The relationship of neck injury and post-traumatic headache.
Although there may be several causes of post-traumatic headache, neck injury is perhaps the most common. This paper primarily reviews the relationship of neck injury, whiplash, and post-traumatic headache. Mechanisms may include structural damage from acceleration or extension of the neck, development of myofascial pain and trigger points, interaction of the trigeminal nociceptive system with the upper cervical (occipital) nerves, and psychologic and emotional factors. Although some healing will occur, the outcome may depend on a number of human factors (awareness of an impending collision) and the fact that repaired tissue is different from normal, uninjured tissue.
Packard
Russell C
RC
Headache and Head Injury Program, Texas Tech University School of Medicine, Health Sciences Center, 3601 4th Street, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA. neurcp@ttuhsc.edu
D020773:Headache Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D009209:Myofascial Pain Syndromes / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D019838:Neck Injuries / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D009619:Nociceptors / Q000503:physiopathology; D012307:Risk Factors; D014276:Trigeminal Nerve / Q000503:physiopathology; D014911:Whiplash Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology