Headache Treatment After a Car Accident

Headaches or migraines are a frequent complaint after an auto accident, with many people experiencing headaches that last longer than three weeks post-accident. Fortunately, your chiropractor near you at Advanced Chiropractic Group in Santa Barbara, CA, can treat headache/migraine symptoms with holistic and non-invasive care. Continue reading to learn about the most common headache and migraine types after a car accident and how we can treat them.

Common Headache/Migraine Types After a Car Accident

Auto accidents can cause several types of headaches or migraines due to the force of the collision and rapid movement of your head and neck. Some of the most common headaches and migraines you can experience are:

• Post-traumatic: Post-traumatic headaches typically occur due to a head or neck injury from the collision. This headache can be the result of neck trauma or signal more severe conditions like a concussion or brain damage.
• Concussion: Headaches are a symptom of a concussion. Most concussions are mild, but more severe concussions can be life-threatening. Concussions require prompt evaluation and treatment.
• Whiplash: Whiplash occurs when your neck whips back and forth during a collision, causing strain to your neck muscles. This strain can lead to painful headaches or migraines.
• Pinched nerve: Pinched nerve headaches occur when pressure on the nerves travels to the head and triggers headaches or migraines. Disc compression or herniated discs can cause this headache and migraine type.

Chiropractic Care for Headaches and Migraines

Chiropractic care for headaches and migraines begins with a thorough evaluation to determine the cause of your pain. Once your chiropractor near you understands the underlying cause of your headache or migraine, they can create a customized treatment plan that may include one or a combination of the following:

Chiropractic Adjustment 

The first treatment your chiropractor will likely recommend for headaches and migraines is a chiropractic adjustment. Since the force of a car accident can cause misalignments in your spine and neck, your chiropractor can use adjustments to restore proper alignment and alleviate pain. This technique can increase blood flow, reduce inflammation, and improve your range of motion. Adjustments can also enhance the function of your nervous system and limit the frequency of your headaches or migraines.

Therapeutic Exercises

Your chiropractor may recommend therapeutic exercises to treat your headache or migraine. These exercises can help you regain flexibility and range of motion in the head and neck. They can also relieve muscle tension and strengthen your body to maintain proper alignment, reducing headache or migraine frequency and severity.

Massage Therapy 

Massage therapy is often an effective complementary technique in chiropractic treatment plans. This therapy can relieve muscle tension, increase blood flow, and reduce inflammation. Doing this can help alleviate headache or migraine pain while boosting your body’s immune function to prevent chronic headaches or migraines.

Visit Your Chiropractor Near You at Advanced Chiropractic Group for Headache/Migraine Relief

If you are searching for headache or migraine treatment near me after an auto accident, contact Advanced Chiropractic Group in Santa Barbara, CA, today. We offer multiple chiropractic techniques to alleviate pain while reducing the frequency and severity of your headaches or migraines. Call us and schedule a consultation today at (805) 681-7322.