Even the slightest headache can interfere with your day. While they aren’t usually anything to be concerned about, headaches can be very painful and interrupt your daily activities.
The good news is that most common headaches can be managed at home. Understanding what triggers your headaches and taking steps to prevent them can really make a difference.
Headaches at the back of the head can cause a lot of discomfort, pain and pressure. Most are tension headaches but sometimes, these symptoms can indicate other issues, such as migraine.
In this article, we explore the causes of back of the head headaches and how you can manage them.
Causes of back of the head headaches
Tension headache
Tension headaches are very common. They cause tightness or pressure that can feel like a band is wrapped around your head. The symptoms of a tension headache usually begin slowly, then develop in intensity. The pain can also affect the back of the neck.
Tension headaches can be caused by stress, lack of sleep or too much caffeine. They can also be triggered by dehydration, anxiety, bright sunlight, and eye strain. A cold compress, gentle massage or relaxation can all help to ease a tension headache.
Migraine
Migraines are a severe type of headache. Symptoms include throbbing on one side of the head, visual disturbance, sensitivity to light, and nausea. Migraines can last for several days and be very debilitating.
The cause of migraines isn’t fully understood, but a number of factors may contribute to their development. Triggers for migraine may include hormonal changes, stress, certain medications, and depression.
There is no cure for migraines, but taking pain relief as soon as the symptoms begin can help. Using cold packs, staying in a dark, quiet room and trying to sleep may also help alleviate symptoms.
Occipital neuralgia
This is a less common type of headache that affects the back of the head. It is associated with damage, inflammation or irritation to the occipital nerves which are found in the back of the neck and base of the scalp.
Occipital neuralgia can cause severe outbursts of pain, as well as a throbbing ache, shooting pains, scalp tenderness and a sensitivity to light.
At-home treatment for occipital neuralgia symptoms includes a warm compress, massage, rest, and over the counter pain medication. If these don’t help, your doctor may prescribe nerve blocks, corticosteroids or botulinum toxin injections.
Cervicogenic headache
Cervicogenic headaches cause pain that usually develops on one side, beginning at the back of the neck. They also cause muscle stiffness. Other symptoms of cervicogenic headaches can include pain around your eyes, in the shoulder or arm, and pain when you move your neck into certain positions.
Cervicogenic headaches can be caused by straining your neck, muscle spasms or being in an uncomfortable position for a long time. Injuries, fractures and whiplash can also cause cervicogenic headaches, as can certain medical conditions, including arthritis, tumors and infections.
Treatment aims to remove the cause of the pain and may include physical therapy, medication, nerve blocks or surgery.
Cluster headaches
Cluster headaches are rare and cause intense pain, usually on one side of the head around the eye. They can recur daily for many weeks, then disappear before another cluster develops.
The cause of cluster headaches is unknown, but they may be related to inflammation and neurotransmitters. They can be triggered by things like a rise in temperature, exercising when hot and drinking alcohol.
There is no cure for cluster headaches, but treatments can help to alleviate the symptoms and reduce their duration and frequency. Over the counter pain relief isn’t usually effective in managing cluster headaches.
When should I be concerned about a headache at the back of my head?
If you develop headaches that aren’t normal for you, then it is always a good idea to talk to your doctor.
If your headache is very severe and comes on suddenly, or it is accompanied by a fever, blurred vision, confusion or weakness, always seek emergency medical help.
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