What is a Concussion? Understanding the Invisible Injury
Beyond the Bump: How Concussions Affect Your Brain
It's a traumatic brain injury. Think of the human brain as an egg yolk and your skull as an eggshell and you shake it off! And the different functions of the brain can be affected and the symptoms can also be delayed! A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) caused by a sudden impact or jolt to the head, affecting brain function. Think of the brain as an egg yolk inside a shell—when the skull moves quickly, the brain shifts inside, sometimes hitting the interior walls of the skull. Key Facts About Concussions: 1 in 165 Canadians experiences a concussion each year (BC Injury Research & Prevention Unit). Symptoms can appear hours or even days later, making early assessment crucial. Standard imaging like CT scans often miss concussions, as they primarily detect bleeding or fractures. Many people assume concussions only occur in sports, but 50% of concussions happen from falls, car accidents, or everyday activities (Injury Research BC).
An MRI can diagnose the difference between concussion and more severe brain injuries.
Research and outstanding results show that tailoring active therapy to each patient and their type of concussion helps them fully recover. And the faster they get proper care, the quicker they see results and the more effective the treatments are.
The 6 Types of Concussions & Their Symptoms
Every Concussion is Different – Know Yours
Research has identified six main types of concussions, each affecting different brain functions:
- Cognitive/Fatigue Concussion: Brain fog, difficulty multitasking, poor concentration, memory issues Symptoms worsen throughout the day
- Vestibular Concussion (Balance & Motion): Dizziness, difficulty coordinating head and eye movements, motion sensitivity Trouble with quick head movements or busy environments
- Ocular Concussion (Visual Processing): Eye strain, trouble reading, double vision, headaches from screens Difficulty tracking objects or focusing for long periods
- Post-Traumatic Migraine Concussion: Severe headaches, light and sound sensitivity, nausea Sleep disturbances and daily fatigue
- Cervical Concussion (Neck & Spine Involvement): Neck pain, stiffness, headaches originating from the neck Worsens with poor posture or carrying heavy objects
- Anxiety/Mood Concussion: Emotional instability, increased stress, social withdrawal Difficulty handling daily responsibilities
"Many patients don’t realize that concussion symptoms can stem from different parts of the brain. Identifying the type of concussion helps us target the right treatment and speed up recovery." — Lucile Delorme
Whiplash: The Hidden Cause of Lingering Pain
What Happens to Your Neck in a Whiplash Injury?
Whiplash occurs when a sudden force accelerates and decelerates the head, straining the soft tissues of the neck. It’s common in rear-end car accidents, falls, and sports injuries.
Symptoms include: Neck pain and stiffness Headaches, often at the base of the skull Dizziness and nausea Tingling or weakness in the arms
Whiplash injury occurs when a sudden accelerating-decelerating movement is transmitted to the neck, mostly in the forward/backward axis, such as in a car accident when hit from behind, or from a fall or sports injury. It can also happen with the rotation of the neck, by overstretching or straining the muscles or ligaments of the neck.
You can experience pain getting worse with movement, stiffness and loss of range of motion in the neck, nausea, dizziness, headaches, . It can be associated with numbness and weakness in the arms.
It can occur right away and calm down and return few days later.Osteopathy can help to recover faster or decreasing the pain by giving active exercise and passive treatment.
Recovery: How Long Does It Take?
50% of people recover within 4 weeks, while others experience symptoms for months (Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy). Early intervention, including manual therapy and movement-based rehab, significantly improves long-term outcomes.
"I often see patients months after their whiplash injury, still experiencing neck pain and dizziness. Osteopathy can help by restoring mobility, reducing tension, and retraining the nervous system." — Lucile Delorme
How Osteopathy Can Help Concussion & Whiplash Recovery
Why Rest Alone Isn’t Enough
While rest is essential in the first 48 hours, prolonged inactivity can actually slow recovery.
Osteopathy provides an active, hands-on approach to healing. Osteopathic Treatment for Concussions:
- Cervical Spine & Cranial Therapy – Relieves tension in the neck and skull, improving blood flow to the brain.
- Vestibular & Eye Movement Therapy – Helps retrain balance and vision after a concussion.
- Gentle Manual Techniques – Supports nervous system regulation and reduces headaches.
Osteopathic Treatment for Whiplash:
- Joint Mobilization – Restores mobility in the neck and upper spine.
- Myofascial Release – Reduces muscle tension and scar tissue formation.
- Postural & Movement Correction – Prevents chronic pain by improving alignment.
Why Choose Bonjour Osteopathy for Concussion & Whiplash Treatment in Vancouver?
A Holistic Approach to Healing
Lucile Delorme, is a highly trained manual osteopath in Vancouver Downtown, BC, specializing in concussion and whiplash recovery.
- Hands-On Expertise: Extensive experience treating post-concussion and whiplash patients.
- Personalized Care: Every treatment plan is tailored to your specific symptoms and recovery stage.
- Evidence-Based Techniques: Uses the latest research in neuroscience, sports medicine, and manual therapy.
"I’ve worked with patients recovering from concussions and whiplash for years, and the most important factor in healing is getting the right treatment early. Osteopathic treatment isn’t just about reducing pain—it’s about restoring function and confidence in your daily life."
