Headaches After a Car Accident? Here’s What You Need to Know

Written by Dr. Chitra Rajendran on May 16, 2025

Headaches After a Car Accident in Fleming Island, FL

If you’ve recently been in a car accident and are now experiencing frequent headaches, you’re not alone. Post-accident headaches are a common symptom that can develop immediately or even days after the incident. At Pain to Wellness Chiropractic in Fleming Island, FL, we specialize in helping patients recover from car accident injuries—headaches included.

Understanding what’s causing your headaches is the first step to finding lasting relief.

What Causes Headaches After a Car Accident?

Several factors can contribute to the development of headaches following an auto accident. These are the most common causes we see in our clinic:

1. Whiplash-Related Injuries

Whiplash is one of the most common injuries after a car crash, especially rear-end collisions. The sudden, forceful movement of the head and neck can strain muscles, ligaments, and joints, leading to tension headaches or cervicogenic headaches that start in the neck and radiate to the head.

2. Concussion or Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

Even without direct impact to the head, the force of an accident can cause the brain to jolt inside the skull, resulting in a concussion. This can cause persistent headaches, dizziness, nausea, and sensitivity to light or sound.

3. Spinal Misalignment

A collision can knock the spine out of alignment, especially in the cervical (neck) region. This can irritate nerves and reduce mobility, which often leads to chronic headaches or migraines.

4. Pinched Nerves

When spinal misalignments compress or pinch nerves in the neck or upper back, the pain can radiate up to the head, causing sharp or shooting headaches. These are often accompanied by numbness or tingling in the arms or hands.

5. Muscle Tension and Stress

Physical and emotional stress following an accident can cause muscles in the shoulders and neck to tighten, triggering tension-type headaches. Stress-related headaches can worsen over time if not addressed properly.

Why Chiropractic Care Is Essential After a Car Accident

At Pain to Wellness Chiropractic, we take a comprehensive, natural approach to treating post-accident symptoms. Our goal is to not just relieve your pain but to address the root cause of your headaches.

Here’s how chiropractic care can help:

Realign the spine to relieve nerve pressure

Reduce inflammation and muscle tension

Improve blood flow and healing in injured tissues

Restore proper neck and upper back function

Help prevent long-term chronic pain or complications

We use safe, gentle chiropractic adjustments and customized care plans tailored to your specific needs.

When to See a Chiropractor

If you’ve been involved in a car accident—even a minor one—it’s important to get evaluated, especially if you’re experiencing headaches, neck pain, or dizziness. Symptoms may not appear right away, but early treatment can help prevent them from becoming chronic.

Get Natural Relief from Post-Accident Headaches

Don’t wait for your symptoms to get worse. If you’re dealing with headaches after a car accident in Fleming Island, Orange Park, or Middleburg, Pain to Wellness Chiropractic is here to help.

📍 Visit us at:
3535 Hwy 17 Unit 11, Fleming Island, FL 32003
📞 Call us today at 904-644-8100
🌐 Learn more or book online at www.ptwclinic.com