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Headaches After a Car Accident

A car accident, even a "minor" fender bender, can result in a serious injury to the head and neck that causes headaches. While headaches can occur soon after an accident or later on, they may indicate a more serious problem. That's why it's vital to seek timely treatment with a reputable provider to resolve the issue. Learn more about headaches after a car accident and the benefits of chiropractic injury care to live pain-free.

Why Headaches Occur Post-Accident

Headaches are common after a car collision since you may be knocked out or have your neck jerked around, which then causes pain in your head. Headaches usually appear in the first few days following an accident, but some people experience them later. If the head injuries are severe enough, brain damage may result. Seek medical attention right away after an auto accident, especially in the event of headaches or migraines.

6 Common Types of Car Accident Headaches

It's helpful to understand the type of accident-related headache you're dealing with so it's easier to communicate with your treatment provider about your head and neck pain. Of course, it's not necessary for you to know the exact headache type you have as Metro Chirowell will thoroughly review your injury symptoms with you to ensure the best treatment plan moving forward.

Take a look at the six most common headaches after a car accident to get a clearer idea of your current condition:

1. 1. Concussion Headaches - A concussion is a serious type of injury to the brain. It happens when the brain strikes the inside of the skull, which causes bleeding into the brain tissue. Concussion symptoms include headache, nausea, blurred vision, and ringing in the ears. Head injuries can lead to long-term effects, such as learning disabilities, depression, and chronic pain.


2. 2. Fracture Headaches - Headaches caused by fractures are usually intense and can last up to several days. However, brain injuries are rarely seen. Headaches are usually in the neck and back, as well as can be localized close to an injury site. Nausea, confusion, slurred speech, or seizures might occur depending on the severity of the fracture.


3. 3. Muscle Strain/Spasm Headaches - Headaches can occur for any number of reasons, including injuries or strains to the muscles of the skull, neck, or upper spine. During a car collision, this is especially likely when a sudden impact causes the soft muscle tissue in these areas to strain or spasm. Symptoms may include a headache, reduced range of motion, painful movement, tenderness or reddening in the affected area, or swelling.


4. 4. Pinched Nerve Headaches - Spinal nerve compression can occur when there's an injury to the spine or when there's a herniation of one of the discs in the spine. When there's irritation to the greater occipital nerve, located at the base of the skull, a variety of symptoms can occur: pain, tender­ness, burning, numb­ness, and ting­ling from the base of your skull up the back of your head. It may also feel tender to the touch.


5. 5. Post-Traumatic Headaches - Post-traumatic headaches usually appear within hours to days after a car accident, but they may sometimes be delayed. A typical symptom is neck pain radiating to the head, which presents as a headache. Brain damage caused by an auto accident can lead to post-traumatic headaches.


6. 6. Whiplash Headaches - A whiplash injury is caused by a sudden force upon your head and neck. Your neck gets strained because of this sudden force. Whiplash might cause you to feel a headache, neck pain, dizziness, and fatigue. These symptoms could last for several days after the car accident.

Seek Treatment to Relieve Headaches

Headaches after an auto accident are common, whether it's from an injury sustained at the time or simply the stress of the situation. While there are different types of headaches, what they all share in common is they must be treated right away. However, it's crucial to find a treatment provider near you that's experienced with car accident injuries to ensure quality care.

Chiropractic Headache Injury Care

Dr. Rob founded Metro Chirowell because he saw the rising need for state-of-the-art care for car accident injuries in Metro West Orlando. Chiropractic injury care is a natural non-invasive way to rehab injuries following an auto collision. We specialize in treating accident-related headaches, neck and shoulder pain, numbness, and more.

Metro Chriowell genuinely cares about your wellbeing, from providing attentive care to curating all the paperwork necessary for your insurance. Contact us today to see what our team will do for you to live pain-free from car accident injuries.