Why do I have headaches after a car accident but no head injury?

Headaches can develop after a motor vehicle accident even without a direct blow to the head, most commonly from neck injury such as whiplash. Muscle tension, joint irritation and nerve sensitivity in the neck can all refer pain up into the head.

How do I know if my headache is from my neck or a concussion?

This can be difficult to tell without an assessment, since both can cause similar symptoms. A clinical examination of the neck alongside screening for concussion symptoms helps identify the likely source, which then guides the right treatment.

Can physiotherapy help with headaches after a crash?

Yes, for headaches originating from the neck. Physiotherapy addressing joint stiffness and muscle tension in the neck and upper back can reduce the frequency and severity of cervicogenic headaches for many people.

Is treatment for post-accident headaches covered under CTP?

Treatment for headaches caused by your accident may be available under a CTP claim where it is reasonable and necessary. The rules depend on your circumstances and the scheme, so it is best to check SIRA. We can provide the supporting medical documentation.

Injuries

Headaches After a Car Accident

Post-accident headaches can come from the neck, the jaw or the head itself — the source shapes the treatment.

Book an appointment (02) 7238 7379

A clinician assessing a patient's neck movement in a treatment room

Understanding headaches after a car accident

Headaches are one of the most common symptoms reported after a motor vehicle accident, and they can come from several different sources. Cervicogenic headaches originate from the neck and are often felt at the base of the skull or behind the eyes, tension-type headaches relate to muscle tightness in the neck and shoulders, and headaches can also be a feature of concussion or jaw injury. Because the underlying cause shapes the right treatment, working out where a headache is coming from is an important part of assessment. Headaches that are new, persistent or unusual for you after an accident should always be checked rather than managed with pain relief alone.

Common symptoms

Symptoms can take hours or days to appear after a crash. If you notice any of these, it's worth being assessed.

Headache at the base of the skull or radiating from the neck
Headache behind or around the eyes
Headache that worsens with neck movement or poor posture
Pressure or tightness across the forehead or temples
Headache accompanied by neck stiffness
Sensitivity to light or noise during a headache
Headaches that are more frequent or severe than before the accident

Quick check

Not sure if it's serious?

Check my symptoms (02) 7238 7379

How we help

We take a detailed history of your headache pattern and assess the neck, jaw and any signs of head injury to identify the likely source, by telehealth across NSW or in person where appropriate. We document your symptoms and their impact for your CTP claim, and screen for warning signs that need urgent review. Depending on the cause, we coordinate physiotherapy for cervicogenic headaches, refer for jaw assessment where relevant, or arrange further review for concussion-related headaches. CTP Doctor is a medical service, not a law firm — this is general information, not legal advice, and questions about liability or entitlements are best directed to an independent solicitor.

Treatment approach

1CTP medical assessment including neck, jaw and neurological screening
2Screen for warning signs and direct to urgent care where indicated
3Document headache pattern, triggers and impact for the CTP claim
4Coordinate physiotherapy for neck-related and cervicogenic headaches
5Referral for jaw assessment or further review where relevant
6Ongoing review to track frequency and severity over time

When to see a doctor

Seek urgent medical care, or call 000, for a sudden, severe headache unlike any you have had before, a headache with vision changes, confusion, weakness, slurred speech or vomiting, or a headache that keeps getting worse. For ongoing or recurring headaches after a crash, a telehealth or in-person assessment can help identify the cause and guide treatment.

Not an emergency? Book an assessment. If symptoms are severe or worsening, call 000.

Related services

CTP Medical Assessment CTP Physiotherapy CTP Psychology

Frequently asked questions

Next step

See a CTP doctor about it

Often seen within the week. Telehealth across NSW, or in person where appropriate. No claim number needed to start.

Book an appointment (02) 7238 7379