Pain is described as a very unpleasant sensory feeling. They can be very uncomfortable no matter what kind. However, headaches can occur at any part of the head depending on the root cause. For instance, pain in back of the head, front, one side or temple. Headaches can also be secondary symptoms for any other problem.
Pain in Back of Head: Causes
There are a various number of reasons that can lead to pain in back of head, for instance:
- Posture
- Arthritis
- Migraines
- Cluster Headaches
- Tension Headaches
- Occipital Neuralgia
- Cervicogenic Headache
Posture: –
Even though we feel tension in our shoulder and back, we don’t care about slouching when using mobile phone. This slouching can cause strain on our neck, back of the head, upper back muscles and nerves. Our poor postures are the main reason behind the pain in back of head and neck. Keeping your spine straight when sitting or standing can relieve the pain from bad postures.
Arthritis: –
Inflammation or swelling in the cervical spine (neck) causes arthritis. These headaches could also occur due to inflamed blood vessels. Arthritis-related headache is usually triggered by movement and gets worse with it. Pain in back of head is one of a major symptom of arthritis headache. Consult your doctor about the treatment options.
Migraines: –
These are the headaches that often happen on one side of the head. Migraines may originate from the left side of your head and move around. Along with throbbing pain, migraines may come with nausea and weakness. Sensitivity to light is also common among it’s symptoms. There are a number of factors that can cause migraines. For instance: –
- Anxiety
- Tobacco
- Genetics
- Bright lights
- Extra Exertion
- Hormonal changes in women
- Caffeine (excess or withdrawal)
Cluster Headaches: –
Most painful headaches occurring in cyclical pattern are called cluster headaches. Cluster Headaches is the kind of severe headache that takes place around or behind one eye. People often confuse cluster headaches with migraines because they happen on one side. This type of headache gets worse when lying down. Common symptoms include: –
- Pale skin
- Redness in eye
- Pain on one side
- Swelling around the eye
- Pain around or behind one eye
These headaches take place in a form of cluster.
Tension Headaches: –
Dull pain and pressure in the back of your head and neck caused due to stress are called tension headaches. Tension headaches are most common among adults. These headaches are of two types: –
- Episodic: lasts up to 30 minutes to 7 days. These episodic headaches come when you’re stressed or anxious. They can happen for less than 15 days per month.
- Chronic: This pain can be more or less intense during the day but is always present. Chronic headaches can happen for more than 15 days per month.
Occipital Neuralgia: –
An injury or inflammation in the occipital nerves can cause these headaches. These nerves travel up to the scalp from the spine. This injury or inflammation can also result in pain behind the ears. Occipital Neuralgia related headaches are severe and people describe it as – a shock. It may occur as you do your normal day routine work like brushing your hair. Occipital Neuralgia can also be a result of whiplash injury.
Cervicogenic Headache: –
This a secondary headache that takes place due to spine-related problem in the neck region. Cervicogenic Headaches don’t happen on their own. Neck injury, whiplash injury, infection or herniated disc in the cervical spine (neck) can lead to cervicogenic headaches. Movement in the neck can make the pain worse. Some major symptoms of cervicogenic headaches include: –
- Neck stiffness
- Pain on one side of the head
- Headaches originating from neck
- Reduced range of motion in the neck
People sometimes can confuse cervicogenic headaches with migraines because of similar symptoms.
Pain in Back of Head: Treatment Options
Headaches can take place due to various different reasons. Treatment for headaches depend upon the type, cause, exact location & symptoms of the pain.
- Arthritis-Based Headaches Treatment: –
Usually, headaches caused due to arthritis can be treated by anti-inflammatory.
- Cluster Headache Treatment: –
Primary focus of the treatment for cluster headaches is to shorten the pain duration, less severe headaches and prevention from further headaches.
- Tension Headache Treatment: –
Many people suffering from tension headaches choose not to seek any medical attention and try treating them on their own. Unfortunately, taking too many pain killers can also result in headaches (called rebound headaches) along with many other side effects. Pain killers may reduce your headache for a while. But taking too many pain killers can result in medication induced headaches.
- Posture-Induced Headache Treatment:
Our bad posture can be a major reason behind headaches. This pain in the back of head is caused due to pressure on the neck. There are various postures that put pressure on your neck. For long term, keeping a proper posture can prevent headaches induced due to bad postures.
When to seek medical attention?
Seeking medical attention immediately is important if you feel headaches getting worse. Make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. For spine-related headaches (cervicogenic headaches), you can visit KKT Orthopedic Spine Centre for treatment without medication and surgery.