Headaches can range from nagging to seriously annoying and can disturb your daily activities. They can appear in any location on the head. A headache can be the primary source of discomfort or a symptom of a problem in another region of the body. Some headache symptoms appear as pain in the back of the head only, and you keep on feeling pain limited to that region only.
The pain in the back of head can be caused due to various reasons. The type and location of pain are essential factors in determining the etiology of headaches. Severe and persistent headaches need immediate medical attention from the doctor. The most common causes of pain in the back of head are:
Tension headaches usually cause forehead pain but are also the most common cause of pain in the back of the head. They can last up to 30 minutes to 7 days. The headache is caused by severe stress, fatigue, lack of sleep, skipping meals, and not drinking enough water. Due to this, the patient may usually feel tightening around the back and front of the head.
Some of the common symptoms of Tension-type headache are:
Migraine
headaches are a common type of recurring headache that frequently begins in childhood and increases in frequency and severity with age. Some of the common causes are emotional and physical stress or a change in diet. Migraine is most commonly seen in females.
Symptoms of migraine include:
Symptoms of migraine include:
Arthritis headaches are caused due to inflammation and oedema in the neck area. They are frequently associated with pain in the back of the head and neck. More severe discomfort is usually triggered by movement. Arthritis of any kind might cause these headaches.
Common symptoms of arthritis are:
The muscles in the back of the head, upper back, neck, and jaw might be strained if you slouch when you sit or stand. It can also irritate the nerves in those locations. Poor posture can lead to tension headaches and pain in the back of the head as a result. Headaches caused by poor posture might be relieved by standing or sitting up straight. It can be cured with over-the-counter pain relievers and may also be cured with the help of physical therapy.
Low-pressure headaches are more frequently known as spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH). This happens when there's a spinal fluid leak in your neck or back. The leak causes the cushion of spinal fluid around your brain to decrease. Spontaneous intracranial hypotension causes severe discomfort in the back of the head and neck, which worsens when you stand or sit. Low-pressure headaches usually improve after half an hour of lying down. Some persons with SIH have a minor headache in the morning that gets worse throughout the day.
It may feel like a headache with pain in the back of the head, but the issue is usually in the neck. When you feel pain in one place of the body but it's actually coming from another, this is known as referred pain. These aren't just any headaches; they're secondary headaches, which means they're an indication of something else going on in the body.
In order to diagnose discomfort in the back of the head, the doctor will inquire about the patient's medical history as well as any previous injuries. A physical and a neurological examination are usually performed to look for abnormalities. If a doctor's physical and neurological evaluations are inconclusive, they may prescribe additional imaging to rule out any other potential causes of pain. MRI scans may be performed to discover any impingement by providing three-dimensional pictures of particular body structures.
Experience a dull, persistent ache in the back of the head, often accompanied by discomfort or tension.
Occasional throbbing or pulsating pain localized to the back of the head, which may worsen with movement or specific activities.
Sensitivity or tenderness to touch in the area at the base of the skull or upper neck.
Stiffness or limited range of motion in the neck is commonly associated with tension-type headaches originating from the muscles in the neck and upper back.
Pain is exacerbated by specific triggers such as stress, poor posture, excessive screen time, or muscle tension.
Headaches can typically be treated at home, but a doctor should assess subsequent headaches and severe headaches to rule out underlying medical problems. Many headache symptoms can be relieved with over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol). If you experience chronic headaches, some drugs, such as Extra-Strength Tylenol, can help.
If you have a severe headache that is unlike anything you've ever experienced before, or if the headaches are getting worse, then you should contact a doctor immediately. Visit the hospital if your agony becomes unbearable to bear. Some symptoms indicate an emergency. If you experience headaches alongside any of the following symptoms, seek emergency medical attention:
Headaches are widespread and can impact a person's quality of life and capacity to do daily tasks. Many headaches go away on their own, but more serious issues cause some. Anyone experiencing pain in the back of their head should consult a doctor. If an underlying cause needs to be addressed, it is advisable to do so as soon as feasible.
Pain in back of head could be due to bad posture or other reasons. The most common is tension headache which happens when muscles in the scalp and neck get tensed. Pain radiates from the sides and back of the head as a result of this.
Brain tumor can produce pain in the back of the head if it develops large enough to push the nerves or blood vessels. Headaches, on the other hand, are a poor indicator of a brain tumor.
Every patient's pain is different, but headaches caused due to brain tumors are usually continuous and worst at night or early in the morning. They're frequently described as dull, "pressure-type" headaches, however, some people report intense or "stabbing" pain as well.
Anxiety headaches, also known as tension headaches, can strike anywhere on the head, including the front, sides, tops, and even the back.
Apply a cold compress, practice relaxation techniques, maintain hydration, ensure good posture, and consider over-the-counter pain relievers. Seek medical advice if pain persists.
Not necessarily. While sudden, severe head pain can be a symptom of stroke, it's often accompanied by other signs like weakness or vision changes. If concerned, seek medical attention promptly.
