Headaches After a Crash: Whiplash, Migraine, or Both?

New or worsening headaches after a crash are common—and confusing. Is it “just whiplash,” a true migraine, or both? In real life, the answer is often a blend. As a fellowship-trained chiropractor in spinal biomechanics and trauma, our role is to identify whether your head pain is driven by neck structures, migraine pathways, or a combination, and to craft a plan that treats the root cause—not just the symptoms.

Why headaches follow whiplash

Rapid acceleration–deceleration strains the cervical joints, discs, ligaments, and the small muscles that stabilize each vertebra. Irritation in these tissues can refer pain into the head, creating the classic post-traumatic or “cervicogenic” headache.

On top of that, sleep disruption, stress, and inflammation after a wreck sensitize the nervous system, lowering your pain threshold and making otherwise small triggers feel big. If concussion is involved, light/sound sensitivity and fatigue may amplify the picture.

Whiplash vs. migraine (and where they overlap)

• Cervicogenic headache: Typically starts in the neck and wraps to the back of the head, temple, or behind the eye. It’s worse with posture (e.g., long drives, screens) or neck rotation/extension. Palpation often reproduces the head pain.

• Migraine: Throbbing or pulsating pain that may be one-sided. Often paired with light/sound sensitivity, nausea, and a desire to lie still. Activity can make it worse.

• Overlap: A crash-related neck injury can trigger migraine pathways in people who were already susceptible—even if migraines were rare before. Treating the neck often reduces frequency and intensity of these “post-traumatic migraines.”

Bottom line: labels matter less than identifying all contributors. Many patients improve fastest when we treat the neck dysfunction and co-manage the migraine physiology. 

Exam essentials

Your evaluation should be specific and reproducible:

• Neck mobility: Measure active and passive ranges; note painful arcs.

• Segmental testing: Assess joint glide and stability level by level to find mechanical pain generators.

• Neurologic screen & concussion check: Balance, eye movements, cognition, and symptom inventory when indicated.

• Red flags: Fever, “worst headache,” neurological deficits, new headache after age 50, cancer history, anticoagulants, or progressive pattern require medical imaging and/or urgent referral.

Care plan: Calm The Neck, Quiet The Nerves

Your plan is individualized, but most patients benefit from a phased approach:

1. Reduce irritation

   • Gentle chiropractic care(low-force mobilization or carefully selected adjustments) to restore motion and decrease referral.

   • Targeted soft-tissue release for suboccipitals, upper trapezius, levator scapulae, and scalene trigger points.

   • Cold/laser/shockwave as indicated to modulate pain and promote tissue recovery.

2. Restore control

   • Graded mobility + stability: Chin-nods, deep neck flexor endurance, scapular control, and thoracic mobility. Start low, progress steadily.

   • Ergonomics & posture dosing: Break up screen time, adjust car seating, and use a short-term cervical support if needed.

3. Nervous system hygiene

   • Sleep: Regular schedule, dark/cool room, limit late caffeine.

   • Hydration & protein-forward meals to stabilize energy and reduce triggers.

   • Load management: Reintroduce activity—walking, light cardio—without spiking symptoms.

4. Co-management when appropriate

   • If we see red flags, complex migraine patterns, aura changes, or refractory cases, we collaborate with neurology and your primary care provider. This may include preventive or abortive medications alongside manual care and rehab.

Our goal at Elite Family Chiropractic is to be your spine management partner—treating connective-tissue drivers, coordinating care, and measuring progress so you can get back to work, family, and sport.

If you’re searching for a chiropractor near me in Charleston, SC or a car accident chiropractor who understands trauma-related headaches, you’re in the right place.

When to expect improvement

Many patients notice decreased intensity or frequency within 2–4 weeks with consistent care. Chronic cases (symptoms >3 months, prior migraines, or concussion) may need a longer runway, but still improve with the right blend of care, exercise, and lifestyle steps.

If headaches started after your crash, book a focused post-traumatic headache evaluation. We’ll identify your headache type(s) and build a plan that fits your life.

FAQ

Do I need an MRI for headaches?

Only if red flags are present or the exam suggests structural concern. Most post-traumatic and cervicogenic headaches don’t require immediate MRI's.

Can chiropractic help migraines?

In some cases—especially when neck dysfunction contributes to attacks. Restoring cervical mechanics and reducing trigger points can lower frequency and severity. We co-manage with neurology when indicated.

How long do post-traumatic headaches last?

Many resolve within weeks to a few months. Persistent headaches often reflect ongoing neck dysfunction, sleep issues, or medication overuse—all addressable with a targeted plan.

Will adjustments make my headache worse?

Done correctly and matched to your exam, care is gentle and graded. We use the least-force option that improves motion and reduces referral, and we adjust the approach if symptoms flare.

Can I exercise with a post-traumatic headache?

Yes—graded activity is helpful. Start with low-intensity cardio and mobility work that doesn’t spike symptoms, then progress as tolerated. We’ll give you clear thresholds and progressions.

Want clarity on your headache type and a plan that actually fits your day? Schedule today and let’s get you back to feeling like yourself.

Author

Brad Gorski DC, FSBT At Elite Family Chiropractic in Charleston, South Carolina, Dr. Brad Gorski is a top-ranked chiropractor offering effective treatment options for back pain, knee pain, neck and shoulder pain, sciatica, migraines, pinched nerves, herniated discs, and more. Dr. Gorski received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa in 2008. He has completed extensive post-graduate training, becoming qualified in Hospital Based Spine Care, MRI Interpretation Review, and Trauma while also completing a Fellowship in Spinal Biomechanics and Trauma. He provides chiropractic care and helps his patients achieve their goal of optimum health and wellness.