Introduction
Having headache pain back of head can be uncomfortable and sometimes alarming. This type of headache is more common than you probably realize and can be triggered by many things, such as: tension and posture problems, nerve irritation, or other serious medical conditions.
Once you take in all the possible reasons and causes for the headache pain in the back of your head, you can start taking steps toward relief. The information in this article will cover what may be triggering your headache pain at the back of your head, effective ways to ease your discomfort, and when it may be time to talk to your doctor.
Common Causes of Headache Pain in the Back of the Head
There are a number of possible causes for headache pain in the back of the head. Understanding these causes can help you treat the pain appropriately, and if necessary, seek assistance from a treatment provider.
- Tension Headaches
Of all the possible causes of headache pain in the back of the head, tension headache is the most common. These headaches feel like a tight band around the skull, and frequently are associated with stress, poor posture, and sedentary work like lots of hours spent seated behind a computer. - Poor Posture or Neck Strain
When someone spends too much time hunched over a screen or smart phone, the muscles in the neck and upper back experience strain. This can develop into tension causing pain that radiates toward the back of the head. - Occipital Neuralgia
Occipital neuralgia describes a situation where the occipital nerves, which run from the base of the spine to the top of the skull become irritated and/or inflamed. Sharp, shooting headache pain, typically limited to the back of the head, and into the upper neck, can be associated with occipital neuralgia. - Cervicogenic Headaches
Cervicogenic headaches develop as a result of dysfunction in the cervical spine (neck region) . These could be associated with the degeneration of the vertebrae in the neck (such as arthritis) or with damage to the cushioning gel that separates the vertebrae of the cervical spine (i.e. a bulging or herniated disc). Cervicogenic headaches present with referred pain felt in the back of the head, and possibly other parts of the head-it is helpful to speak with an experienced clinician if you have these kinds of headaches. - High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is less frequently referred to as a possible cause of back of the head headache, but it does exist and can occur as dull or throbbing headache pain in the back of the head, particularly in a hypertensive crisis. - Exertion or Dehydration
Exertion related to physical endeavors and dehydration can occasionally lead to headaches that involve the back of the head. Dehydration and exertion can both be effectively managed by drinking water and taking rest breaks during strenuous activity.
If you are suffering from recurrent headache pain in the back of the head it is important that you ascertain the exact root of the headache pain and control it. This may require medical evaluation in some instances.
Symptoms to Watch For
When experiencing headache pain in the back of the head, we should consider the range of symptoms that accompany it. Symptoms may help you identify the cause of the headache pain, as well as if it needs to be seen by a medical professional.
- Dull Achy Pain
Dull achy pain is common symptom associated with tension headaches. Often, these headaches create a dull, squeezing-type pain, or tightness around the back of the neck or head. This annoying type of pain may feel like a tight band or constant pressure. - Sharp or Stabbing Sensations
You may be experiencing occipital neuralgia if you experience some sharp shooting pain in the back of the head. Occipital neuralgia affects the nerves that travel from the top of the spinal cord up the scalp. - Neck Stiffness or Pain
Many people with headache pain in the back of the head have neck tension or pain to report as well. The person’s neck pain or tension can depend on if the pain is a by-product of bad posture, or muscle strain. - Tenderness of the scalp
Because tenderness or soreness is experienced when touching the scalp could lead a person on the path to determining what aggravates their headaches. Scalp tenderness is often associated with nerve irritation or inflammation, which corresponds with occipital headaches. - Throbbing or Pulsating Sensation
A pulsating sensation in the back of the head could indicate a vascular type of headache such as a migraine, particularly if accompanied by nausea or photophobia. - Headaches Associated with Activity
Should symptoms be worse with movement of the neck, coughing or vigorous activity, the source of symptoms may a be structural issue of the cervical spine.
Finding treatment starts with understanding your symptoms. If your headache pain at the back of the head is persistent, worsening or accompanied by other atypical symptoms, you should consult a healthcare provider. (headache pain back of head)
Home Remedies and Self-Care Tips
If you’re feeling pain in the back of your head that feels like a headache, there are plenty of effective home remedies and self-care practices you can try before seeking medical attention. These tips can be useful for headaches due to tension, posture, or some mild muscle strain.
