A headache after a car accident deserves medical assessment, even if it starts later. Head or neck injury, including concussion, may be involved. Do not assume the cause is spinal alignment.
Call 911 or seek emergency care for a worsening headache that does not go away, repeated vomiting, weakness, seizure, slurred speech, confusion, unequal pupils, loss of consciousness or difficulty waking after an injury. See the CDC concussion danger signs.
Symptoms can emerge hours or days after an injury. Delayed symptoms do not rule out concussion or another injury. Tell the evaluating clinician when the headache began and about any dizziness, memory changes or other symptoms.
Medical assessment comes first after trauma. Chiropractic care is not a substitute for concussion evaluation or emergency treatment. After assessment, a clinician can discuss whether care for a neck-related component of pain is appropriate.
After urgent injuries have been evaluated, contact Beyond Wellness in Charlotte to discuss whether a routine musculoskeletal assessment is appropriate.
Bring any medical instructions and relevant test results. Discuss the proposed treatment, expected benefits, limitations and alternatives. Follow the treating clinician’s guidance on driving, work, exercise and return to normal activities.
The CDC recovery guidance explains follow-up after a concussion.
Recovery varies. Chiropractic care cannot guarantee prevention of chronic headaches or complications after an accident. New or worsening symptoms require medical reassessment.
For non-emergency questions about follow-up care, call Beyond Wellness at 704-461-1836.