Concussion Treatment After an Auto Accident: How Balance Training Aids Recovery

If you've been in a car accident and experienced a concussion, you're not alone. Concussions are among the most common auto accident injuries—and they’re often misunderstood or overlooked. While symptoms like headaches and confusion are well known, many patients also experience issues with balance, coordination, and spatial awareness following a head injury.

Lance Stevenson, DC

6/5/20253 min read

At Lance Stevenson, DC in Kansas City, we understand the complexities of treating concussions after car accidents. One of the most effective and often underutilized methods for post-concussion recovery is balance training. It not only helps stabilize your physical coordination but also plays a key role in retraining your brain for everyday activities.

In this article, we’ll break down what happens during a concussion, how it affects your balance system, and why balance training is a vital component of your treatment plan.

What is a Concussion?

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) typically caused by a sudden blow or jolt to the head—common in rear-end or side-impact car crashes. Even without a direct hit to the skull, the force of an accident can cause your brain to move rapidly inside your skull, leading to bruising, swelling, and chemical changes in the brain.

Common Concussion Symptoms After a Car Accident:

Headaches or pressure in the head
Dizziness or difficulty maintaining balance
Nausea or vomiting
Blurred vision or sensitivity to light
Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
Irritability, anxiety, or depression
Sleep disturbances

If you're in Kansas City and have been in a car crash—even if you didn’t hit your head directly—it's critical to seek a chiropractic evaluation. Symptoms of concussions can appear hours or even days after the accident, especially when adrenaline initially masks the pain.

How Concussions Affect Balance

The vestibular system—the part of your inner ear and brain that helps control balance and eye movement—can be disrupted during a concussion. Many patients report feeling “off” or unstable, especially when walking, turning their head, or navigating stairs.

Signs of Balance Issues After a Concussion:

Trouble walking in a straight line
Feeling dizzy when standing or turning
Unsteady gait or needing to hold onto furniture
Lightheadedness or vertigo
Disorientation in busy environments (like grocery stores or crowds)

These balance disturbances are not just annoying—they can interfere with your ability to drive, work, and even complete simple daily tasks. That's why early intervention with targeted balance training is so important.

The Role of Balance Training in Concussion Recovery

Balance training is a therapeutic approach designed to retrain the brain and body to work together efficiently again. After a concussion, your brain may need to re-learn how to interpret signals from your eyes, inner ears, and muscles to keep you upright and stable.

Key Benefits of Balance Training for Concussion Patients:

Improves coordination between brain and body
Reduces dizziness and vertigo over time
Restores spatial awareness, making walking and driving safer
Accelerates neurological healing by activating neural pathways
Decreases fall risk during daily activities

At our Kansas City chiropractic clinic, we tailor each balance training program to your specific symptoms and recovery goals. Whether your concussion symptoms are mild or severe, incorporating balance exercises into your care plan can make a dramatic difference.

What to Expect During Balance Training

When you visit Lance Stevenson, DC for post-concussion care, you’ll receive a comprehensive evaluation. If balance issues are present, we’ll introduce a progressive set of exercises that challenge your vestibular, visual, and muscular systems in a safe, controlled environment.

Examples of Balance Exercises We May Use:

Standing on foam pads or uneven surfaces
Head movement drills while maintaining visual focus
Eye-tracking exercises to improve visual-motor coordination
Tandem walking (heel-to-toe) in a straight line
Core strengthening to improve postural stability

These exercises may seem simple, but they’re backed by neuroscience. As you progress through your program, you’ll notice greater confidence in movement, less dizziness, and improved coordination.

Chiropractic Care for Concussion Recovery

In addition to balance training, chiropractic adjustments can play a supportive role in concussion treatment. Spinal misalignments in the neck—common after auto accidents—can contribute to headaches, dizziness, and poor blood flow to the brain.

Our Kansas City chiropractic office combines gentle spinal adjustments with rehabilitative therapies like balance training to give you the most complete recovery possible.

When Should You Seek Help for a Post-Accident Concussion?

If you've experienced any of the following after a recent car accident, don’t wait:

Persistent dizziness
Poor balance or unsteady walking
Ongoing headaches or neck pain
Mental fog or delayed reactions
Feeling “off” without explanation

Prompt treatment can prevent long-term complications and help you feel like yourself again faster.

Looking for Concussion Treatment in Kansas City?

At Lance Stevenson, DC, we specialize in treating car accident injuries, including concussions and postural imbalances. Our approach goes beyond pain relief—we focus on neurological rehabilitation, so you can get back to work, driving, and daily life without lingering symptoms.

We offer:

Chiropractic evaluations tailored for auto accident victims
Vestibular and balance rehabilitation
Insurance assistance and personal injury attorney referrals
Free consultations for new patients

Don’t Wait—Start Healing Today

If you’re experiencing symptoms of a concussion or struggling with balance after a car accident, contact Lance Stevenson, DC in Kansas City today. Our team is ready to help you recover fully—with a customized plan that includes balance training, spinal care, and comprehensive post-accident support.

Schedule your free consultation today and take the first step toward full recovery.

Concussion Rehabilitation & Exercise in Kansas City, Overland Park, Lee's Summit, and Independence

Recovering from a concussion requires more than just rest; it requires targeted concussion rehabilitation exercises that help restore balance, cognitive function, and overall well-being. We specialize in developing a comprehensive concussion rehabilitation program that includes structured rehabilitation exercises designed to support your recovery from mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).