- Cold or Heat
Using a cold compress on the base of your skull is an excellent way to reduce swelling and relieve pain. You can also try using a warm compress on that sinus area, as it will help to relax tight muscles in the neck and shoulders frequently causing pain in the back of your head. - Posture
Most of us have a poor posture in some way, particularly when we keep looking down towards our phones, or when we sit at a desk all day. You may want to consider making minor improvements to your workstation by using a sit-stand table or taking breaks to stretch out during the day. - Gentle Neck Stretches
Most of the time, headache pain that occurs in the back of the head is due to tight muscles in the neck. Headaches mainly due to tight or tense neck muscles should be gently counteracted with neck rolls, shoulder shrugs, and chin tucks to relieve any tight muscles that have built up tension. - Hydration
Dehydration occurs far too often as a headache trigger. If you’re not consuming enough water throughout the day (especially if you’re active or it’s hot outside), you should probably pay more attention to your hydration! - Get Good Sleep
Sleeping poorly or not enough can also lead to waking up with pain in the back of the head. Stick to a schedule that makes sense for you and use a supportive pillow that keeps your neck in a neutral position. - Manage Stress
Stress level is one of the largest contributors to tension-type headaches. Managing your stress levels will help with tension headaches. You can practice deep breathing, meditate, or take brief walks to help keep your stress levels down. - Try Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
The pain can interfere with work, school, and family obligations. Non-prescription drugs like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can reduce pain. Just make sure to follow the directions and do not use them regularly. Pain relievers can cause “rebound” headaches.
Medical Treatments and Therapies
If you want to treat headaches in the back of the head with anything more than home remedies, it might be time to look into medicine to relieve your headache discomfort. Depending on the cause and the severity of your headache pain, your doctor may recommend one of the following:
- Prescription Medications.
For persistent or severe headaches in the back of the head, your doctor may use prescription medications such as muscle relaxants, triptans (for migraines), or nerve pain medications. All of which will provide reduced inflammation, relieve nerve pain, or relieve stress for the muscles in the neck and upper back. - Physical therapy.
If your headache is a result of poor posture, muscle strain in the neck, or cervicogenic causes. Physical therapy reduces the cause of head/back pain through a physical therapist, licensed and trained, to walk you through stretches and exercise while strengthening the neck muscles while promoting good posture to reduce discomfort. - Nerve blocks or injections.
Your doctor might consider nerve blocks if you are diagnosed with something like occipital neuralgia, which is a common source of headache pain in the back of the head. A nerve block injects anesthetic or steroids around the occipital nerves (the area in the back of the head), in an effort to reduce inflammation and block headache pain signals. - Chiropractic Care and Massage Therapy
Manual therapies—such as chiropractic adjustments or deep tissue massage—can treat tension in your neck and upper back. Chiropractic or massage care may be beneficial to your headache experience if your headaches are rooted in tension or problems with the alignment of your spine. - Botox Injections
Botox injections are used for some chronic headache cases to relax the muscles surrounding your head and neck. This option is usually considered when other types of treatments have not worked. This option is also limited to chronic migraine or chronic tension headache patients. (headache pain back of head)
When to See a Doctor
Most instances of headache pain in the back of the head are usually self-limiting and can be addressed at home. But there are times when attention by a doctor is warranted and ignoring the facts can lead to complications. You should be aware of the following symptoms:
- Sudden, severe headache described as a “thunderclap headache”.
- Headache pain back of head with fever, stiff neck, confusion, or difficulty speaking.
- Pain that is progressive over time or does not improve with rest or medication.
- Headache pain that is frequent or occurs as a pattern and it interferes with your life.
- Headache, after a head injury, even if it is mild.
- Headache with weakness, numbness, or change in vision.
- New headache(s) if you are over the age of 50.
The possibilities for what could be causing these symptom(s) include serious complications including a bleed in the brain, infection, blood pressure crisis, or neurological disorders. With an early diagnosis, the outcome could be very different.
If you are unsure if the headache pain you experience in the back of your head is something to be concerned about, it’s always better to get a professional opinion. A doctor can help you recognize the cause of the pain and accurately guide you toward the next step for treatment.
Prevention Tips
Preventing headache pain in the back of the head often involves awareness to some lifestyle habits and posture.
Here are some simple but effective tips that may help decrease your chance of headache pain:
- Posture
Poor posture can lead to tension in the neck and upper back muscles, which is a common source of headache pain, especially if you have been sitting for long hours. Ensure that your back is in a good position like this (straight) and your shoulders are relaxed. Have your screens at eye level when you are, whether you are working or on your phone. - Breaks
If you spend long periods in one position at the desk and working on the computer or a screen, make it a habit to take a break every 30 to 60 minutes, taking a few minutes to stand, stretch your neck and shoulders and move to reduce muscle tension. - Hydration
Headache pain can be triggered if you are dehydrated. Drink plenty of water each day, aiming for 6–8 glasses at minimum, to help keep you properly hydrated and help reduce the chances of headache pain in the back of your head. - Sleep
If you do not get adequate sleep or quality sleep, it can also contribute to tension headaches due to lack of sleep or recurrences of headaches. Do your best to maintain a consistent sleep schedule and get 7–9 hours of sleep each night. - Stress Management
Stress often causes tension headaches. Use some stress relief techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, light exercise, or just relaxing with some soothing music to help maintain a low level of stress. - Regular Exercise
Exercising regularly will increase blood flow and reduce stiffness in muscles, both of which can help prevent headaches. A short walk every day can help. - Nutrition
Some foods may trigger headaches for some people, such as processed meats, caffeine, and aged cheeses. You should keep a food diary of when your consumed certain foods and then identify and avoid them.
