Concussions in Springfield VA

Many people don’t realize that concussions and whiplash almost always occur together — especially after car accidents, falls, and sports injuries.

Even without a direct blow to the head, the violent back-and-forth motion of the neck (whiplash) can cause the brain to shift inside the skull, creating a traumatic brain injury (concussion).

If you are experiencing ongoing symptoms after an accident in Springfield VA, your nervous system may still be injured — even if imaging came back “normal.”

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Why Symptoms Can Appear Days or Weeks Later

Concussion and whiplash injuries affect:

• Brain signaling
• Blood flow
• Neck stability
• Balance centers
• Visual processing
• The autonomic nervous system

These systems often deteriorate slowly, which is why symptoms can worsen over time instead of improving.

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Common Concussion Symptoms in Springfield VA

• Headaches or pressure in the head
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Brain fog or confusion
• Difficulty concentrating
• Memory problems
• Sensitivity to light or sound
• Fatigue
• Mood changes (anxiety, depression, irritability)
• Sleep disturbances
• Visual disturbances
• Nausea

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Common Whiplash Symptoms

• Neck pain or stiffness
• Reduced range of motion
• Shoulder pain
• Upper back pain
• Jaw pain or TMJ
• Tingling in arms or hands
• Muscle tightness
• Pain that worsens with movement
• Headaches starting at the base of the skull

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Overlapping Concussion & Whiplash Symptoms

These are the red flags that both injuries are present:

• Headaches that won’t go away
• Dizziness when standing or turning
• Feeling “off,” foggy, or detached
• Neck pain with brain symptoms
• Poor balance
• Vision problems
• Pressure in the head
• Anxiety or emotional changes
• Fatigue despite sleeping
• Sensitivity to screens or lights

When the neck is unstable, the brain cannot fully heal — which is why treating whiplash is critical for concussion recovery.

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Why Scans Are Often “Normal”

CT scans and MRIs look for:

• Bleeding
• Fractures
• Tumors

They do not detect:

• Nerve irritation
• Brain signaling dysfunction
• Ligament damage
• Spinal instability

That’s why patients are often told “everything looks fine” while their symptoms continue.

At Thrive Integrative Health, we perform advanced:

• Neurological testing
• Balance & coordination exams
• Cervical spine analysis
• Postural and functional assessments

This allows us to identify:

• Whether a concussion is active
• Whether whiplash is preventing recovery
• What systems of the nervous system are involved

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You Don’t Have to Live With These Symptoms

Concussion and whiplash injuries are treatable when the right systems are addressed.

If you or your child has experienced:

• A car accident
• A fall
• A sports injury
• A blow to the head
• Or sudden neck movement

And you’re still not feeling like yourself — it’s time for answers.