ACCIDENT INJURY CARE
Headaches After a Car Accident
Headaches that started after your crash aren’t random — they’re one of the most common post-accident symptoms, and they usually trace back to your neck. Get evaluated in Peoria today.
Why Crashes Cause Headaches
The most common post-accident headache is cervicogenic — pain generated by injured joints, discs, and muscles in the upper neck and referred into the head. It typically starts at the base of the skull and can wrap toward the temples or behind the eyes. Tension-type headaches from muscle guarding are also common in the days after a collision.
These headaches often appear 24–72 hours after the crash, alongside neck stiffness, and can persist for months if the underlying neck injury is never treated.
Rule Out the Serious Causes First
Headache after a crash can occasionally signal concussion or another head injury. If you experience confusion, repeated vomiting, worsening headache, slurred speech, or unusual drowsiness, go to the emergency room. Our examination screens for these red flags, and we refer for medical imaging whenever it’s warranted.
Cervicogenic Headaches
Pain referred from injured neck joints and muscles — starts at the skull base, wraps forward.
Tension-Type Headaches
Band-like pressure from post-crash muscle guarding and stress.
Concussion Warning Signs
Confusion, nausea, light sensitivity, or worsening headache — seek medical evaluation promptly.
Headaches since your accident?
They usually start in the neck — and that’s treatable. Same-day exams available.
Treating the Cause, Not Just the Pain
Pain relievers mask post-accident headaches; they don’t fix them. Dr. Mitchell examines your cervical spine to find the joints and tissues generating the pain, then treats them directly — gentle upper-cervical adjustments, soft tissue work for the suboccipital muscles, and posture and mobility exercises that prevent recurrence.
Most patients notice headache frequency and intensity dropping as neck function is restored over the first weeks of care.
Your Claim Documentation
Headaches are easy for the other side to dismiss — unless they’re documented. We record onset, frequency, severity, and response to treatment at every visit, creating the paper trail your injury claim needs.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Untreated, weeks to months — some become chronic. With treatment addressing the neck injury behind them, most patients improve significantly within the first few weeks of care.
If you hit your head, lost consciousness, or have confusion, nausea, or light sensitivity, get medically evaluated promptly. We screen every accident patient for concussion red flags and refer when indicated.
Cervicogenic and tension-type headaches respond well to chiropractic care because the pain source is in the neck — the joints and muscles chiropractic directly treats.
Injured in an accident? Get seen today.
Same-day exams, on-site digital X-rays, and $0 out-of-pocket options. Call now or request an appointment online.