Headache is found in 90% of car wreck patients, and there are many distinct likely causes.
Cervicogenic headache pain are certainly the most common after an auto collision. Cervicogenic means "originating in the neck" and these headaches are brought about by by inflammation of the nerves that travel through the head and neck. These nerves are irritated either directly from the collision or as a consequence of ligament or disc damage in the spinal column.
Tension headaches are also commonly seen, as the muscle tissue can be injured in a crash, causing them to spasm.
Vascular symptoms, or injury to the blood vessels in your neck, are less common, but can be dangerous. Signs or symptoms of vascular injury are dizziness, faintness, blurred vision, neck pain, and headache.
Brain injury can also cause headaches. If you hit your head during the collision, or if it was a high speed collision, you may have suffered a traumatic brain injury. Brain injury, even "mild" cases, can have long-term effects on your health and productivity.
Finally, migraines are another category of headache that has been reported after an auto injury. Studies have shown that chiropractic can be an excellent way to manage migraines.
Headache can be a symptom of a more serious injury, so it's important to have your chiropractor do a careful exam after a car crash.
If you've been in an auto collision and have headache symptoms, Dr. Stern is here to help. We can help pinpoint the underlying source of your problem and develop a treatment plan to help you reclaim your health. We have helped many people in San Francisco, CA improve from these sorts of problems.
Call our office today at (415) 308-7636 for a consultation or for more information.