Migraine & Headache Treatment in St. Louis
Chronic headaches or migraines after a car accident? Most post-accident headaches originate from cervical spine injuries — not tension. Our doctors identify and treat the root cause for lasting relief.
What Causes Headaches & Migraines After a Car Accident?
Post-accident headaches and migraines are frequently caused by cervical spine trauma — not just tension or stress. When the neck is injured in a collision, damaged vertebrae, muscles, and nerves can trigger chronic headaches known as cervicogenic headaches. These are often misdiagnosed as tension headaches or migraines.
Unlike true migraines, cervicogenic headaches originate from structural problems in the neck. Whiplash, disc injuries, and vertebral misalignment can all irritate nerves that refer pain to the head, causing persistent headaches that don’t respond to typical headache medication.
Our doctors specialize in identifying the cervical spine source of your headaches and correcting it through targeted chiropractic treatment.
- Cervical spine evaluation for headache origin
- Differentiation from tension and migraine types
- Non-surgical, drug-free treatment approach
- Complete injury documentation for your claim
Over 70% of post-accident headaches originate from cervical spine injuries, not the brain. This means they respond best to chiropractic treatment that addresses the neck — not pain medication.
Common Post-Accident Headache Symptoms
These symptoms may indicate cervicogenic headaches from cervical spine injury. Early treatment prevents chronic headache conditions.
Persistent Headaches After Accident
Recurring headaches that began after your car accident and don’t respond to over-the-counter pain medication.
Pain Starting at Skull Base
Headaches that originate at the back of the head where the skull meets the neck and radiate forward or over the top of the head.
Sensitivity to Light or Sound
Increased sensitivity to bright lights, loud sounds, or screen use that accompanies your headaches.
Dizziness & Nausea
Feeling lightheaded, dizzy, or nauseous during headache episodes, often related to cervical spine nerve irritation.
Pain Behind One or Both Eyes
Deep, aching pain behind the eyes that may feel like pressure, often referred from irritated cervical nerves.
Headaches That Worsen with Neck Movement
Headaches that intensify when you turn, tilt, or extend your neck, strongly indicating a cervical spine origin.
How We Treat Headaches & Migraines
We treat the cervical spine source of your headaches — not just the symptoms — for lasting relief without medication.
Chiropractic Adjustments
Precise cervical spine correction to realign vertebrae and relieve nerve irritation causing headaches. Addresses the root structural cause of cervicogenic headaches.
Spinal Decompression
Gentle decompression therapy to relieve pressure on cervical discs and nerve roots that refer pain to the head and face.
Passive Therapy
Ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and heat therapy to reduce inflammation, relax tight cervical muscles, and break the headache cycle.
Trigger Point Therapy
Targeted treatment of muscular trigger points in the neck, shoulders, and upper back that contribute to headache and migraine patterns.
Why Patients Choose Us for Headache Treatment
- Cervicogenic headache specialists with 35+ years experience
- Same-day appointments — no waiting in pain
- $0 upfront cost with insurance and attorney billing
- Drug-free treatment that addresses the root cause
- Free transportation to and from appointments
- Complete injury documentation for your claim
Dr. Jeffrey Citrin
Clinic Director & Injury Specialist
Dr. Jeffrey Rutherford
Partner & Injury SpecialistHeadache & Migraine FAQ
Common questions about post-accident headache treatment. Contact us for personalized answers.
Ask Us a QuestionWhat is a cervicogenic headache?
A cervicogenic headache is a headache caused by problems in the cervical spine (neck). Unlike tension headaches or true migraines, cervicogenic headaches originate from damaged vertebrae, discs, muscles, or nerves in the neck. They’re extremely common after car accidents and respond best to chiropractic treatment.
Why don’t my headaches respond to medication?
If your headaches started after a car accident and don’t respond to over-the-counter or prescription headache medication, they likely originate from your cervical spine. Medication treats headache symptoms but can’t correct structural problems in the neck that are causing the pain.
How long until my headaches improve with treatment?
Many patients experience headache relief within the first 2–3 weeks of treatment. Complete resolution typically takes 6–12 weeks depending on the severity of your cervical spine injury. Our doctors will provide a clear timeline after evaluation.
Can a car accident cause migraines?
Yes. The cervical spine trauma from a car accident can trigger migraine-like symptoms including severe head pain, light sensitivity, nausea, and visual disturbances. These post-traumatic headaches require proper diagnosis to determine whether they’re true migraines or cervicogenic headaches.
Is headache treatment covered by auto insurance?
Yes. Post-accident headache treatment is covered by auto insurance MedPay, liability coverage, or through personal injury attorney billing. You pay $0 upfront at our clinic.
Serving St. Louis & Surrounding Communities
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Same-day appointments available · No upfront cost
Stop suffering from chronic headaches. Our doctors will identify whether your headaches originate from cervical spine injury and create a treatment plan for lasting relief.
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