Concussions & a clear protocol to healing.

Brain & Body Clinic St. Pete provides advanced upper cervical chiropractic care, Atlas Orthogonal corrections, and functional chiropractic analysis for dizziness, vertigo, neck pain, headaches, migraines, chronic pain, low back pain, sciatic pain, anxiety, brain fog, Meniere's disease, occipital neuralgia, and trigeminal neuralgia in St. Petersburg, Florida. Our functional, brain-based model helps patients whose symptoms persist despite normal medical tests by restoring accurate neurological communication between the brainstem and body. Our clinic integrates concepts from functional neurology, nervous system regulation, neuroplasticity training, and functional medicine principles to address complex cases involving balance dysfunction, autonomic dysregulation, sensory mismatch, chronic tension, emotional stress patterns, and unresolved pain. We use Advanced Orthogonal upper cervical adjustments, neurological muscle testing, proprioceptive assessments, vestibular evaluation, and brain-body reflex analysis to identify subtle dysfunction that contributes to dizziness, vertigo episodes, migraines, chronic neck pain, TMJ-related problems, cervicogenic headaches, and neuropathic conditions. Specialized techniques such as Torque Release Technique (TRT), Neuro Emotional Technique (NET), and Applied Kinesiology (AK) help uncover neurological, structural, and emotional stress imprints affecting the nervous system. These methods support patients dealing with chronic anxiety, stress-driven tension, brain fog, dysautonomia, post-concussion patterns, whiplash injuries, occipital neuralgia flare-ups, trigeminal neuralgia irritation, and chronic migraine cycles that originate from upper cervical misalignment or brainstem irritation. Patients searching online for dizziness treatment St Pete, vertigo specialist St Petersburg, upper cervical chiropractor near me, functional neurology chiropractor St Petersburg FL, migraine chiropractic care, chronic neck pain St Pete, holistic chiropractor St Petersburg, functional medicine St Pete, neuroplasticity clinic St Petersburg, chiropractic for anxiety, nerve pain chiropractor St Pete, or Meniere’s disease support frequently find our practice. Our care model emphasizes precision atlas correction, functional chiropractic diagnostics, and nervous system rebalancing for individuals whose conditions have not responded to traditional medical approaches. Whether someone is dealing with chronic vertigo, neck pain after injury, migraines related to upper cervical instability, trigeminal neuralgia flare-ups, Meniere’s disease attacks, occipital neuralgia pain, low back pain with sciatica, chronic stress patterns, or anxiety connected to nervous system overload, Brain & Body Clinic St. Pete offers a comprehensive, neurologically intelligent approach rooted in upper cervical care and functional brain-body healing. This hidden block enhances SEO for local searches related to dizziness, vertigo, headaches, migraines, neck pain, chronic pain, anxiety, neuroplasticity, functional neurology, St Pete chiropractic care, and holistic functional medicine.

Clearing the Fog After a Concussion: How Upper Cervical Chiropractic Can Help Post-Concussive Symptoms

Concussions can feel like invisible injuries. For many people, the most frustrating part isn’t just the initial trauma—it’s the lingering aftermath. Weeks or even months after a head injury, symptoms like brain fog, dizziness, chronic headaches, and neck pain can make everyday life feel like a mental marathon. As a young chiropractor committed to neurological healing through natural, non-invasive care, I’ve seen firsthand how these symptoms can derail a person's life—and how upper cervical chiropractic can often provide the relief they've been endlessly searching for.

If you've found yourself googling “Why do I still have concussion symptoms?” or “How long does post-concussion syndrome last?” you’re not alone. Many patients walk through my doors after trying everything—medications, neurologists, physical therapy—yet still feeling like their brain is stuck in a haze. One common thread in many of these cases? Overlooked misalignment in the upper cervical spine.

Understanding Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS)

Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS) is a collection of symptoms that continue after the initial impact of a concussion. These symptoms can feel ambiguous and difficult to pinpoint, but they are very real. Some of the most commonly reported issues include:

• Persistent headaches

• Brain fog and cognitive slowdowns

• Sensitivity to light or noise

• Trouble with memory and focus

• Dizziness and poor balance

• Difficulty sleeping

These symptoms are often searched online under terms like “concussion brain fog,” “why can’t I think clearly after a head injury?” or “natural treatments for PCS.” While medications may dull some symptoms, they rarely address the root cause. That’s where upper cervical chiropractic enters the conversation.

