How the Suboccipital Muscles Contribute to Headaches and Vision Problems After a Concussion

How the Suboccipital Muscles Contribute to Headaches and Vision Problems After a Concussion

If you're still suffering from headaches behind your eyes, eye strain, or blurred vision after a concussion or car accident, your problem may be coming from an area you haven’t thought about: the suboccipital muscles at the base of your skull.

At our Kansas City concussion clinic, Dr. Lance Stevenson, DC sees this all the time — patients with lingering symptoms that don't resolve until the neck, especially the suboccipital region, is addressed.

What Are the Suboccipital Muscles?

The suboccipitals are a group of small, deep muscles located just beneath the back of your skull. These include:

• Rectus capitis posterior major and minor

• Obliquus capitis superior and inferior

These muscles connect the skull to the upper cervical spine (C1 and C2) and are packed with proprioceptors — sensors that help your brain understand head position and movement.

They play a major role in:

• Fine motor control of head and neck movement

• Eye-head coordination

• Posture

• Stability of the upper cervical spine

How They Become a Problem After a Concussion or Car Accident

During a concussion, whiplash, or blow to the head, these tiny muscles can:

• Become hypertonic (tight)

• Develop trigger points

• Irritate nearby nerves

• Disrupt proprioceptive signaling

This creates a cascade of symptoms, including:

• Tension headaches starting at the base of the skull and radiating forward

• Eye pain or pressure behind the eyes

• Blurry vision, especially after screen use or reading

• Difficulty with gaze stability or head movement

• Neck stiffness or pain with turning your head

If you've said, "My headaches start in my neck and move behind my eyes," — your suboccipitals are likely involved.

How the Suboccipital Region Affects Eye Function

The suboccipital muscles connect directly to the brainstem and cerebellum, which are involved in coordinating eye movements and balance.

They’re also tied into the cervico-ocular reflex (COR) — which helps keep your vision stable during head and neck motion. When the suboccipitals are irritated or tight:

• Eye movement becomes less coordinated

• Gaze stability is reduced

• The brain gets conflicting sensory input

• You may experience motion sensitivity, double vision, or trouble reading

In short, tight suboccipitals = more visual fatigue and more headaches.

Signs Your Suboccipitals Are Causing Problems

Patients from Lee’s Summit, Overland Park, North Kansas City, and Shawnee often describe:

• “Band-like” headaches or pressure wrapping around the head

• Pain that starts at the base of the skull and moves behind the eyes

• Headaches triggered by reading or scrolling on a phone

• Dizziness or nausea with neck movement

• Light sensitivity or trouble focusing the eyes

• Tightness or tenderness in the upper neck

How We Treat Suboccipital Dysfunction in Kansas City

At our clinic, Dr. Lance Stevenson, DC performs detailed assessments of the cervical spine, suboccipital region, and visual system to determine where symptoms are coming from.

We use targeted techniques to restore function, including:

✅ Manual release of the suboccipital muscles
✅ C1–C2 joint mobilization (safe, precise, and gentle)
✅ Trigger point therapy and stretching
✅ Head-eye coordination exercises to recalibrate the COR
✅ Postural and ergonomic adjustments (especially for desk and screen users)
✅ Visual-vestibular rehab when symptoms overlap with dizziness or motion sensitivity

We treat the root cause, not just the symptoms — helping you recover faster and more completely.

Still Struggling With Eye Strain or Headaches After a Concussion?

If your recovery has plateaued — and you're still dealing with headaches, blurred vision, or fatigue — your suboccipital muscles and upper neck may be the missing link.

At our Kansas City clinic, Dr. Lance Stevenson, DC helps patients from Parkville, Blue Springs, Gladstone, and The Plaza restore normal neck and visual function for long-term relief.

Call 816-226-7476 today to schedule your evaluation and get to the bottom of your symptoms — starting at the base of the skull.

Special thanks to Complete Concussions for their training and educational resources. To learn more about comprehensive concussion treatment options, visit completeconcussions.com.

Disclaimer:

This blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace medical advice. If you have experienced a concussion or other injury, please consult a qualified healthcare provider. Always follow the advice and treatment plan given by your medical professional.

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