During a car crash, you head can be very rapidly and violently whipped around. This motion can damage many different parts of your neck, including the blood vessels that supply your brain.
The vertebral arteries are particularly at risk, because they actually travel through the cervical vertebrae. When your neck is whipped, the arteries can be twisted or stretched, damaging the lining of the vessels. This can cause swelling or tearing, and in some cases, can block the flow of blood.
Symptoms of vertebral artery injury can be felt as a pain in the back of the head that grows stronger over time, and it can be on either side of the head or in the middle. Sometimes the pain is felt as dull, and other times it might feel like an increase in pressure or a throbbing sensation. It's important to seek medical attention immediately if you have any of these symptoms.
If you've been injured in an auto collision, it's crucial to ensure you get the care need to treat your injury. Your chiropractor can pinpoint the root cause of your pain and develop a treatment plan to help you reclaim your health.