Waking up with a headache a day or two after a car accident is a frustrating experience.
You might wonder if you bumped your head without realizing it, but very often, post-accident headaches actually start in the neck.
When a vehicle is struck, the sudden whipping motion of the head strains the muscles and ligaments supporting the cervical spine. This is commonly known as whiplash. Even in low-speed collisions, this rapid movement can irritate the nerves that travel from the upper neck into the head.
The result is often a tension headache or a cervicogenic headache. These headaches typically start at the base of the skull and radiate upward, sometimes causing pressure behind the eyes or across the forehead. They are frequently accompanied by a stiff neck, making it difficult to turn your head to check traffic or look over your shoulder.
Taking medication might dull the ache temporarily, but it does not fix the underlying strain in the neck. Chiropractic care takes a different approach. At Marshall Chiropractic, the focus is on locating the specific areas of tension and joint restriction causing the headache.
Dr. Ryan Marshall uses targeted adjustments and therapy to relieve the pressure on the upper neck and help the muscles relax. By restoring proper movement to the cervical spine, the irritation that causes the headache is reduced.
If you are struggling with headaches or neck stiffness after an auto accident, a proper evaluation is the best place to start. Call Marshall Chiropractic in Tulsa at (918) 494-0929 to discuss your symptoms and learn how to find relief.
