Concussions — also called mild traumatic brain injuries — are more than “just a bump on the head.” They can affect your balance, vision, dizziness, headaches, and even your neck. In many patients, problems in the cervical spine (neck) persist after the injury and can slow recovery — which is why physical therapy that includes neck assessment and treatment is often essential.
At Bethesda Physiocare, we offer physical therapy in Bethesda that addresses all contributing factors — including the neck — that might be holding you back from full recovery. Call us today at (301) 656-5613 for more information!
What Is a Concussion?
A concussion happens when a force to the head or body causes the brain to move rapidly inside the skull. It can lead to symptoms such as:
- Headaches
- Neck pain
- Dizziness or balance issues
- Visual disturbances
- Fatigue
- Trouble concentrating
After a concussive event, other areas like the cervical spine and vestibular (balance) system may also be affected — and these influences can make symptoms last longer if not treated appropriately.
Why the Cervical Spine Matters After a Concussion
Many concussion symptoms overlap with cervical spine dysfunction, including neck pain, dizziness, headaches, and balance problems. That’s because:
- The forces that cause a concussion often also stress the neck (similar to a whiplash injury). (Cheever et al., 2021)
- The neck and brain share nerve pathways that help with head movement, balance, and posture. (Tiwari et al., 2019)
Research shows that neck impairments are common in people after a concussion, and identifying them is an important part of effective rehabilitation. (Cheever et al., 2021; Tiwari et al., 2019)
How Cervical Spine Physical Therapy Helps With Concussion Recovery
1. Cervical and Vestibular Rehabilitation Improves Recovery Outcomes
Some clinical studies have shown that when cervical spine physical therapy is combined with vestibular (balance) rehabilitation, people recover faster and are more likely to be medically cleared to return to sport or activity after concussion.
For example:
- One randomized controlled trial showed that athletes receiving manual therapy for the neck plus vestibular rehab were much more likely to recover within 8 weeks compared with those receiving standard care.
This kind of therapy can include:
- Neck range-of-motion exercises
- Manual therapy to reduce stiffness
- Strengthening and motor control work
- Balance and sensorimotor exercises
2. Treating Neck Dysfunction Can Reduce Symptoms
A retrospective study of people with persistent symptoms after concussion found that many had cervicogenic symptoms — meaning neck problems were contributing to their ongoing headaches, pain, and functional limitations. When these patients received physical therapy focused on the neck, they experienced notable improvements in pain and function.
What Physical Therapists Look for After a Concussion
When evaluating someone post-concussion, physical therapists often assess:
- Cervical joint mobility (how well the neck moves)
- Neck muscle strength and control
- Posture and head-neck coordination
- Cervicogenic headache contributions
- How the neck interacts with balance and movement
These assessments help tailor the therapy to what your body needs, not just your symptoms.
What Does Research Say About This Approach?
- Cervical symptoms are common after concussion, and they can contribute to delayed recovery if ignored. (Cheever et al., 2021)
- Cervical physical therapy interventions may improve outcomes when neck dysfunction is present. (Gulla et al., 2025)
- Physical therapy that includes cervical assessment and treatment is recommended in clinical practice guidelines when movement-related impairments are present after a concussive event. (Journal Orthop Sports Phys Ther CPG, 2020)
Who Might Benefit From Cervical Spine Concussion Care?
You may benefit from a concussion evaluation that includes your neck if you have:
✔ Neck pain after your concussion
✔ Headaches triggered by neck movement
✔ Balance problems
✔ Dizziness or blurred vision
✔ Difficulty with head and eye coordination
✔ Persistent symptoms despite rest and activity modification
Physical therapy can help reduce symptoms, improve movement, and support a safe return to everyday activities and sport.
What to Expect With Treatment
A tailored concussion rehabilitation plan may include:
- Cervical manual therapy for restricted segments
- Therapeutic exercises for neck strength, mobility, and motor control
- Vestibular rehabilitation if balance or dizziness is present
- Postural retraining
- Gradual return-to-activity progression
Modern concussion care avoids unnecessary prolonged rest and focuses on safe, guided physical activity that supports the healing process. (Journal Orthop Sports Phys Ther CPG, 2020)
Physical Therapy for Concussions in Bethesda
Concussions are complex injuries that can involve more than just the brain. The cervical spine (neck) often plays an important role in how concussion symptoms present and resolve. Peer-reviewed research shows that evaluating and treating neck dysfunction — especially alongside vestibular and balance therapy — can improve recovery outcomes for many patients.
If you’re dealing with persistent concussion symptoms, neck pain, headaches, or dizziness, Bethesda Physiocare offers comprehensive physical therapy in Bethesda that addresses concussion and cervical spine rehabilitation to get you back to what matters most.
Call our office at (301) 656-5613 to book an appointment!
References
- Cheever, K., McDevitt, J., Phillips, J., & Kawata, K. (2021). The role of cervical symptoms in post-concussion management: A systematic review. Sports Medicine, 51(9), 1875-1891.
- Gulla, N., Ford, K., Landel, R., Callan, B., Briggs, M. S., & Quatman-Yates, C. (2025). Concussion rehabilitation through a cervical spine intervention lens: a scoping review. Physical Therapy Reviews.
- Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy. (2020). Clinical Practice Guideline: Concussion and physical therapy interventions.
- Schneider KJ, Meeuwisse WH, Nettel-Aguirre A, Barlow K, Boyd L, Kang J, Emery CA. Cervicovestibular rehabilitation in sport-related concussion: a randomised controlled trial. Br J Sports Med. 2014 Sep;48(17):1294-8. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2013-093267. Epub 2014 May 22. PMID: 24855132.
- Tiwari, D., Goldberg, A., Yorke, A., Marchetti, G. F., & Alsalaheen, B. (2019). Characterization of cervical spine impairments in children and adolescents post-concussion. PMCID: PMC6449018.
- Kennedy, E., Quinn, D., Tumilty, S., & Chapple, C. M. (2017). Clinical characteristics and outcomes of treatment of the cervical spine in patients with persistent post-concussion symptoms. Musculoskeletal Science & Practice.