top of page
Search

A More Holistic Approach to Concussion Pain Management

  • mabsnetworkbc
  • May 31
  • 2 min read
A More Holistic Approach to Concussion Pain Management
A More Holistic Approach to Concussion Pain Management

Many believe that pain arises solely from physical injury. While a concussion could involve physical force that causes headache and neck pain, current research shows that pain involves more than just physical injury.


Earlier pain theories, such as the specificity theory and intensity theory, suggest that pain is proportional to the extent of physical injury. With a more holistic psychological view, researchers have found pain is a subjective experience shaped by both physical and psychological factors.


Neuromatrix Theory 


The body-self neuromatrix, the network of neurons across the central nervous system, integrates sensory, emotional, and cognitive inputs to generate the experience of pain.

This helps to explain why concussion symptoms can be influenced by stress, fatigue, and mental load. Therefore, effective pain treatment requires going beyond a biological approach and adopting psychological and social approaches.


Pain Management for Concussions Using the Biopsychosocial Approach  


Biological Treatments


  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol) 

  • Manual Therapy

  • Corrective Exercise


Psychological Treatments


  • Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

  • Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)

  • Pacing


Social Treatments


  • Occupational Therapy (OT)

  • Concussion Support Groups 

  • Community Recreational Activities 


There are many more treatments for concussion than what I have listed. As scientific understanding of concussions continues to evolve, so will the treatments. 

The blog is for informative and educational purposes only. Everyone’s recovery path is unique. Before proceeding with any of the suggestions, please seek professional help. 


-Cindy Wang

Member of Mind & Brain Student NetworkBC




References

  1. Clinic Services. (2026). Shift Concussion Management. https://www.shiftconcussion.ca/clinic/services

  2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. (2026). Concussion Alliance. https://www.concussionalliance.org/cognitive-behavioral-therapy

  3. Concussion. (2024, January 12). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/concussion/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355600

  4. Iannetti, G. D., & Mouraux, A. (2010). From the neuromatrix to the pain matrix (and back). Experimental Brain Research, 205(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00221-010-2340-1

  5. Moayedi, M., & Davis, K. D. (2013). Theories of pain: from specificity to gate control. Journal of Neurophysiology, 109(1), 5–12. https://doi.org/10.1152/jn.00457.2012

  6. Modi, J. (2023, March 9). How to Know if You Have a Concussion. BuzzRx. https://www.buzzrx.com/blog/how-to-know-if-you-have-a-concussion

  7. Register-Mihalik, J. K., DeFreese, J. D., Callahan, C. E., & Carneiro, K. (2020). Utilizing the biopsychosocial model in concussion treatment: Post-traumatic headache and beyond. Current Pain and Headache Reports, 24(8), 44. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-020-00870-y

  8. Return-to-Activity / Work / School Considerations. (2026). Concussionsontario.org. https://concussionsontario.org/concussion/guideline-section/return-to-activity_work_school_considerations

  9. Ruttan, L. (2026, May 5). Strategies for improving mental health after concussion. Uhn.Ca. https://www.uhn.ca/Krembil/Canadian-Concussion-Centre/Education/Documents/CCCWebinar-Winter2026-MentalHealth.pdf

  10. Tips to Help Your Friend or Family Member with Socializing. (2024). Braininjurycanada.Ca. https://braininjurycanada.ca/en/caregiver/living-brain-injury/social-life/tips/



Comments

bottom of page