Headache is a common condition and can happen anywhere in the head. There can be several reasons why an individual may experience pain in the back side of head. This can be caused by a migraine disorder or issues related to posture, spine and neck. Discomfort can be reduced through medications, alternative treatments and lifestyle modifications. Persistent pain in the back side of head emphasises on the need to diagnose the root cause of the problem and recommend treatment.
Back Head Pain Reasons
Some of the potential causes of pain in back side of head include:
Neck problems
Concussion
Herniated disc
Note: Back head pain can be caused by problems such as pinched nerve, herniated disc, cervical spondylosis and muscle strain.
Other causes of back head pain may include:
Types of Back Head Pain
Back head pain can be of multiple types including:
Tension headaches
This is the most common type of headache, characterised by a dull and aching pain often felt on both sides of the head, including back head pain.
Migraines
A severe, throbbing pain, often accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light and sound, can characterise a migraine. Pain associated with migraine can be felt on either one or both sides of the head, including back head pain.
Cluster headaches
A cluster headache is characterised by sharp pain on one side of the head, including back head pain. These headaches are often accompanied by symptoms such as watering or redness of the eye, and runny nose on the same side as the pain.
Cervicogenic headaches
These headaches are caused by problems in the neck, such as cervical spondylosis, muscle strain, pinched nerve or a herniated disc. This type of headache is often accompanied by pain in the back side of the head and neck.
Traction headaches
This type of headache is caused by stretching or pulling of the blood vessels and muscles in the head and neck. It is often caused by staying in one position for a prolonged time or poor posture.
Back Head Pain Treatment
If back head pain is persistent or does not go away on its own, the following treatment options may prove to be helpful:
Over-the-counter pain medications
OTC medications such as acetaminophen, aspirin and ibuprofen help relieve discomfort and pain associated with headaches.
Prescription medications
If OTC medications for headache are not effective, a doctor can prescribe strong pain medications or other medications specifically designed for the treatment of headaches.
Physical therapy
Physical therapy can play a vital role in alleviating muscle tension and pain in back side of head and neck.
Relaxation techniques
Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, yoga and meditation can help reduce stress and tension that contributes to headaches.
Alternative therapies
Alternative treatment therapies such as acupuncture helps relieve pain and muscle tension in head and neck.
Surgery
In rare cases, a structural problem in the neck such as herniated disc may require a surgery.
When to See a Doctor
It is important to consult a doctor if the headache is:
Accompanied by neck stiffness, numbness, confusion, double vision, difficulty speaking or fever.
Associated with an injury to the head.
Accompanied by a rash or stiff neck.
Waking you up at night.
Point to remember: If you have a history of headaches or the headache has recently become frequent or severe, consult a doctor to rule out underlying conditions. A neurologist will help determine the cause of pain in back side of head and recommend treatment.
FAQs
1. How to get rid of back head pain?
Over-the-counter medications for pain relief such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help relieve pain in the back of the head. Other ways to relieve pain in back side of head include taking time to ease stress and relax, which includes trying relaxation techniques.
2. What is the pain in the back of the skull?
Occipital neuralgia or back head pain is a condition in which the occipital nerves (nerves running through the scalp) are inflamed or injured. This causes headaches that feel like severe, throbbing pain in the back of the head, upper neck or behind the ears.
3. Is back head pain serious?
Pain in back side of head is most commonly caused by tension headaches that are common and not a cause of concern. However, sudden, recurrent or severe back head pain can be a sign of a serious underlying condition that must be evaluated by a neurologist.
4. Is back head pain a symptom of brain tumour?
Back head pain is rarely caused by a tumour. Also, the chances that a headache is a sign of a brain tumour are very remote.
Article By Dr. Vivek Barun
Consultant Neurology & Epilepsy
Artemis Hospitals
