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Could Headaches Be Caused By an Auto Accident?

Written By Reyna Chiropractic Clinic on March 23, 2025

A woman with a headache rubbing her temples with her fingers.Auto accidents can cause many different types of injuries on any part of the body, including neck and head trauma. After an accident in Fresno, CA, it’s important to seek care right away, especially if you develop a headache. Headaches aren’t only debilitating; in some cases, they can be indicative of a concussion caused by the crash.

At Reyna Chiropractic Clinic, Dr. Jaime Reyna takes a whole-person approach to wellness. He’ll do a thorough evaluation to diagnose your head and neck dysfunction, and then develop a customized treatment plan that fits your needs.

How Auto Accidents Can Cause Headaches

Headaches can be caused by auto accidents in a number of different ways. One cause of post-traumatic headaches is when objects inside the car become projectiles and strike the head. Even if nothing hits the head; however, a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can occur from the force of the sudden deceleration of the vehicle.

Headaches can develop even in the absence of concussions. When the soft tissues in the neck become overextended and develop microtears, whiplash symptoms are the result. Whiplash patients are prone to headaches due to nerve dysfunction.

Types of Headaches Caused By Auto Accidents

Auto accidents can cause many different types of headaches. These include post-traumatic headaches, which can develop within seven days of suffering a TBI. Cervicogenic headaches may arise from whiplash. Cervicogenic headaches are often characterized by pain on one side of the head, as well as on the back of the head.

Sometimes, car crashes can trigger migraine attacks. The headache pain may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. It’s less common for accidents to trigger cluster headaches (very painful headache pain that occurs in cycles), yet it’s possible.

Chiropractic Treatment for Car Crash Victims

Our chiropractor in Fresno provides holistic care for car crash survivors suffering from post-accident headaches. Dr. Reyna can perform gentle cervical spine adjustments to align the vertebrae in the neck that may be impinging on nerves and causing symptoms like headaches and dizziness. This can be helpful for patients with any type of headache, including those caused by concussions.

Other treatment modalities that may be appropriate for you could include:

  • Interferential electrical muscle stimulation
  • Moist heat therapy
  • Microamperage neural stimulation (Can be particularly effective for migraines)
  • Therapeutic stretching and corrective exercises

Consult Our Experienced Chiropractor in Fresno

Dr. Jaime Reyna has been providing patient-centered chiropractic care in Fresno since 1985. He collaborates closely with each patient, working to restore optimal wellness and improve quality of life. An experienced auto accident chiropractor, Dr. Reyna maintains a referral relationship with multiple personal injury attorneys in the area, as well as with other medical specialists such as neurologists. Schedule an appointment at our chiropractic clinic today. Hablamos Espanol.


Posted In: Chiropractic Auto Injury Treatment Headache Treatment