If you are one of those people who experience debilitating headache at the back of head, then you are not alone. There can be many causes of such headaches, including some primary and secondary causes. While these headaches may not pose a serious threat, they can be a major trouble for people experiencing them.
If you have pain at the back of your head, read further to know all the potential causes and treatment options available.
Common causes of headache at the back of the head:
There are many different causes of headaches that occur in the back of the head. These headaches can be triggered by certain factors. In many cases, they can cause pain in other regions of the body as well.
Tension-type headaches – TTH:
According to reported research, headaches throughout the back of the head are most often known as tension-type (TTH) headaches. Although annoying and unpleasant, tension-type headaches are not a cause for concern, and most get rid of them fairly quickly. It is the most common type of headache experienced by people all over the world. Tension-type headaches can also mimic many types of secondary headaches.
Researchers are not entirely sure why tension-type headaches occur. Numerous factors are likely involved, such as sensitization of pain pathways in the nervous system and/or environmental factors.
Read Also: All The Types and Causes of a Headache
Causes of tension-type headaches – TTH
Tension headaches tend to be caused by tension and stress on the muscles of the scalp and neck. This may be due to emotional or physical stress, nervousness, or depression.
When these muscles tighten and contract as a result of stress, pressure can build up, causing nerves in this area to send pain signals to the brain. The result is the feeling of pressure and pain in the back of the head or other parts of the head.
How does bad posture affect your pain?
Posture is the way you hold your body while sitting and standing and how you maintain your posture is important. Sitting in the same position for too long, with the wrong posture can cause muscles to become fatigued, resulting in slouching.
If you spend a lot of time at the computer or if your job requires you to sit in the same position for hours at a time, chances are that you may experience posture-related headaches.
Tips to improve your posture
There are things you can do to improve your posture and reduce your risk of headaches:
- Sit upright in a chair while using the computer
- Sit on a chair that supports your back
- Take regular breaks to reduce stress and strain on your back muscles.
A hunched position can put pressure on your neck and shoulder muscles, causing tension in these areas. This can cause tension-type headaches that can be felt in the back of the head.
According to a case report, ‘poor posture in young patients must be corrected to avoid long-term consequences.’
Caution: You don’t need to see a doctor for a tension headache, but remember to stretch and exercise to relieve tension in the area and stay hydrated.
Low-pressure headache:
Low-pressure headaches, also known as ‘spontaneous intracranial hypotension’, occur as a result of low cerebrospinal fluid pressure in the brain. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a clear fluid that flows through the brain and spinal cord.
According to the American Migraine Foundation, “A rupture of the dura mater (one of the membranes covering the spinal cord) causes the spinal fluid to leak, reducing the pressure around the brain. This causes a severe headache, usually felt in the back of the head.”
This type of pain can be most usually felt after a lumbar puncture, which is a diagnostic test used to examine the CSF.
Infrequent causes of headache at the back of the head:
Occipital Neuralgia
According to reported research, occipital neuralgia is pain in the region of the skin supplied by the large laryngeal nerve or the small laryngeal nerve. These nerves start in the neck and travel from both sides of the head to the scalp.
The pain in occipital neuralgia is thought to be caused by stimulation of the laryngeal nerves by trapped or tense muscles, blood vessels, or strain.
Many patients report that the headache is enormously disturbing at first and they fear that the condition could be life-threatening because of its intensity. However, according to doctors, even though much painful, the condition is not life-threatening.
Cervicogenic Headache
Cervicogenic headaches are believed to be caused by soft tissue problems in the upper spine, such as bones, joints, nerves, arthritis, nerve compression, or neck muscle spasms or injuries.
Cervicogenic headaches appear as unilateral headaches that start in the neck and spread from the back of the head to the front. The pain is usually moderate to severe in intensity, does not throb, and gets worse with certain head or neck movements, according to research.
Arthritis Headache
Inflammatory arthritis is common and can cause headaches when certain bones in the upper vertebrae (vertebrae) are affected by arthritis.
It is because the swelling puts pressure on the neck and nerves in the scalp can also be affected. This can cause pain primarily in the back of the neck and head.
You should see your doctor if you have any other symptoms of arthritis. They can help treat the underlying cause.
Some Effective Treatment Options for Headache:
Treatment usually includes heat and gentle massage. Anti-inflammatory drugs and muscle relaxants may also help. If these headaches are frequent, your doctor may prescribe antidepressants or antiepileptic drugs to reduce seizures.
You can even ease the symptoms at home by doing:
- Neck, upper body, and back massage
- Doing gentle exercises, such as slow swimming
- Apply heat to the back of your head and neck as the heat can help relax your muscles and loosen your joints.
Some useful tips to manage your headache at home
Here are some easy tips that you can use to get instant relief from debilitating headaches.
- Drink lots of water – Dehydration can make headaches worse
- Do exercises that relax the muscles of your head, neck, shoulders, and back
- Yoga or Pilates may help. Swimming can loosen the muscles in your back and shoulders
- Neck and upper back massage – It helps to relax the muscles and is ideal if you are unable to exercise, such as if you have an injury.
Also Read: 6 Natural Remedies for a Headache
When to get medical help?
You should seek immediate medical help if you have a headache accompanied with:
-
- High fever
- Seizures
- Confusion or dizziness
- Weakness in limbs
- Sensitivity to light
- Speech or vision changes
- Neck stiffness
- Vomiting
- Head injury
- Pregnancy
- Exposure to carbon monoxide
- Migraine
Conclusion:
Although most headaches do not indicate a serious illness, in some cases finding the root cause of these headaches can be important to diagnose any underlying condition or rule out the presence of a serious medical issue.
For a proper diagnosis, it is recommended that you see a healthcare provider specialized in treating headaches to combat the crushing pain at the back of your head and live a productive and satisfying life.
FAQs
1. Is the pain at the back of your head serious?
Sometimes a throbbing headache in the back of the head can be a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as migraine, or laryngeal neuralgia. Please should consult a doctor.
2. What is the fastest way to relieve tension headaches?
Apply a warm compress to relieve tight neck and shoulder muscles. Use a low heat pad, a hot water bottle, a hot shower or bath, and a hot compress or hot towel. Alternatively, apply ice or a cool towel to your forehead. Massage can also relieve muscle tension and sometimes relieve headaches.
3. Is it normal to have a headache for 3 days?
If you have frequent headaches, if your headaches last longer than a few days, or if your headaches are causing you stress or concerns, you should consult a doctor. Rarely, a headache can be a sign of a serious illness.