Car accidents can happen at any time, even when traveling a short distance. These accidents often cause injuries that can lead to headaches. The seriousness of the headache depends on the type of injury and the severity of force on the body as a result of the accident. Our Staff at The Accident and Injury Team are here to help you with whatever kind of headache you may be suffering from.

Causes of Headaches After a Car Accident

Whiplash: This is an injury that happens when an accident causes your head to be vigorously flung backwards and forwards. This forceful movement can injure nerves, neck tissues, bones within the spine, and muscles. Many individuals who have experienced whiplash recover within weeks while others have continuous pain for months or even years. You could potentially have chronic pain if your initial pain is severe and includes other symptoms such as:

• Restricted range-of-motion
• Spreading of pain to your arms
• Serious neck pain

Concussion: A concussion is caused by a blow to the head during an accident, where the brain bounces backward and forward inside of the skull. Shortly after an accident or days later, you may experience confusion, memory loss, dizziness, blurred vision, or nausea for a period of time. Most individuals make a full recovery following a concussion. Symptoms may persist for weeks and also include:

• Headaches
• Sleep issues (sleeping too little or too much, fatigue, difficulty falling asleep)
• Memory issues (confusion, difficulty concentrating)
• Slurred speech
• Dazed appearance
• Delayed response to questions

Traumatic brain injury: This type of injury can have a broad range of psychological and physical effects. While some symptoms present themselves immediately, others may evolve days or even weeks later. Symptoms of mild traumatic brain injury include:

• Confused or disoriented state
• Temporarily losing consciousness
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Speech problems
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness

What a Chiropractor Can Do

Our chiropractors can perform treatments like chiropractic adjustments to enhance spinal function and relieve the stress placed on your system. Our team may give recommendations on diet and posture changes including advice on exercises, posture, and relaxation methods. By following our recommended advice, you should feel some relief of your muscle tension of the upper back and neck.

When to Seek Care

Even if you do not have serious issues post-collision, you may have internal damage that will go unnoticed until the problem becomes severe. If you are experiencing ongoing headaches due to an auto accident injury, contact The Accident and Injury Team, serving Boston, Stoughton, Lawrence, Malden and the surrounding areas. We are here to help you get back to feeling better!