Concussions, the Cervical Spine, and Proprioception: Understanding Headaches After a Car Accident

How Car Accidents Affect the Cervical Spine

During even a low-speed collision, your neck is rapidly and forcefully whipped forward and back. This motion can lead to:

• Joint restrictions in the upper cervical spine

• Muscle guarding and spasms

• Ligament strain or micro-tearing

• Dysfunction of cervical proprioceptors—the sensors in your neck joints and muscles that tell your brain where your head is in space

These disruptions interfere with normal neck movement and can cause persistent tension headaches, neck pain, poor balance, and vision issues.

The Link Between Cervical Spine Dysfunction and Concussion Symptoms

The cervical spine and vestibular system are deeply connected. If the joints in your upper neck aren’t moving properly, the brain receives inaccurate feedback about head position. This mismatch can worsen post-concussion symptoms such as:

• Headaches

• Blurred vision

• Dizziness

• Poor coordination

• Nausea

• Difficulty focusing

Unfortunately, many providers overlook this connection and fail to treat the cervicogenic component of concussions—leading to post-concussion syndrome that drags on for months or longer.

How I Rehabilitate the Cervical Spine and Proprioceptive System

At my Kansas City chiropractic clinic, I use a detailed evaluation process to find out which systems are involved in your symptoms. This includes:

• Joint motion testing to identify spinal restrictions

• Balance and proprioception assessments

• Vestibular-ocular motor screening

• Digital range of motion and strength testing

Your custom rehab plan may include:

• Gentle spinal adjustments to restore cervical joint motion

• Soft tissue therapy to relax tight muscles and reduce pain

• Sensorimotor retraining to improve balance and spatial awareness

• Proprioceptive rehab exercises to re-educate the neck-brain connection

• Head-eye coordination drills to support full recovery

The goal is to restore joint mobility, recalibrate your sense of body position, and eliminate the mechanical causes of headache and dizziness.

Why Choose Dr. Lance Stevenson, DC for Concussion & Neck Injury Recovery?

Not all chiropractors are trained in post-concussion care, and most general doctors or urgent care clinics won’t check for cervicogenic dysfunction. That’s where I come in.

As a personal injury specialist who works with car accident victims throughout Kansas City, Overland Park, Lenexa, Gladstone, Raytown, and Liberty, I focus exclusively on trauma-based injuries. I collaborate with your attorney, handle your documentation, and provide clear answers during a stressful time.

When you come to my clinic, you’re getting a comprehensive one-stop-shop for injury diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.

Call Today for a Free Consultation

If you or someone you care about is experiencing headaches or dizziness after a car accident, don’t wait.

📞 Call Dr. Lance Stevenson, DC now at 816-226-7476 to schedule your free consultation. Let’s uncover the source of your symptoms and build a plan to get you feeling—and functioning—better than ever.

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