
Managing Headaches and Migraines After a Car Accident

Car accidents, even ones that seem minor, can cause lingering pain that affects your daily life. One of the most common complaints following a crash is the onset of frequent headaches or migraines. These can range from mild discomfort to debilitating pain that makes it difficult to work, sleep, or enjoy daily activities.
Ioannis Skaribas, MD, DABA, FASA, of Expert Pain in Houston, Texas, offers evaluation and treatment of headaches and migraines, including those experienced following a motor vehicle incident.
Keep reading to discover why post-accident headaches occur and how they can be treated.
Why headaches happen after a car accident
Even if you walk away from an accident without visible injuries, your body often absorbs a significant amount of force. This can lead to head and neck injuries that cause headaches, including:
Whiplash or neck strain
Sudden jerking of your head can strain muscles, ligaments, and joints, often leading to tension headaches.
Concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI)
A blow to the head, or even a sharp jolt, can cause post-concussion headaches or migraines.
Nerve irritation
Pinched or irritated nerves in the neck or upper back may radiate pain into the head.
Muscle tension
Stress and muscle tightness after the accident can trigger tension-type headaches.
Medication or stress
Pain medications, emotional stress, and disrupted sleep patterns can also contribute to post-accident headache pain.
When you need medical attention
While occasional headaches are common, post-accident headaches should not be ignored, especially if they’re severe, persistent, or worsen over time.
Seek care if your headaches are accompanied by nausea, dizziness, or blurred vision. You should also come in for an evaluation if your headaches are triggered by certain movements or positions. Headaches or migraines that affect your ability to concentrate or sleep are also of concern.
Prompt evaluation ensures that any serious conditions, such as concussion or internal injury, are addressed quickly.
Treatment for post-accident headaches
At Expert Pain, Dr. Skaribas tailors your treatment to the primary cause of your headaches or migraines.
Your treatment plan may include:
- Non-opioid pain relievers, muscle relaxants, or migraine-specific therapies
- Nerve blocks and injections
- Physical therapy to restore neck mobility, improve posture, and reduce muscle strain
- Advanced options such as trigger point injections or occipital nerve blocks for persistent pain
Our team can also offer guidance on improving sleep, reducing stress, and adopting healthy routines that help minimize headache triggers.
Find relief for your headache pain
Living with headaches or migraines after a car accident can affect your quality of life. With our comprehensive evaluations and care, most people experience significant relief and can return to their daily activities, restoring their well-being.
If you’ve been in a car accident and are struggling with persistent headaches or migraines, set up an evaluation to determine the underlying cause and create a treatment plan designed specifically for you.
Contact Expert Pain today to schedule an appointment and learn more about your treatment options for after an auto accident.
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