If you consistently incorporate these tips into your life, you would be able to greatly reduce the odds that you will suffer headache pain in the back of your head and help improve your overall quality of life. (headache pain back of head)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What causes headache pain in the back of the head?
Pain in the back of the head may be due to a variety of factors, including tension headaches, poor posture, injury to the neck, occipital neuralgia, and cervicogenic headache. It can also be caused by stress, sleep deprivation, or hydration issues. - Is headache pain in the back of the head serious? In most cases no. Pain in the back of the head can most often be treated with rest, water, and over-the-counter medications. However, if the headache is sudden, severe, or symptoms like confusion, changes in eye sight, and numbness occur, seek medical attention right away.
- Can neck problems cause headache pain in the back of the head? Yes! Tension or injuries to the neck (particularly the upper cervical spine) can cause cervicogenic headaches or occipital neuralgia, both of which can present with pain in the back of the head.
- How can I relieve headache pain in the back of my head at home?
You can treat mild headache pain from home by:
- Using a warm or cool compress to the neck or back of the head
- Trying gentle neck stretches
- Keeping hydrated
- Rest in a quiet, dark room
- Using over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
5. When should I see a doctor about headache pain in the back of my head?
You should see a doctor if:
- The headache is sudden and severe
- The pain happens often or is getting worse over time
- You have other symptoms with them, like nausea, blurred vision, or weakness
- You have tired over-the-counter medications without relief
Conclusion
Headache pain back of head can vary in how bothersome or disruptive it can be in your day-to-day life which impacts your overall ability to focus on things, work, or find relief. Knowing what’s causing headache pain back of head is the first and most important step in getting the right remedy. Unique causes of headache pain back of head include muscle tension, poor posture, and occipital neuralgia. Identifying your headache pain back of head, allows you to choose the right remedy that will work best.
Most of the time headache pain back of head doesn’t require extreme remedies, and can be cured with basic remedies like heat or cold, enough rest, and over-the-counter medication. There are some lifestyle improvements that can minimize headache pain back of head, such as posture correction and stress management.
However, if you are suffering from headache pain back of head that is extremely painful, or persistent, or simply not responding to basic treatment, it would be wise to consult your health care provider. They will be able to rule out other more serious problems and may direct you towards appropriate treatments.
If you can Recognizing the headache pain back of head at the onset of an attack can give you the opportunity to take fast action and avoid the discomfort from becoming a chronic condition. Taking some simple steps at the onset of headache pain back of head can help you learn how to manage your symptoms or could even prevent headaches in the future so that you can return to pain-free activities.
If you deal with headache pain back of head often, make sure you are listening to your body! Do not ignore your pain. Sometimes the most difficult step to take is obtaining help, but you owe it to yourself. Your health and comfort are worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Headache Pain Back of Head
- What are the causes of headache pain in the back of the head?
Commonly headache pain in the back of the head is associated with tension headaches, posture, neck strain or other conditions beyond tension headaches, including occipital neuralgia and cervicogenic headaches. - Is headache pain in the back of the head serious?
Not necessarily. In most circumstances, headache pain in the back of the head is the result of some stress or contraction of the muscle tissue. If the headache pain back of head is suddenly severe and/or often accompanied by other symptoms such as confusion or vision changes, you should seek medical attention. - How can I relieve headache pain in the back of my head at home
Some suggestions could be rest, using cold or warm compresses, mild neck stretches, making sure you’re hydrated and over-the-counter medications to relieve pain. Good posture and decreased screen time may be helpful as well - Can bad posture lead to headache pain in the back of the neck area?
Yes. Slumping over or having poor neck position can stress those muscles or nerves and lead to headache pain in the back of the head especially after prolonged use of the computer or phone. - When should I see a doctor for headache pain in the back of my head?
You should see a doctor if the pain is constant, very severe, persists with treatment; if you have dizziness, numbness or fever, or if you experience vision problems.
