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Pain in the back of the head can vary in severity. Sometimes it is mild or makes it impossible to get out of bed. Pains in the back of the head have many different possible causes. An analysis of accompanying symptoms can often identify the primary source of pain. Accurate finding of the cause facilitates effective treatment. What can the pain in the back of the head mean?
Pain in the back of the headcan be a symptom of various diseases. The source of the problem may lie in a disease of the musculoskeletal system or our psyche. Sometimes it is very difficult to find the root cause of ailments. Determining the type of pain, its location and accompanying symptoms will help the doctor diagnose the disease and start adequate treatment.
Pain in the back of the head - types
Tension headache
The most common type of pain in the back of the head is tension pain . It is associated with excessive tension in the muscles of the head and neck. This leads to excruciating pain in the back and sides of the head. Usually it is a dull, non-throbbing pain.
Tension headache does not indicate any other medical problem. Even though it is not a symptom of a dangerous disease, it can be very painful.
Some patients who suffer from this condition say they feel their head squeezed in a vise.Tension pain can last as little as 30 minutes or even 7 days . Movement and exercise do not aggravate the symptoms.
There aretwo types of tension headaches :
- Episodic : related to stress, fatigue or depression;
- Chronic : This type of headache occurs almost every day (at least 15 days a month) and may be accompanied by nausea.
Tension headache treatment
Most tension headaches can be relieved with over-the-counter pain relievers, such as:
- paracetamol,
- ibuprofen
- or aspirin.
If the problem occurs frequently, it is worth going to a doctor for help. In some cases, you may find it helpful to take your psychiatrist's prescribed antidepressants.
Non-pharmacological treatments for tension headache:
- relaxation techniques,
- cognitive therapybehavioral,
- massage,
- physiotherapy.
Occipital neuralgia
Neuralgia is also known asoccipital neuralgia . In this condition the pain is very intense, burning or burning. Feelings may evoke associations with electric shock.
Occipital neuralgia occurs when the nerves that run from the spinal cord to the scalp are damaged. It is often confused with migraine.
The pain begins at the back of the headand then continues towards the top of the head. In this case, the headache may occur while performing normal activities, such as brushing your hair or placing your head on a pillow. It is often one-sided in nature.Occipital neuralgia may aggravate migraine attacks .
Treatment of occipital neuralgia
Warm compresses and gentle massage can help soothe the symptoms. Anti-inflammatory drugs can help. If you suspect occipital neuralgia, it is worth consulting a doctor who will prescribe medications available on prescription.
Migrena
Migraineis a recurrent moderate to severe headache condition. Migraine episodes usually affect one side of the head. Migraine pain is pulsatile and lasts from several hours to three days.
The accompanying symptoms are nausea, vomiting and photophobia. The ailment usually appears in childhood and worsens with age. Migraine episodes are most severe in women between the ages of 35 and 45.
Typicalmigraine symptoms :
- throbbing severe pain on one side of the head,
- nausea and vomiting,
- visual disturbance,
- high sensitivity to light, noise and odors,
- muscle soreness,
- skin hypersensitivity,
- physical activity exacerbates the ailment.
Migraine may be preceded by an "aura". The person experiencing it can see flashing lights, rainbows, or have other visual disturbances.
Factors that trigger migraine attacks
There are many factors that can trigger a migraine episode. They are often patient specific. Triggers are both emotional and physical. Certain foods and medications also stimulate the onset of migraine attacks.
Common triggers of migraine attacks :
- anxiety, stress and depression;
- flashing and bright lights, loud noises, strong odors;
- hunger, e.g. a slimming diet;
- too short a dream;
- cheese, chocolate and caffeine;
- hormonal changes, e.g. pregnancy or menopause;
- hormonal contraception.
Migraine treatment
Migraine symptoms are relieved by painkillers such as aspirin or paracetamol. Resting in a darkened room is helpful. If basic symptom relief efforts do not help, your doctor may prescribe anti-migraine medications called triptans.
Preventing migraine episodes:
- relaxation exercises;
- physiotherapy;
- Avoiding triggers such as stress and certain foods.
Cluster headaches
Cluster headacheis a neurological disorder that presents with recurring severe headaches on one side of the head, usually around the eye.Pain in the back of the head may appear while lying down . Cluster headaches are rare but extremely painful.
The accompanying symptoms are:
- watery eyes,
- nasal congestion,
- swelling around one eye.
Patients with cluster headaches experience repeated attacks of pain. Treatment of ailments requires the help of a specialist doctor who will present possible treatment strategies.
Pain in the back of the head - causes
Arthritis
Pain in the back of the head, accompanied by neck pain, may indicate arthritis. In this case, movement and physical exercise make the feeling of discomfort worse. This distinguishes between arthritis pain and tension headache pain. The most common root cause is rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis.
If you have an arthritis headache, it's best to consult your doctor about the best treatment.
Over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs may provide temporary relief , but it is a short-term solution.
Intracranial pressure
A headache may be one of the symptomsof ICS . It is the result of lowered intracranial pressure as a consequence of traumatic or spontaneous leakage of the cerebrospinal fluid.
Spontaneous intracranial hypotension is often calledlow pressure headache . The symptom is severepain in the back of the head and neck , worsening when standing and sitting.
The ailment usuallydisappears after 30 minutes of lying down . People with this condition often wake up with very mild pain that gets worse over the course of the day.
If you suspect spontaneous intracranial hypotension, be sure to consult a doctor who will direct you to the appropriateresearch.
Bad body posture
Pain in the back of the head and neck may be a consequence of poor body posture . The ailment may appear in people who tend to slouch while sitting or standing. In this case, the patient may feel a dull, throbbing pain at the base of the skull.
This is because bad body posture causes stress in the back, shoulders and neck. This tension is the source of the pain. In this case, it is best to focus on eliminating the root cause of the ailment, limiting the intake of painkillers.
Working on body posture can ease pain . Exercises to strengthen the back are helpful. It is a good idea to seek the help of a physical therapist. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help ease pain.
Hernia of the cervical spine
A hernia in the cervical spine can cause pain in the back of the headand a feeling of tension in the neck. Pain may also be felt in the temple area or behind the eyes.
Discomfort in the arms is also characteristic. In this case, the headache will increase as you lie down. Patients with a hernia of the cervical spine often wake up at night because the condition interferes with their sleep.
If you suspect you have this condition,be sure to consult your doctor . Treatment of a hernia in the cervical spine can be of different nature.
Surgery is sometimes necessary. Most patients can relieve pain with a well-chosen set of exercises. It's a good idea to go to a physical therapist for help.
Relief from taking over-the-counter painkillers and avoiding lifting weights can help with relieving pain.
Abuse of painkillers
Pains in the back of the head can be caused by overuse of painkillers . It is often referred to asrebound headache .
Occasional intake of painkillers does not increase the occurrence of headaches. However, when a patient uses them two or three times a week for an extended period of time, he may develop a rebound headache.
Symptoms of Drug Abuse Headache :
- daily headaches,
- headache after waking up,
- headache after stopping medication,
- nausea,
- anxiety,
- irritability,
- lack of energy,
- difficulty concentrating,
- depression.
The best way to treat rebound headaches is to stop taking pain medications altogether. Headaches onat the beginning they will get worse, but they will subside quickly.
For some medications, such as opioids, gradual dose reduction is recommended. In case of serious problems, see a doctor. Sometimes the help of a psychotherapist is necessary in stopping painkillers.
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