Pain in Back of the Head: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

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.

What Causes Pain in the Back of the Head?

The pain in the back of the head can be caused due to various reasons. The type and location of pain are essential factors in determining the aetiology of headaches.

Severe and persistent headaches need immediate medical attention from the doctor. The most common causes of pain in the back of the head are:

Tension-type Headache

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:

  • Tightening sensation in the back or front of the head
  • Pain that is low to moderate but can be severe at times
  • Nausea or vomiting.

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Migraine

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 of headaches are emotional and physical stress or a change in diet. Migraine is most commonly seen in females.

Symptoms of migraine include:

  • Throbbing solid ache on one side of the head
  • Vomiting and Nausea
  • Visual Annoyance
  • Increased sensitivity to light, sound, and smell
  • Tender muscles and sensitive skin

Arthritis

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:

Poor Posture

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 Headache

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.

Cervicogenic Headache

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.


What is the diagnosis for pain in the back of the head?

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.


What are the symptoms of pain in the back of the head?

Dull or Aching Pain:

Experience a dull, persistent ache in the back of the head, often accompanied by discomfort or tension.

Throbbing Sensation:

Occasional throbbing or pulsating pain localized to the back of the head, which may worsen with movement or specific activities.

Tenderness to Touch:

Sensitivity or tenderness to touch in the area at the base of the skull or upper neck.

Neck Stiffness:

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.

Headache Triggers:

Pain is exacerbated by specific triggers such as stress, poor posture, excessive screen time, or muscle tension.


How is back head pain typically treated?

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.

Back Head Pain Reasons

Common causes of back head pain include:

  • Tension Headaches: Often due to stress, poor posture, or muscle strain.
  • Cervicogenic Headaches: Originating from issues in the cervical spine.
  • Migraines: Severe headaches that can cause pain at the back of the head.
  • Occipital Neuralgia: Inflammation or injury of the occipital nerves.
  • Arthritis: In the neck or upper spine, leading to referred pain.

Treatment for back head pain may also include lifestyle modifications, physical therapy, relaxation techniques, and in some cases, prescription medications to address the underlying causes.


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When to visit a Doctor?

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:

  • Mood swings and agitation
  • Fever and stiff neck
  • Slurred speech and weakness
  • Severe headaches

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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does pain in the back of the head indicate?

Pain in the back of the head can indicate various causes, including tension headaches, cervicogenic headaches, migraines, occipital neuralgia, and poor posture. Understanding these Back Head Pain Reasons helps in effective treatment.

Do brain tumors cause pain in the back of head?

Brain tumors can cause back head pain by pressing on nerves or vessels, but headaches aren't reliable indicators. Understanding headache causes aids accurate treatment.

What does a brain Tumour headache feel like?

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.

Can anxiety cause headaches in the back of your head?

Anxiety headaches, also known as tension headaches, can strike anywhere on the head, including the front, sides, tops, and even the back.

How do I get rid of a sharp pain in the back of my head?

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.

Does pain in the back of the head mean stroke?

Not necessarily. While a sudden, severe headache can be a symptom of stroke, it's often accompanied by other signs like weakness or vision changes. If concerned, seek medical attention promptly.

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