Are You Experiencing Headaches

after an Auto Accident?


By Jean Olsen ©2005

From a massage and neuromuscular therapist's perspective, who has dealt with many auto accident victims, there are a few good reasons why you might experience headaches after an accident. Knowing these reasons can save you a lot of pain.

First check with your doctor or head trauma specialist to make sure you have not had any head trauma. Be wary of taking a lot of prescription pain medications especially when there has been no diagnosis.

Also be aware that Post Traumatic Stress can lead to tension headaches after an accident. Irregular or disturbed sleep and jaw clenching are common symptoms because of stress which can result in headaches.

There are important ways that you can take care of two of the main headache muscles related to an auto accident. You can help yourself a great deal by knowing how to treat these 2 muscles.

Find an anatomy book with pictures to better follow along-

The sternocleiodomastoid muscle-

This muscle runs from behind the earlobe, heading diagonally across the front of
the neck into the sternum. Find it by lying flat on your back and lifting your head
up. The SCM prevents the head from jilting during an accident but afterwards it
can become hypertonic, (tight) and/or weakened. This muscle has many trigger
points running along it that can contribute to headache pain.

Massage the SCM:
To prevent grabbing anything but the muscle, first move your head to the same
side you are working on. With your thumb and pointer finger (turned inward),
squeeze up and down this muscle. Hold any tender points a little longer. Breathe
deeply. Switch and do the same on the other side.

Range of Motion Stretch-
Stretch this muscle by tilting your head to a 45 degree angle bringing your chin to
your chest then bring your head back to position and lift it backwards, again at a
45 degree angle. Do this to each side at least 5 times.

The upper trapezius muscle-

Locate this muscle by running your fingers along the top of your shoulder up into
where it originates at the ridge between the bottom of the head and neck. Start at
about 11/2" from the joint that connects your arm to your shoulder. This muscle
also has many trigger points running along it that contribute to headache.

Massage the UT:
Massage this muscle by squeezing along it with your thumb and first two
fingers into the neck region. Press deeply where it attaches into the
neck area, rubbing back and forth as this is usually where you will feel most
of the tension. Switch to the other side and do the same.

Range of Motion Stretch-
Lift your right arm over your left ear, pulling the head towards the top of the
shoulder. Keep your left shoulder relaxed and down. Stretch this left UT as
much as is comfortable. Next, using arm pressure, move the head in small
circles with the arm, circling 5 times towards the front, then 5 times towards the
back. Release your arm first and let it fall to your side then slowly move your
head back into an upright position. Now, go to the other side, lifting your left
arm over your right ear and repeat.

Headaches after an auto accident are common and should be taken seriously. Not
taking care of these 2 muscles with massage and stretching can cause a great deal of
pain for years afterwards.

Learn How To Eliminate Headaches * Cure Your Headaches Naturally * End Your Headache Suffering * 50 Tips from a Licensed Massage Therapist [ Click Here ]