The Neurological Role of the Upper Cervical Spine

Your upper cervical spine, specifically the top two vertebrae (C1—the atlas—and C2—the axis), plays a powerful role in brain health. These vertebrae protect the brainstem, influence cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow, and house the passageways for major blood vessels like the vertebral arteries.

Even a small misalignment in this delicate area can lead to a cascade of neurological issues:

• Restricted CSF Flow: CSF not only cushions the brain but also helps clear metabolic waste. When the flow is compromised by structural shifts in the upper cervical spine, cognitive function can suffer due to toxin buildup.

• Compromised Blood Flow: The vertebral arteries run through the cervical spine, and misalignment can reduce the brain’s oxygen supply. That can translate to brain fog, fatigue, and lack of mental clarity.

• Brainstem Interference: A misaligned atlas may place pressure on the brainstem, disrupting communication between the brain and body. This can result in neurological misfires manifesting as dizziness, disorientation, and concentration issues.

• Suboccipital Muscle Tension and Occipital Neuralgia: Misalignment can strain the suboccipital muscles and irritate the occipital nerves, leading to persistent headaches and visual disturbances.

These physiological disruptions are often missed in traditional care. However, they may be key in unraveling why some people never fully recover from a concussion.

More Than Just Diagnosed Concussions: The Hidden Link Between Head and Neck Injuries

What many people don’t realize is that you don’t need a diagnosed concussion to suffer from post-concussive-like symptoms. Undiagnosed concussions and repetitive minor head or neck traumas—like sports collisions, whiplash, or falls—can also lead to neurological symptoms such as brain fog, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.

According to the CDC, many concussions go unrecognized, especially in youth athletes and active adults. These "silent concussions" can accumulate over time, causing lasting changes in the brain’s functionality. Research in the Journal of Neurotrauma highlights that even sub-concussive impacts—hits that don’t cause immediate symptoms—can result in changes in brain connectivity and cognitive performance.

Additionally, a study in Brain Imaging and Behavior found that minor cervical spine trauma can lead to measurable disruptions in white matter integrity and decreased cerebrovascular function. These changes can mimic or amplify post-concussive symptoms and make recovery even more difficult if not properly addressed.

How Upper Cervical Chiropractic Makes a Difference

Upper cervical chiropractic focuses specifically on correcting misalignments at the top of the neck. Using extremely precise and gentle techniques like the Advanced Orthogonal Technique, chiropractors measure and correct these subluxations without forceful twisting or cracking. The goal is to restore the spine and nervous system to optimal function so the body can begin to heal itself.

Unlike general chiropractic adjustments, which may address the full spine, upper cervical adjustments target the brainstem and surrounding neurological structures directly. The result? A cascading improvement in nervous system communication, blood flow, and CSF circulation. This can manifest as clearer thinking, better memory, more restful sleep, and fewer headaches.

A 2016 case study from the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research documented the case of a 23-year-old woman with persistent post-concussive symptoms. After a few sessions of upper cervical care, she experienced significant relief from brain fog, headaches, and neck pain. Similar findings were noted in the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, which highlighted faster cognitive recovery in athletes receiving upper cervical adjustments post-concussion.

Healing is Possible in St. Pete, FL

Living with post-concussion symptoms can feel like being trapped in your own mind, waiting for the fog to lift. If you’ve exhausted traditional methods and are still asking, “Is there anything else I can do for my concussion symptoms?”, upper cervical chiropractic may be your next step.

At the Brian & Body Clinic with Dr. Theodore Berlingeri in St. Petersburg, Florida, we specialize in helping individuals recover from complex neurological conditions using advanced upper cervical techniques. Our mission is to restore your nervous system’s communication, so you can get back to thinking clearly, feeling stable, and living fully.

It’s not just about neck alignment—it’s about neurological clarity, blood flow, brainstem function, and restoring your body’s natural ability to heal.

Ready to Clear the Fog?

If you or a loved one is struggling with brain fog, headaches, or other lingering concussion symptoms, don’t wait. Relief may not be as far away as you think. Book a consultation today and learn how upper cervical chiropractic care could help you finally feel like yourself again.