Why Concussion Rehab Must Include the Cervical Spine, Vestibular, and Oculomotor Systems

Why Concussion Rehab Must Include the Cervical Spine, Vestibular, and Oculomotor Systems

If you’re recovering from a concussion in Kansas City — especially from a car accident — it’s not enough to just rest and wait for symptoms to go away. True recovery requires a targeted rehab plan that addresses three key systems often affected by head injuries:

• The cervical spine (neck)

• The vestibular system (balance and spatial awareness)

• The oculomotor system (eye movement and coordination)

Ignoring any one of these areas can lead to persistent symptoms, delayed healing, and frustration for both the patient and provider.

1. The Cervical Spine: The Overlooked Link in Post-Concussion Syndrome

Whiplash and neck trauma are almost always involved in concussions caused by auto accidents. When the neck is injured:

• Muscles tighten and become painful

• Joint movement is restricted

• Irritated nerves can refer pain to the head and face

• Cervical instability can mimic or worsen concussion symptoms like dizziness, headaches, or visual changes

If the neck isn’t assessed and treated properly, patients may feel like their concussion never heals — even when the brain itself is recovering.

2. The Vestibular System: Restoring Balance and Motion Tolerance

Your vestibular system helps control balance, coordination, and head movement. After a concussion, patients often experience:

• Dizziness or vertigo

• Sensitivity to motion (riding in cars, scrolling phones, walking in crowds)

• Poor balance and increased fall risk

• Nausea when moving the head or eyes

Vestibular rehab therapy (VRT) uses targeted head and body movements to retrain your brain’s ability to tolerate and coordinate motion. This is especially critical in concussion recovery for people in Blue Springs, Raytown, Liberty, and other active Kansas City communities.

3. The Oculomotor System: Eyes That Don’t Track Right Can Make You Feel Terrible

After a concussion, many people struggle with:

• Blurry or double vision

• Difficulty reading or focusing

• Visual fatigue

• Trouble tracking moving objects

• Headaches after screen time

The oculomotor system controls how your eyes move, focus, and work together. If these movements are off — even slightly — it can cause major discomfort and worsen other symptoms like dizziness and fatigue.

Oculomotor rehab includes:

• Eye tracking exercises

• Convergence training (training both eyes to focus together)

• Visual-vestibular integration work

This is especially important for students, athletes, and professionals returning to high visual demands.

Why All Three Must Be Addressed — Together

These systems don’t work in isolation. They’re highly integrated:

• Your vestibular system relies on input from the cervical spine and eye movements

• If your neck is stiff, your brain gets faulty motion signals

• If your eyes can’t track properly, your balance gets thrown off

• And if you’re dizzy or off-balance, your nervous system stays in a stressed state, delaying recovery

That’s why successful post-concussion rehab must include a full evaluation of the neck, eyes, and balance systems — especially for patients in Overland Park, Leawood, Grandview, and North Kansas City who are trying to get back to work, school, or sports.

Get the Right Rehab in Kansas City

At our Kansas City clinic, Dr. Lance Stevenson, DC provides specialized care for patients recovering from concussions after car accidents and other head injuries. Our approach addresses all the systems involved — not just the symptoms.

Whether you’re dealing with dizziness, neck pain, blurred vision, or brain fog, we can help guide you through a proven path to recovery.

Call 816-226-7476 today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Lance Stevenson — Kansas City’s go-to chiropractor for concussion and post-traumatic injury care.

Special thanks to Complete Concussions for their training and educational resources. To learn more about comprehensive concussion treatment options, visit completeconcussions.com.

Disclaimer:

This blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace medical advice. If you have experienced a concussion or other injury, please consult a qualified healthcare provider. Always follow the advice and treatment plan given by your medical professional.

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