When your child takes a tumble off their bike or catches an elbow in a soccer game, you immediately check for — and treat — any visible injuries.
But what happens when, weeks later, they’re squinting at their homework or complaining of feeling dizzy? It may be the lingering signs of a concussion, says Dr. Michael Husmillo, Functional Neurology Director at Chiropractic Lifestyle Studio and Functional Neurology Center in Royal Oak.
“With a concussion, your brain literally takes a hit,” Husmillo explains. “When it gets jarred, it could hit the skull. This causes a concussion and, primarily, brain inflammation.”
As concussion awareness grows, so does the need for more effective, longer-term care, he says. That’s where chiropractic steps in.
Concussion symptoms parents shouldn’t overlook
Concussions in kids can present subtly without dramatic signs. Husmillo notes that he’s seen a rise in concussions in middle school-aged kids and older, with parents and trainers catching more cases.
“Children may complain of headaches, sensitivity to light or sound or say, ‘I feel off-balance,’” explains Husmillo — who, last year, treated 100 kids with concussions. “These are things where the brain can’t ‘dampen’ that input like it normally would.”
Younger kids may say they “feel sick” or even hide symptoms to keep playing. “It’s tricky because it can also look like other issues, too, such as not drinking enough water or a virus coming on.”
But any time a child hits their head, Husmillo emphasizes that “better safe than sorry” is key. “Two concussions back-to-back can seriously slow recovery,” he notes. “Each concussion adds more strain, making it harder for the brain to heal fully.”
How chiropractic neurology is different
In traditional concussion management, the approach is largely “wait and see,” Husmillo says. “With concussions, typically, the advice is to rest to allow the brain to heal — and eventually get back to your activities,” he explains. But waiting may prolong recovery, especially for developing brains.
“Chiropractic neurology is a multifaceted approach that helps children get back on track faster. And we don’t use any drugs.”
At Chiropractic Lifestyle Studio, treatments typically span 8-12 weeks, with children visiting the studio twice a week. These appointments include three layers:
1. Balance and coordination training
Several devices help retrain the brain to improve stability. One example is the GyroStim — a specialized chair that spins kids in 15-to-30-second intervals.
“When you get a concussion, your balance gets thrown off,” Husmillo explains. “This device helps stimulate and measure kids’ balance system.”
2. Sensory integration exercises
This helps retrain children’s spatial awareness and hand-eye coordination, which can be disrupted by a concussion impact. For instance, kids perform on-screen tasks, such as tapping scattered letters in the correct order, with the NSI (NeuroSensory Integration) system.
3. Chiropractic adjustments
Finally, gentle treatments help support spinal health and brain healing.
“With kids, we do non-invasive adjustments,” Husmillo says. “Their spines are still developing and respond easily, so we use only light adjustments for safe, effective results.”
Together, these tools provide a structured recovery plan that’s more proactive than traditional rest alone. It’s all about giving the brain what it needs, Husmillo explains.
“When you give the child the proper input, their brain is happy again,” he says. “We want to create the proper environment for the brain to thrive.”
Supporting recovery with at-home care
In between sessions, supportive at-home habits help kids recover from concussions more quickly, Husmillo says. This includes simple exercises that build balance, eye focus and coordination.
“If they can do those twice a day, about 10-15 minutes each time, that’s great,” Husmillo says. “These exercises reinforce the progress of their office visits and support the brain’s recovery process.”
Nutrition is another essential piece of the recovery process.
“Processed foods can worsen brain inflammation,” Humillo explains. “Nutritional foods help the brain settle down a lot faster.”
That especially includes “good fats” like avocados, walnuts and fish. “Anything that has fatty acids,” he says. “Omega-3s have been shown to really help with concussions. Protein is also good for the brain, so getting that protein in a diet helps a lot, too.”
The brain is a muscle, Husmillo adds. “When it’s weak, you want to strengthen it. Giving the brain the right input — exercise and good nutrition — can really get back on track.”
Empowering parents in a complex recovery process
Recognizing and treating concussions in kids is still a challenge. But a blend of gentle chiropractic techniques, functional neurology, and at-home efforts can make a difference, Husmillo says.
“When kids get the proper input, their brains can start to make those important connections again,” Husmillo says. “It’s about creating the right environment so they can get back to being themselves.”
Chiropractic Lifestyle Studio and Functional Neurology Center is a wellness center in Royal Oak, Michigan. To discover more, visit the CLS website.
