You have probably had a headache before, whether it was brought on by stress or lack of sleep. These types of headaches are often easy to identify, and the symptoms tend to go away rather quickly. But if you were recently in a car accident, then you might also experience some headaches with other uncomfortable symptoms. Headaches after a car accident will often occur alongside other symptoms, especially if you have been injured. There are different types of headaches you might experience after a car accident and can also shed light on other injuries you may have sustained during the accident. Here are 5 types of headaches you might have after a car accident:
1. Muscle Strain/Spasm Headaches
The force of impact between two vehicles can shake up your whole body and affect your entire musculoskeletal system. Even what seems like a small fender-bender can actually cause you significant pain and discomfort afterward because of how your body tensed up in reaction to the car accident. Stiff, sore, and aching muscles can occur after a car accident, and it is possible to also develop headaches related to your muscle strain. Muscle spasms can also occur with a sudden accident.
2. Whiplash Headaches
Whiplash is one of the most common car accident injuries, and there are several symptoms that can help identify this type of injury, including whiplash headaches. Whiplash is a type of muscle strain that affects the muscles in your neck. In the event of a car accident, especially a rear-end collision, the force of impact can cause a sudden back and forth movement of your head and neck. When your neck muscles strain and stretch out of their normal range of motion, it can cause painful symptoms and whiplash headaches. This type of headache can start at the base of your head, and sometimes the pain can get worse with certain head and neck movements.
3. Concussion Headaches
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that can occur if you suffer a sudden blow to the head or a violent jolt due to a car accident. This type of injury can cause serious injury to the brain and affect how it works. Concussion headaches can feel similar to migraine headaches, where you may experience more sensitivity to sounds, lights, and sudden movements. Concussion headaches can be incredibly painful, and you should speak to your doctor right away if you are concerned about this type of head trauma after an accident.
4. Post-Traumatic Headaches
Trauma to the head and neck from a car accident can lead to post-traumatic headaches that start as pain in your neck that radiates into your head. Even if you didn’t suffer a concussion or whiplash, you can still experience post-traumatic headaches that develop in response to simple injuries. Post-traumatic headaches can also continue to occur in the days after an accident as the shock and adrenaline wear off, and your body fully reacts to the pain and discomfort that can follow a car accident.
5. Pinched Nerve Headaches
Pinched nerve headaches can occur if you suffer any type of compression or damage to the spine during a car accident. An injury like a herniated disc can lead to a pinched nerve, where you might experience pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness. Irritation of nerve roots can cause uncomfortable symptoms and a pinched nerve in the neck can also lead to pinched nerve headaches. This type of headache can cause pain, tenderness, and tingling that you may notice in your neck and along the back of your head.
Treating Headaches After a Car Accident
You might think getting a headache after a stressful and traumatic event like a car accident is not something to worry about. However, headaches after a car accident can also be a sign of something more serious going on. It can take hours or even days for all your symptoms to appear and realize the severity of your injuries. Find a car accident doctor near you and get checked out for any injuries after a car accident as soon as possible. Visit Accident Doctors for an easy and convenient way to search for knowledgeable and skilled car accident doctors near you.
