Headaches After a Car Accident

By Benjamin McCay, DC, CCSP

Published July 7, 2026

Introduction

Headaches are among the most common complaints following a motor vehicle accident. Whether the collision is a rear-end impact, side-impact crash, or front-end collision, the forces transmitted through the head and neck can result in several different types of headaches.

Some headaches develop immediately after the accident, while others may not appear until hours or even days later. Although many post-accident headaches improve with appropriate treatment, persistent or worsening headaches should always be evaluated to rule out more serious injuries.

Understanding the possible causes of headaches after a car accident can help you recognize when medical evaluation is appropriate and what treatment options may be available.

Why Do Headaches Occur After a Car Accident?

A motor vehicle collision exposes the head and neck to sudden acceleration and deceleration forces.

Even if the head never strikes an object, these forces can injure muscles, ligaments, joints, fascia, nerves, and the brain itself. In our clinic, many patients are surprised to learn that headaches often originate from injured muscles and joints in the neck rather than from a direct injury to the head.

Common causes of post-accident headaches include:

• Whiplash injuries
• Muscle strain
• Cervicogenic headaches
• Concussion
• Facet joint irritation
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction
• Stress and muscle tension

Identifying the source of the headache is an important part of developing an effective treatment plan.

Common Types of Headaches After a Car Accident

Cervicogenic Headaches

One of the most common headaches following a collision is a cervicogenic headache.

These headaches originate from structures within the neck and often occur after whiplash injuries.

Symptoms may include:

• Pain beginning at the base of the skull
• Pain radiating toward the forehead
• Headache worsened by neck movement
• Neck stiffness
• Reduced range of motion

Tension-Type Headaches

Muscle tightness following a collision may produce tension headaches.

Symptoms often include:

• Dull, aching pain
• Pressure around the forehead
• Tight muscles in the neck and shoulders
• Pain that worsens with stress or prolonged sitting

Concussion-Related Headaches

Headaches are one of the most common symptoms of a concussion.

These headaches may be accompanied by:

• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Light sensitivity
• Sound sensitivity
• Difficulty concentrating
• Fatigue

Anyone with suspected concussion symptoms should seek medical evaluation.

Migraine Headaches

Motor vehicle accidents may trigger migraine headaches in susceptible individuals.

Migraines commonly produce:

• Throbbing pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Sensitivity to light
• Sensitivity to sound

When Do Headaches Start?

Headaches may develop:

• Immediately after the collision
• Several hours later
• The following day
• Several days after the accident

Delayed headaches are common because inflammation and muscle tightness often develop gradually after injury.

Associated Symptoms

Headaches frequently occur along with:

• Neck pain
• Shoulder pain
• Upper back pain
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating

These associated symptoms often help identify the underlying cause of the headache.

Warning Signs That Require Immediate Medical Attention

Seek emergency medical care immediately if you experience:

• Severe or worsening headache
• Loss of consciousness
• Repeated vomiting
• Confusion
• Difficulty speaking
• Seizures
• Weakness
• Loss of coordination
• Vision loss

These symptoms may indicate a more serious injury requiring urgent evaluation.

How Are Post-Accident Headaches Diagnosed?

Diagnosis begins with a detailed history and physical examination.

Your healthcare provider may evaluate:

• Neck mobility
• Neurological function
• Muscle tenderness
• Reflexes
• Sensory changes
• Balance
• Cranial nerve function

Additional testing may include:

X-Rays

Used to evaluate fractures or spinal alignment.

MRI

May be recommended when soft tissue injury, disc injury, or neurological symptoms are suspected.

CT Scan

Often used to evaluate suspected head injuries or fractures following significant trauma.

Treatment for Headaches After a Car Accident

Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the headache.

Chiropractic Care

When headaches originate from the neck, chiropractic treatment may help restore normal joint motion, reduce muscle tension, and improve function.

Treatment may include:

• Spinal manipulation
• Joint mobilization
• Soft tissue therapy
• Rehabilitation exercises

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy may help reduce muscle tension contributing to tension headaches and cervicogenic headaches.

Therapeutic Exercise

Exercises may improve:

• Neck mobility
• Posture
• Muscle strength
• Long-term function

Medical Management

Some patients may require medication, neurological evaluation, or referral to an appropriate specialist.

Can Headaches Become Chronic?

Yes.

Persistent headaches may occur if the underlying injury is not properly diagnosed or treated.

Early evaluation may reduce the risk of long-term symptoms and help guide appropriate treatment.

Headache Treatment After a Car Accident in Everett and Lynnwood

At Advanced Chiropractic & Massage, we evaluate patients experiencing headaches following motor vehicle accidents.

By identifying the underlying source of pain—whether related to the neck, muscles, joints, or other structures—we develop individualized treatment plans designed to restore function and support recovery.

If you develop headaches after a collision, early evaluation may help identify injuries before they become chronic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal to have headaches after a car accident?

Yes. Headaches are one of the most common symptoms following a motor vehicle collision.

Can headaches start days after an accident?

Yes. Delayed headaches frequently occur as inflammation and muscle tension develop.

Are headaches always caused by a concussion?

No. Many headaches originate from the neck and surrounding soft tissues rather than the brain itself.

Should I get an MRI for headaches after a car accident?

MRI may be appropriate depending on your symptoms, neurological findings, and clinical examination.

Can chiropractic care help headaches after a car accident?

Many patients with cervicogenic headaches or neck-related headaches benefit from chiropractic treatment as part of a comprehensive recovery plan.