Sports medicine doctors help to treat individuals who experience injuries related to sports events. And, these injuries may include concussions. After you sustain the concussion, your physician will help to make sure that you do not experience one in the future. Keep reading to learn about some things that your doctor will inform you about concerning concussion prevention.

Helmet Fitting

Helmets are instrumental in keeping your head safe while you play football or any other high-impact sport. However, most athletes will wear helmets that simply do not fit correctly. This allows for too much movement of the head and increases your chances of experiencing a concussion. So, it is wise to make sure that your helmet fits correctly by purchasing the correct size. 

Helmets will differ in shape and protection depending on the sport you play and football ones have the most substantial coverage. These helmets should cover the entire head with ear holes that line up with the ear canals. The base of the skull should be covered by the back of the helmet and the strap should be able to be tightened enough that it fits snug on the shin. Once the helmet is placed on the head, you should feel pressure on the very crown portion of the head when tapping on the helmet. If you pressure along the forehead, then you will need a better fitting product. 

There also should be no space between the pads that line the cheeks and the face. And, the helmet should be certified by the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE). If you are getting a helmet for a different sport, then make sure that you use some of the same tactics to ensure fit. Mainly, a snug fit with complete coverage is ideal.

Neck Strengthening

Concussions occur due to the movement of the neck that causes the brain to hit the inside structure of the skull. A concussion is far more likely if your neck muscles are not strong enough to keep your head in a vertical position. For this reason, it is wise to strengthen the muscles to prevent a concussion. Your sports medicine doctor can help you to learn some of the right exercises to help with this.

Some examples of these exercises include chin tucks, prone cobras, back burns, and some shoulder exercises. Many of these exercises involve placing pressure and stress on the head in a way that the neck muscles must contract to provide support. Ask your sports medicine doctor to demonstrate the exercises and to tell you how often and how many of the exercises should be completed.