Are you grappling with a mysterious headache that's been plaguing you for weeks or even months after a tumble down the stairs? Does the pain gnaw at your temples, casting a shadow over your daily life, leaving you desperate for answers and relief? You might be surprised to learn that you're far from alone. This puzzling and perplexing scenario is often tied to something called atlas subluxation, a technical term for misalignment in your neck bones.

The shock of a fall, even without a direct blow to your head, can ripple through your body, potentially causing a neck misalignment. This misalignment can then send signals of distress, manifesting as persistent headaches.

Enduring these headaches is like trying to function with a constant thunderstorm rumbling inside your head. If not addressed, these headaches can escalate, leaving worse impacts on your life. 

In the following sections, we'll look into the 5 potential explanations why headaches after tumbling down the stairs are common. Also, we’ll shed light on the key role of your Upper Cervical doctor in helping your pain and discomfort to dissipate.

5 Reasons for Headaches After Falling Down the Stairs

Headaches are a common occurrence after a fall, whether your head was directly hit or not. While they can be a nuisance, they can also be a sign of something more serious. Here are the top 5 potential reasons why you might be experiencing headaches after a fall:

#1. Concussion

A concussion occurs when the brain is jolted within the skull, causing bruising and swelling. This can lead to headaches, as well as other symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and confusion. Even if you didn't hit your head directly, the force of the fall could still cause a concussion. 

#2. Whiplash

Whiplash is a very common injury that happens when the head is jerked forward and then back too quickly, causing strain in the neck muscles. This can lead to headaches that start from the very base of the skull, radiating upwards.

#3. Cervicogenic headaches

These headaches originate from the neck and are caused by issues such as muscle tension, joint dysfunction, or a pinched nerve. A fall can cause these issues, leading to headaches that are felt in the back of the head.

#4. Sinusitis

A fall can cause a build-up of mucus in the sinuses, leading to inflammation and pressure that can cause headaches. This type of headache is usually felt in the front of the head and face.

#5. Atlas subluxation

The atlas is the topmost vertebra in the spine, located at the base of the skull. When it becomes misaligned, nearby structures like muscles, nerves and the brainstem suffer the impact. This leads to poor fluid drainage and blood flow in the head, muscle stiffness, pain and eventually headaches. Headaches after a fall can be caused by a variety of factors, from concussions to atlas subluxation. 

If you're experiencing persistent headaches after a fall, it's important to seek professional care to determine the underlying cause and receive the appropriate care.

Upper Cervical Care for Atlas Subluxation and Its Associated Symptoms

Upper Cervical Care is a must-try chiropractic technique for people whose headaches stem from neck or head trauma. If you recently stumbled down the stairs and notice severe headaches, you should consider speaking with an Upper Cervical doctor so you can get your atlas and axis bones assessed and adjusted. 

If you’re not sure whether to consider Upper Cervical Care for your current condition, we suggest going over the following questions:

• Are your migraines happening more frequently ever since you hurt your head or neck?
• Have your migraines become more intense or unbearable?
• Have you noticed significant neck muscle stiffness and limited head movements?
• Besides falling down the stairs, have you recently experienced other traumatic injuries that jolted your head or neck?
• Has your gait pattern changed a lot since your neck or head trauma?
• Has your posture changed recently, or have you noticed you're often hunched or leaning?
• Are you having difficulty sleeping or experiencing poor sleep quality?
• Are you experiencing frequent dizziness or episodes of vertigo?
• Do you feel a numbness or tingling sensation in your arms or legs?
• Are your current migraine treatments no longer providing the relief you need?

If you answered 'yes' to any of these questions, it might be time to consider scheduling a visit with an upper cervical chiropractor. They can assess your situation and develop a treatment plan to potentially help manage your migraines.

Book an appointment with a trusted Upper Cervical Chiropractor in your area and experience the benefits of this natural yet effective approach to pain relief. You'll be amazed at how much better you feel even after just one visit!