Post-concussion syndrome and concussion incidence improved in a pro rugby player following cervical spine rehab: case study and 6-year follow-up

• Published in: Concussion (London, England) England), 2023, Vol.8 (3), p.CNC107-CNC107
• Main Authors: Strauss, Seth, Lightstone, Douglas F, Fedorchuk, Curtis, Pomahac, Robert, Oakley, Paul A, Harrison, Deed E
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• ISSN: 2056-3299
• DOI: 10.2217/cnc-2023-0004

AimTo report improvements in post-concussion syndrome and concussion incidence following cervical spinal alignment correction. Case presentationA 27-year-old professional rugby player with 20 documented concussions presented with abnormal cervical spinal alignment and post-concussion syndrome. After 30 sessions of cervical rehabilitation, health outcomes improved. Post-treatment radiographs showed improved cervical lordosis from -13.5° to -37.4° (ideal is -42°) and right head translation from -22.7 to -11.3 mm (ideal is 0 mm). 2-year follow-up radiographs and 6-year follow-up health outcomes showed post-treatment improvements were maintained. The patient reported two documented concussions in the 6 years following treatment while maintaining the same lifestyle and professional rugby career. ConclusionCorrection of abnormal cervical spinal alignment may help athletes with post-concussion syndrome and reduce risk of concussion.