Headache After a Car Accident: What to Know
Car accidents frequently result in personal injuries, but the severity of injuries can vary greatly. It is not uncommon for people to walk away from a crash without any obvious catastrophic injuries. However, hours or days after a collision occurs, people may develop injury symptoms, such as a headache.
Although a headache after a car accident may not seem like a big deal, car accident lawyers at the Tawwater Law Firm, PLLC, warn accident victims in the Oklahoma City, OK, area to take headaches seriously, as they may be a symptom of a more severe injury or complication.
Why Are Headaches So Common After a Car Accident?
It is very common for car accident victims to suffer from headaches in the days following a crash. A car accident puts a lot of strain on the body, and the muscles and tendons of the neck and shoulders in particular. If these muscles are pulled, sprained, or torn in any way, it can result in a headache.
Blows to the head are also common during a car accident. People may strike their head on the steering wheel, car window, or airbag in the event of a collision. A direct blow to the head can easily lead to a headache after a car accident.
Finally, stress, tension, and anxiety from a car crash can lead to headaches. While some headaches resolve fairly quickly, others persist for days or weeks.
Should I Seek Treatment for a Headache?
Most people suffer from headaches every now and then, so when a headache develops after a car accident, people often shrug it off. While a headache is frequently just a headache, they can also be the symptom of a more severe injury. It is important that individuals take headaches seriously after a car crash.
We advise all of our Oklahoma City clients to seek medical treatment as soon as possible after a car accident, even if they are not suffering from any obvious injuries. It is especially important to seek treatment for a headache that lingers or causes chronic pain. If a headache is a symptom of a more catastrophic injury, early diagnosis can be key to treating the injury before more extensive damage occurs.
Could a Headache Be a Sign of Something More Serious?
Headaches can develop as a result of stress, anxiety, or general muscle tension, so car accident victims shouldn’t assume the worst if they experience pain in the hours or days following a crash. At the same time, it is essential that injury victims take headaches seriously and seek appropriate medical treatment to rule out more severe injuries, such as:
- Concussion
- Whiplash
- Muscle injury in the neck, shoulders, and/or upper back
- Pinched nerve
- Herniated or bulging disc in the spinal cord
- Fracture in the spine or skull
Contact Our Law Firm
Car accident injuries can result in extensive physical, emotional, and financial losses. If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash, lawyers at the Tawwater Law Firm, PLLC, can assist you in pursuing compensation for accident damages. To learn more, send us a message online, or call our Oklahoma City law firm at (405) 607-1400.