CONDITIONS
Headache Treatment
Resolving Chronic Pain at the Source of the Cervical Spine
Following an auto accident or personal injury, many patients experience persistent, throbbing headaches that won’t go away with standard over-the-counter medication. While often dismissed as stress, these are frequently Cervicogenic Headaches—pain that originates from the joints and nerves in the upper neck. At Empire Rehab Clinics, our Georgia-based team specializes in identifying these structural triggers. We provide a non-invasive, drug-free approach to headache relief that focuses on realigning the spine to stop the pain signals before they reach your brain.
What Causes Post-Accident Headaches?
Most post-accident headaches are caused by "subluxations" in the top two vertebrae of the neck, which put direct pressure on the nerves that travel into the scalp and face.
The sudden “whip” of the head during a collision can cause the delicate bones at the base of your skull to shift. This misalignment irritates the surrounding nerves and causes the suboccipital muscles to stay in a state of constant, painful contraction. At Empire Rehab, we utilize gentle, high-precision adjustments to return these vertebrae to their proper position. By removing this mechanical stress, we significantly reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches for our Georgia patients.
Types of Headaches We Treat
Headaches can vary in sensation and location. We commonly provide relief for:
Cervicogenic Headaches:
Pain that starts at the base of the skull and wraps around to the forehead or behind the eyes.
Post-Traumatic Migraines:
Intense, throbbing pain often accompanied by light sensitivity following a head or neck impact.
Tension Headaches:
Dull, aching pain caused by the extreme muscle guarding and stiffness that follows a personal injury.
Occipital Neuralgia:
Sharp, jabbing pain caused by the irritation of the nerves that run from the spinal cord to the scalp.
Our Headache Recovery Process
At Empire Rehab Clinics, we follow a specialized clinical path to clear your chronic headaches:
Step 1: Upper Cervical Assessment: We perform a detailed neurological and orthopedic exam to see if your headaches are linked to your neck alignment.
Step 2: Gentle Atlas/Axis Adjustments: Using specialized, low-force techniques to realign the top vertebrae and relieve pressure on the brainstem and nerves.
Step 3: Soft Tissue Release: Targeted therapy for the tight muscles at the base of the skull that contribute to the “tension” feeling of a headache.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why do my headaches hurt more several days after the accident?
This is due to the “inflammatory cascade.” As the soft tissues in your neck swell over the first 48–72 hours, they put increasing pressure on the nerves, leading to delayed-onset headaches.
Can chiropractic care help if I was diagnosed with a concussion?
Yes. While we don’t treat the brain injury itself, many concussion symptoms are worsened by the “neck component” of the trauma. Treating the neck often resolves the persistent headaches associated with post-concussion syndrome.
I’ve had headaches for years; is it too late for Empire Rehab to help?
It’s never too late to realign the spine. Many Georgia patients who have suffered for years find that their “chronic migraines” were actually undiagnosed spinal misalignments that respond well to our care.
Will my insurance cover headache treatment?
Yes. If your headaches are a result of your personal injury or auto accident, they are a primary symptom. We provide the medical documentation your Georgia attorney needs to ensure this care is part of your settlement.