy refers to a group of therapies, exercises, and techniques that help address countless musculoskeletal issues, but many myths exist. Read on to see if you can sort fact from fiction.
The Truth About Kegels
Kegels may be touted as the best way to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, but are they right for you? Read on as we share the truth about Kegels, including when they work and when you might consider other treatments.
Your Treatments for Tendinitis
Tendinitis, sometimes known as tennis elbow or jumper's knee, is a painful condition caused by tendon inflammation. While it's a painful condition, there are many things you can do to alleviate your symptoms. Let's take a look.
What Most Women Don't Know About Vulvodynia
Pelvic pain isn't an easy topic, and vulvodynia is even harder to discuss. For the women who have it, it can sabotage their quality of life. In the spirit of awareness and solitude, here are four facts most women don't know.