Head pain is found in 90% of auto collision patients, and there are many distinct possible causes.
Cervicogenic headaches are certainly the most common after a car crash. Cervicogenic means "originating in the neck" and these headaches are caused by irritation of the nerves that travel through the head and neck. These nerve fibers are irritated either directly from the collision or as a result of ligament or disc damage in the spine.
Tension headaches are also frequent, as the muscle tissue can be damaged in a crash, causing them to spasm.
Vascular symptoms, or damage to the arteries in your neck, are less common, but can be very serious. Signs of vascular injury are dizziness, faintness, blurred vision, neck pain, and headache.
Mild traumatic brain injury can also trigger headaches. If you hit your head during the wreck, or if it was a high speed collision, you may have sustained a traumatic brain injury. Brain injury, even "mild" cases, can have lasting effects on your well-being and productivity.
Finally, migraines are another kind of headache that has been reported after an auto collision. Research indicates that chiropractic can be an effective way to manage migraines.
Headache can be a symptom of a more serious injury, so it's imperative to have your Arlington chiropractor do a careful exam soon after a car crash.
If you've been in a car crash and have headache symptoms, Dr. Ernst is here to help. We can help identify the underlying source of your pain and formulate a plan of action to help you restore your health. We have helped many patients in Arlington, WA improve from these types of problems.
Call our office today at (360) 659-8464 for a consultation or for more advice.