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Recovering From a Car Accident: Why Concussion Therapy Needs a Personal Touch in Kansas City

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Recovering From a Car Accident: Why Concussion Therapy Needs a Personal Touch in Kansas City

Car accidents in Kansas City can change your life in an instant. Whether the collision happens near Union Station, along I-70, or in neighborhoods like Brookside, many people walk away with invisible injuries that affect their daily lives. Concussions are a common result of auto accidents, yet too often they are missed or misunderstood.

The Hidden Impact of Concussions After a Collision

A concussion is more than just a headache or feeling dazed. When the brain is shaken or jolted during a car accident, its ability to process information and regulate balance can be affected for weeks or longer. Symptoms may include:

  • Ongoing headaches
  • Dizziness and trouble with balance
  • Blurred vision or visual changes
  • Difficulty concentrating or remembering
  • Sensitivity to light and sound
  • Fatigue and mood swings

Even low-speed accidents in places like Overland Park or Lee’s Summit can result in concussions that disrupt work, school, and family life.

Why Kansas City Patients Need Targeted Concussion Recovery

Ignoring concussion symptoms or hoping they will resolve on their own can lead to chronic issues. Early therapy is key to regaining function and preventing complications. Specialized concussion rehabilitation helps patients:

  • Reduce symptoms safely and gradually
  • Restore mental clarity and concentration
  • Improve balance and coordination
  • Support emotional health during recovery

What Concussion Rehabilitation Looks Like

David Buechner, MD and Managing Director Lance Stevenson provide personalized concussion care for Kansas City patients. Treatment often includes:

  • Detailed neurological evaluations to understand each patient’s challenges
  • Chiropractic care to relieve neck and spinal tension, which can worsen symptoms
  • Vestibular rehabilitation for dizziness and balance problems
  • Gentle physical and cognitive exercises tailored to your stage of recovery
  • Practical advice on nutrition, hydration, and sleep routines

Many concussion experts recommend keeping a daily journal of symptoms, sleep, and activity. This can help your care team adjust your plan and track your progress.

Gentle chiropractic adjustments may also support nervous system balance and comfort during recovery.

Supporting Kansas City Communities After Auto Accidents

Whether your accident happened near River Market, Liberty, or in the suburbs, Keystone Medical Group is committed to helping you heal. Our team provides compassionate care and clear guidance so patients can return to their routines with confidence.

Disclaimer

This blog is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. If you have experienced a concussion or other injury, please consult a qualified healthcare provider.

References

Complete Concussions
Lance Stevenson, DC
TBI Therapy

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Neck Injuries and Concussions: What Kansas City Patients Need to Know After an Accident

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Neck Injuries and Concussions: What Kansas City Patients Need to Know After an Accident

Recovering from a concussion can be complicated, especially if you are still experiencing headaches, dizziness, or brain fog weeks after your injury. For many Kansas City patients, an undiagnosed neck injury may be the missing link that keeps symptoms lingering. Understanding the connection between concussions and cervical spine injuries is crucial for anyone hurt in a car accident, sports incident, or fall.

Why Neck Injuries Often Happen With Concussions

Concussions and neck injuries frequently occur together. Rapid acceleration, deceleration, or twisting of the head can cause both a brain injury and damage to the cervical spine, even if you never hit your head. These forces may result in whiplash, joint inflammation, muscle tension, nerve irritation, and reduced blood flow to the brain.

When the neck is injured, symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, and visual problems may persist. These symptoms can mimic or intensify the effects of a concussion.

Why Standard Imaging May Not Tell the Whole Story

CT scans are designed to rule out bleeding or fractures. MRI can detect some soft tissue injuries, such as ligament damage or muscle tears. However, even with advanced imaging, subtle joint dysfunction, muscle imbalances, or cervicogenic dizziness may not be fully visible. Many patients leave the emergency room with “normal” results, yet continue to struggle with symptoms that are actually rooted in cervical spine dysfunction.

A thorough evaluation should include assessment of cervical joint mobility, especially in the upper neck, testing for cervicogenic dizziness, evaluation of visual and vestibular integration, as well as review of posture, muscle tone, and proprioception.

How Kansas City Concussion Specialists Treat the Neck and Brain Connection

Keystone Medical Group’s concussion care team, including David Buechner, MD and Managing Director Lance Stevenson, uses a comprehensive approach to treat both concussion and neck injuries. Treatments may include gentle manual therapy to restore joint mobility, chiropractic adjustments when appropriate and safe, trigger point and myofascial release for muscle tension, vestibular and oculomotor rehabilitation, gaze stabilization and neck-eye coordination drills, cervical proprioception retraining, and ergonomic or postural correction strategies.

By integrating care for the neck, visual system, and vestibular system, patients in Kansas City can achieve lasting relief from persistent symptoms.

