The Role of Chiropractic in Concussion Care

Concussion has been a hot topic lately, with the recent Parachute Canada guidelines recommending ONLY MDs and nurse practitioners for the assessment and diagnosis of concussions…what?!

This obviously makes no sense, and is in direct conflict with the reality that chiropractors are often the first point of contact for patients and are trained to recognize a wide variety of signs, symptoms, and conditions ranging from physical manifestations to psychological disorders and cognitive impairments. Chiropractors are competent in diagnosing and managing concussion and are trained to use appropriate patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) to screen for potential comorbidities. There are important issues of access, training and competency to consider here, and it seems these guidelines overtly missed the mark…a clear disservice to patients! In response, Drs. Carol Cancelliere (CCGI), Scott Howitt (FRCCSS), Gaelan Connell (CCGI), Todd Halowski (CCOA), Dean Wright (CCPA), Craig Jacobs (CMCC) and others have outlined a strong case for our inclusion in concussion care…

This paper aimed to critically examine the state of concussion care guidelines in Canada, with a focus on the role of various healthcare providers (HCPs) in assessment, diagnosis, and return to sport (RTS) related to concussion. It also explored why the current exclusive reliance on MDs and NPs for these crucial aspects of concussion care might not align with the best interests of the public. Finally, the paper argues for a more inclusive model, recognizing the value of including a broader range of HCPs, including chiropractors and physiotherapists in these aspects of concussion care.

From the Review:

“Current guidelines relegate the role of concussion assessment, diagnosis, and return to activity primarily to MDs and NPs. Other HCPs, including chiropractors and physiotherapists are uniquely positioned and fully competent to take on these roles. This would be beneficial to both the patients and the healthcare system by providing more timely access to care, proper rehabilitation, and taking stress off the overburdened medical system.

As healthcare continues to evolve, we need to be leveraging the expertise of diverse HCPs. As concussion assessment, diagnosis, and RTS are inherently clinical processes and have a growing prevalence and multifaceted impact on patients, we need a comprehensive, evidence-based approach. This requires a reevaluation of the current concussion care guideline and policies to allow for the inclusion of a broader range of qualified HCPs. Doing so advocates for a healthcare system that is more responsive to the needs of individuals with concussion, ensuring timely, effective care. Overall, this can lead to improved patient care and outcomes, reduced healthcare inefficiencies, and more equitable distribution of healthcare resources.”

This week’s Research Review: “The Role of Chiropractic in Concussion Care“

This paper was published in the Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association (2024)

You can now purchase single Research Reviews for only $4.99 – Get access to this review here