Headaches After Car Accidents

In this video, Dr. Ryan Konairk of Balance Chiropractor Center in Crosby, Texas, discusses headaches following an auto accident.  Dr. Konairk notes that the majority of people who have been in auto accidents have headaches resulting from injuries.  He specifically discusses cervicogenic headaches, which are headaches that originate from the spine.  He noted that in auto accidents there is typically a twisting and turning of the spine on impact, which can result in muscle spasm and injury to the spinal muscles.  Once the muscles are injured, there is typically decreased motion at the top two levels of the spine, C1 and C2.   Specifically, there is decreased motion in the posterior spinal joints which are called facet joints.  The decreased motion in the joints has the potential to irritate nerves, specifically the occipital nerves, which can result in a cervicogenic headache.  Typically, these are unilateral, or one-sided headaches, that start at the base of the skull but can migrate forward into the back of the eye.  These headaches can also mimic other types of headaches, such as migraine and cluster headaches.  Normal treatment for cervicogenic headaches can include anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxers.  As a chiropractor with specific training in auto injuries, Dr. Konairk utilizes trigger-point therapy to the muscles of the neck and shoulders to reduce the muscle spasm, followed by gentle manipulation to restore motion to the joints that have been injured.

For more information on Dr. Ryan Konarik or Balance Chiropractic Center, please call 281-462-2500

Houston Injury Solutions Network
1200 East Main Street
League City TX 77573
Phone: 281-557-6882