One of the most common causes of post-accident headaches is whiplash. This occurs when the head and neck are jolted forward and then snapped back, causing the neck muscles to stretch and strain. Whiplash can result from rear-end collisions, but it can also occur in other types of accidents, such as T-bone or head-on collisions. You don’t necessarily have to hit your head to experience a headache.
Another cause of post-accident headaches is a concussion. This occurs when the brain is forcefully moved around inside the skull, causing a temporary disruption in normal brain function. Concussions can result from any type of car accident.
Car accidents can also cause pinched nerves that lead to headaches. The forceful impact of a crash can cause nerve roots in the cervical spine to become compressed or pinched. This may also lead to disc herniation or irritation of the greater occipital nerve, which is located at the base of the skull.