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Why a Complete Diagnosis Matters

If you are dealing with ongoing headaches, dizziness, or mental fog after a concussion and your neck has not been evaluated, you may be missing a key piece of your recovery. Getting a thorough assessment from a provider who understands the overlap between brain and cervical spine injuries is essential.

Keeping detailed records of your symptoms, treatments, and progress can also be important if you need to access legal or insurance resources after an injury. Many personal injury experts recommend documenting your recovery to support your case and ensure you receive the care you need.

Serving the Kansas City Metro Area

Keystone Medical Group helps patients from Independence, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Parkville, and beyond recover fully by treating both concussion and cervical spine dysfunction.

Disclaimer

This blog is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. If you have experienced a concussion or other injury, please consult a qualified healthcare provider.

References

Complete Concussions
Lance Stevenson, DC
TBI Therapy

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Modern Concussion Recovery in Kansas City: How Gentle Activity Speeds Healing

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Modern Concussion Recovery in Kansas City: How Gentle Activity Speeds Healing

For decades, people in Kansas City who suffered a concussion were advised to avoid all activity, stay in dark rooms, and wait for symptoms to disappear. While brief rest is important immediately following a concussion, new research shows that extended inactivity can actually slow down recovery and increase the risk of lingering symptoms.

Many individuals from Raytown, Overland Park, Liberty, and Blue Springs find themselves frustrated when headaches, dizziness, or fatigue persist for weeks, even after following strict rest instructions. The latest evidence, supported by experts like David Buechner, MD and Managing Director Lance Stevenson, reveals that the path to recovery is more active and empowering than previously thought.

Why “Total Rest” Became Common Advice

Historically, concussion treatment focused on complete rest to prevent overstimulation of the brain. Patients were told to avoid screens, physical activity, and social interaction for days or weeks. However, prolonged inactivity can lead to:

  • Muscle weakness and deconditioning
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Anxiety, depression, and isolation
  • Heightened sensitivity to symptoms

New Science: Gentle Activity Supports Healing

Recent studies show that light, controlled movement is beneficial for concussion recovery. After a brief rest period—usually one or two days—gradual, symptom-guided activity helps the brain heal. People who start gentle exercise and cognitive tasks early tend to recover more quickly and are less likely to develop persistent symptoms.

Recommended early activities include:

  • Walking at a comfortable pace
  • Light stretching or stationary cycling
  • Reading short articles or having brief conversations
  • Relaxation techniques such as box breathing

The key is to remain just below the threshold where symptoms worsen. If dizziness, fatigue, or headache increases, it’s best to pause and try again later.

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The Impact of Negative Expectations

Advice like “activity will make your brain worse” can instill fear and discourage helpful movement. This negative expectation, called the nocebo effect, often leads to increased anxiety and longer-lasting symptoms. Clear, positive education about safe recovery steps is essential.

Navigating Recovery and Documentation

If your concussion resulted from an accident, documenting your symptoms, medical visits, and recovery process can be important for both your health and any necessary follow-up. Keeping accurate records may support your well-being and help ensure you receive appropriate resources if you need them.

Evidence-Based Concussion Recovery in Kansas City

Kansas City concussion specialists now use active, modern treatment approaches. Patients receive:

  • Personalized movement and rehabilitation plans
  • Visual and vestibular therapy
  • Neck and spine assessments and treatment when necessary
  • Empowering education to help individuals take charge of their recovery

Whether a concussion results from a car accident or a fall, residents across North Kansas City, Leawood, Shawnee, and the Plaza are finding that guided rehabilitation and gentle activity lead to better outcomes.

Healing Begins With Knowledge and Support

If you have been told to avoid all activity after a concussion, know that gentle movement and guided rehabilitation can help you heal. Kansas City’s medical community, including leaders like Dr. David Buechner and Lance Stevenson, is committed to helping patients recover using the latest research and supportive care.

Disclaimer

This blog is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have experienced a concussion or other injury, contact a qualified healthcare provider in Kansas City.

References

We are Experts in Accident Care

Car Accidents

We specialize in treating a range of injuries caused by car accidents, including whiplash, head injuries, lower back pain, shoulder injuries, and spinal injuries resulting from motor vehicle collisions.

Motorcycle Accidents

We offer a specialized network comprising imaging centers, orthopedic surgeons, and other specialists, particularly for cases involving more severe injuries.

Truck Accidents

In the event of truck accidents where insurance coverage falls short for medical expenses, we can connect you with appropriate legal representation tailored to your specific circumstances.

Work Accidents

Our established treatment protocol for injuries is designed to expedite your recovery, ensuring you return to full capacity as soon as possible, minimizing any work disruptions.

Slip and Fall

Slip and fall cases can be complex, especially when disputes arise concerning liability and coverage. Rest assured, we are well-versed in navigating these intricacies to ensure your case is handled with expertise and diligence.

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