Do You Have a Headache After Being Rear Ended?

Do You Have a Headache After Being Rear-Ended?


Headaches are quite common following car accidents, particularly rear-end accidents. Many patients come into our wellness center suffering from headaches after they were involved in an auto accident. Although the reason for their headaches can vary, the one constant is our ability to effectively treat those headaches. Using chiropractic care and associated therapies, we are often able to help headache patients get relief from their symptoms. If your rear end accident left you with a headache, please contact us to schedule an appointment!

Types of Headaches after Rear-End Accidents

Headaches can vary in both cause and symptoms. Some of the most common headaches we see in rear-end accident victims are:

Trauma Headaches

Rear end accidents are traumatic and can cause damage to discs, nerves, muscles, bones and other soft tissues in the back and neck. All of this trauma can result in headaches – often which appear some time after the accident. The headaches could be related to pinched nerves, muscle spasms, concussion or other causes.

Muscle Spasm Headaches

Headaches that follow car accidents are often the result of muscle spasms. The whiplash effect can cause a great deal of damage to the tissues in the neck, leading the muscles to seize up in order to protect the spine. These seizing, spasming muscles create a lot of tension, including putting pressure on nerves, that can lead to headaches.

Post-Concussion Headaches

Head trauma that injures the brain can lead to headaches, even when the brain injury is minor. Your head may hit something in the car, or your brain could hit the inside of your skull as you are thrown around in the accident. Either way, if you wind up with a concussion from your rear-end accident you may find yourself dealing with headaches afterward, including migraines.

Pinched Nerve Headaches

Pinched nerves are common following rear-end accidents. Whiplash can cause the spine to misalign, discs to move or rupture, and general damage that often results in pinched nerves. When one or more nerves is pinched in the neck, it can lead to pain, throbbing and significant discomfort all the way up the neck and into the head.

Migraine Headaches

Migraine headaches can follow a car accident. The exact cause of the migraines may not be completely clear, but many car accident victims do experience migraines – sometimes for a short period, sometimes for long periods, or repeatedly.

Car Accident Headache Symptoms

Your car accident headache symptoms may arrive immediately following the accident, or they may take some time to become noticeable. Symptoms may include:

  • Tenderness to the touch
  • Shooting pains
  • Throbbing
  • Problems with vision
  • Electrical sensations
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Sensitivity to sound

The Importance of Seeing a Medical Professional

Whether you have a headache after a minor car accident, or you experience a headache after a major accident, the need to see a medical professional is the same. All car accidents warrant seeking medical care simply because it is impossible to self-diagnose all your potential injuries. While some car accident victims have immediate, obvious signs of injury – including headaches – other victims may go weeks or even months without showing symptoms. But just because you do not notice symptoms does not mean there are no injuries.

We encourage all of our patients to schedule an appointment with our chiropractic team any time they are involved in a car accident, whether a rear end accident or another kind of accident. The sooner we see you and give you a thorough examination, the more quickly we can administer treatment as necessary, get you relief for your headache and ensure you are as healthy as possible moving forward.

Headache Treatments from Your Chiropractor

We will conduct a full examination to determine the source of your headaches, and then offer you one or more treatments. These may include:

  • Chiropractic adjustments
  • Spinal decompression
  • Massage therapy
  • Physical therapy

We understand that each patient is unique, which is why you can expect to get individualized treatment based on your unique situation. We are here to help you feel better, now and far into the future.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

If you are experiencing a headache following a rear end accident, please contact us at 425-361-1839 to schedule an appointment. We are standing by to assist you!


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