Headaches After a Concussion: When to Seek Treatment

March 23, 2026

Headaches are one of the most common symptoms after a concussion, and for some people, they can linger for weeks or even months.

While mild headaches are expected early on, persistent or worsening headaches may be a sign that something else needs to be addressed.

In this article, we’ll explain why headaches happen after a concussion, when to seek treatment, and how physical therapy can help.

This is Blog #3 in our series about Concussion Rehab Therapy.

👉 If you’d like to start with the first post, you can find it here: What is a Concussion? A Physical Therapist Explains

Are Headaches Normal After a Concussion?

Yes, headaches are very common after a concussion injury.

They may feel like:

• A dull, constant ache

• Pressure in the head

• Tension around the neck or base of the skull

• Throbbing or migraine-like pain

Some headaches begin immediately after the injury, while others develop over time.

What Causes Headaches After a Concussion?

Headaches after a concussion are often multifactorial, meaning more than one issue may be contributing.

1. Neck (Cervical Spine) Injury

One of the most overlooked causes of post-concussion headaches is the neck.

Even if the injury is labeled a “concussion,” the neck often experiences:

• Sudden force (like whiplash)

• Muscle tension

• Joint stiffness

This can lead to cervicogenic headaches, which often:

• Start at the base of the skull

• Radiate toward the forehead or eyes

• Worsen with movement or posture

👉 We’ll explore this more in: Concussion vs. Whiplash: What’s the Difference? (link coming soon!)

2. Vestibular Dysfunction

The inner ear (vestibular system) plays a role in balance and spatial awareness.

When it’s not functioning properly, it can contribute to:

• Headaches

• Dizziness

• Motion sensitivity

👉 Learn more in blog #2 of this series: Dizziness After a Concussion: Causes and Treatment

3. Visual / Eye Strain

After a concussion, the eyes and brain may struggle to work together.

This can cause:

• Headaches with reading

• Eye fatigue

• Increased symptoms with screen time

4. Migraine-Type Responses

Some people develop post-traumatic migraines after a concussion.

These may include:

• Throbbing pain

• Sensitivity to light or sound

• Nausea

• Worsening symptoms with activity

5. Brain Recovery Process

The brain is temporarily disrupted after a concussion, which can contribute to headaches, especially early in recovery.

However, headaches that persist are often driven by treatable factors like the neck, vestibular system, or vision.

When Should You Seek Treatment?

While some headaches improve within a couple of weeks, you should consider seeking treatment if:

• Headaches last longer than 1–2 weeks

• Pain is not improving (or getting worse)

• Headaches are triggered by movement or activity

• You also have dizziness or balance problems

• Headaches interfere with work, sleep, or daily life

Early treatment can help prevent headaches from becoming chronic.

How Physical Therapy Can Help

Many people don’t realize that physical therapy is one of the most effective treatments for post-concussion headaches, especially when the neck or vestibular system is involved.

At Gordon Physical Therapy, we evaluate the underlying causes of your symptoms and create a personalized plan.

Treatment may include:

Neck Treatment

• Improve mobility and reduce stiffness

• Address muscle tension

• Reduce headache triggers

Vestibular Rehabilitation

• Reduce dizziness and motion sensitivity

• Improve tolerance to movement

Vision / Eye Coordination Exercises

• Improve focus and reduce eye strain

• Decrease headaches related to screen use

Gradual Return to Activity

• Help you safely return to normal daily activities

• Prevent symptom flare-ups

You can learn more about our full concussion treatment approach here: Concussion Rehab at Gordon Physical Therapy

Can Headaches Go Away on Their Own?

Sometimes, but not always.

If headaches are related to:

• Neck dysfunction

• Vestibular issues

• Vision problems

…they often improve faster (and more completely) with targeted treatment.

Waiting too long may allow symptoms to persist longer than necessary.

Concussion Rehab Series

This article is the third post in our Concussion Rehab Series.

Start with the first post in this series here: What is a Concussion? A Physical Therapist Explains

Also read:

• Post #2: Dizziness After a Concussion: Causes and Treatment

• Post #4: Concussion vs. Whiplash: What’s the Difference? (link coming soon!)

• Post #5: Concussion Dizziness vs BPPV (link coming soon!)

Schedule a Concussion Evaluation

If you’re dealing with headaches after a concussion, you don’t have to just push through it.

At Gordon Physical Therapy, we specialize in treating concussion-related symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, and balance problems.

📞 Call today to schedule a concussion evaluation and start your recovery!

Concussion FAQ Section:

How long do headaches last after a concussion?

Many headaches improve within a few weeks, but some can last longer, especially if underlying issues like neck dysfunction or vestibular problems are present.

Are post-concussion headaches the same as migraines?

They can be similar. Some people develop migraine-like symptoms after a concussion, including throbbing pain and sensitivity to light or sound.

Can neck problems cause headaches after a concussion?

Yes. Neck injuries are very common with concussions and are a major contributor to ongoing headaches.

What helps headaches after a concussion?

Treatment depends on the cause but may include physical therapy, neck treatment, vestibular rehab, and gradual return to activity.

When should I worry about headaches after a concussion?

You should seek help if headaches persist beyond a couple of weeks, worsen over time, or interfere with daily activities.

Call us today to start your full recovery!