Concussions and the Upper Cervical Connection: How the Blair Technique Supports Recovery 

Concussions are more than just a bump on the head—they can leave lasting effects on your brain and body. Whether from sports, car accidents, or everyday mishaps, concussions disrupt normal brain function. At Balanced Chiropractic in Riverton, Utah, we often work with patients suffering from post-concussion symptoms using a precise and gentle method: the Blair Upper Cervical Technique.

What Happens During a Concussion? When the head is struck, the brain can jolt or rotate inside the skull. This trauma doesn’t just affect the brain—it can also shift the alignment of the top bones in the neck, which protect the brainstem. These misalignments may not cause pain right away but can interfere with healing and make symptoms worse.

 Important Fact: If you’ve suffered a concussion, you’ve almost certainly sustained a neck injury too. It takes more force to cause a concussion than it does to injure the neck. That’s why it’s critical to evaluate the upper cervical spine in post-concussion recovery.

 Outdated Advice Alert: If a medical provider simply told you to “rest for a few weeks,” that advice is no longer supported by the latest concussion research. Very short-term rest (24–48 hours) is okay, but we now know that gradual reintroduction to activity is more effective for recovery. Staying completely inactive can actually delay healing.

The Blair Technique and Concussion Recovery: The Blair Technique focuses on correcting misalignments in the upper cervical spine using CBCT imaging to guide precise, gentle corrections. Here’s why that matters:

•  Restores Brain-Body Communication – The top vertebrae protect the brainstem, the communication hub between your brain and body.
•  Supports Better Rest and Nervous System Balance – Many concussion patients struggle with sleep, anxiety, or fatigue; upper cervical corrections may calm the system.
•  Improves Blood Flow and Cerebrospinal Fluid Circulation – Misalignment can restrict normal fluid dynamics around the brain.

Common Post-Concussion Symptoms That May Improve

Symptom	How Blair Technique May Help
Dizziness & Vertigo	Reduces pressure on balance-related nerves in the brainstem
Brain Fog	Improves neural clarity by removing interference
Sleep Disturbances	Restores circadian signaling through nervous system reset
Headaches	Alleviates cranial tension and improves fluid flow

A Real Example One of our patients was involved in a motorcycle accident. While navigating a turn, his bike slid out from underneath him and he struck the back of his head on a rock—even with a helmet on. After the injury, he suffered from brain fog, depression, and struggled with school. He was preparing for medical school and needed to be sharp, but when he first came in, he didn’t communicate much, avoided eye contact, and looked down frequently—even though he had once been a confident kid.

After a few Blair Technique sessions, his entire countenance changed. He began smiling more, making eye contact, and expressing himself with clarity. His mood lifted, and he started doing significantly better in school. Today, he’s continuing on his path to medical school with more confidence and focus than ever.

The Takeaway for Concussion Recovery If you or a loved one is still feeling “off” after a head injury, don’t overlook the top of the neck. A hidden misalignment may be slowing recovery. The Blair Technique offers a drug-free, gentle way to support the body’s healing process—right from the top.

Contact Us to Learn More  We serve patients throughout Riverton, South Jordan, Herriman, and Draper.

 Call: (801) 477-7222
 Website: www.balancedutah.com
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Instagram: @balancedchiropracticutah
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P.S. Healing from a concussion isn’t just about rest. It might be about realignment. Let’s help your brain and body reconnect.