A headache in the back of the head is one of the annoying symptoms that confuse many people, especially when it recurs without a clear reason. It is not just a passing pain that ends after a while. It is an indication of the presence of various health causes that vary between muscle tension and problems in the spine, up to disorders in blood pressure. In the following lines, with Al Mousa Specialist Hospital, we review the most prominent causes of headaches in the back of the head and the most important methods of treatment.

What is a headache in the back of the head?

A headache in the back of the head is a type of headache that is localized to the back of the head, and often extends to the neck and upper shoulders. It varies in severity and cause. It can also be the result of muscle tension due to sitting for long periods or incorrect postures. The headache may also be related to the presence of problems in the neck vertebrae, or due to high blood pressure, or neurological disorders such as cluster headaches or tension headaches.

What are the types of headaches in the back of the head?

Headaches vary in form and type, depending on their severity and the area they affect, and include:

• Back headache.
• Frontal headache.
• Frequent headaches.
• Eye headache.
• Sinus headache.

Symptoms may be similar to each other, which affects the accuracy of the diagnosis, but the doctor depends on knowing the medical history and conducting medical examinations to find out the main causes and treat them. Book your consultation now at Neuroscience Center At Al Mousa Specialist Hospital.

What are the causes of a headache in the back of the head?

There are many problems that may lead to a headache in the back of the head, which are:

• Tension headaches:Tension headaches are one of the most common factors that lead to headaches in the back of the head, which occur when faced with physical or emotional stress.
• Migraine:It is a severe headache that causes pulsating pain that usually begins on one side of the head, and may move to the back of the head or behind the eyes. 
• Cluster headaches:It is a type of headache that causes severe pain in one area of ​​the head, usually pain Cluster headache Around the eyes, but it may lead to a headache in the back of the head.
• Cervicogenic headache:This type originates in the neck and moves to the head, and occurs due to irritation of the cervical nerves.
• Occipital neuralgia:It is one of the less common causes of a headache in the back of the head, which is usually characterized by intermittent, sudden, stabbing-like pain. الصداع النصفي, but both affect the back of the head.
• Exercise-induced headache:This type usually occurs after strenuous physical activity, but symptoms quickly develop, and the headache may last for up to two days.
• Medication-overuse or rebound headache:A headache usually occurs when overuse of painkillers for more than 15 days per month, and is usually accompanied by a group of symptoms, such as: difficulty concentrating, anxiety, and lack of energy.
• Low-pressure headache:Also known as positional or orthostatic headache, it results from a decrease in pressure inside the skull, and symptoms usually worsen when sitting or standing.

Other causes of headache in the back of the head 

• Neck muscle spasm

Sitting incorrectly, exerting too much effort without warming up, or sudden movements of the neck and head can lead to tension in the neck muscles, causing a headache to begin in the back of the head.

• Cervical spine problems

A herniated disc or osteoarthritis of the cervical vertebrae may cause pressure on the nerves, causing a headache that extends from the neck to the back of the head.

• High blood pressure

High blood pressure headaches are often in the back of the head and become more pronounced with exertion or early in the morning.

• Visual stress or dehydration

Watching TV, sitting in front of screens for a long time, poor lighting, or dehydration lead to headaches that start at the back of the head.

• Psychological stress and anxiety

Psychological stress is a major factor in causing many problems. Constant psychological stress and chronic anxiety actually lead to headaches in the back of the head, as a result of muscle tension and nerve tension.

• Excessive caffeine intake or withdrawal from it

Consuming large amounts of caffeine (in coffee and its derivatives), or even stopping it suddenly, can cause headaches due to changes in the blood vessels.

• Lack of sleep or excessive sleep

Not getting enough sleep, or sleeping for long hours over 8 hours, or sleeping incorrectly leads to the onset of a headache in the back of the head.

• Anemia

Low levels of iron or hemoglobin in the blood cause general fatigue, accompanied by a headache in the back.

• Low blood sugar

Low blood glucose levels cause a headache that varies in location from one person to another, and can appear in the back of the head.

• Vision problems

Visual stress resulting from poor vision or using the wrong glasses may appear as a headache in the back of the head, especially when concentrating for long periods.

• Deep sinus problems

Although headaches resulting from sinus problems begin in the front of the head and around the eyes, continued inflammation and its deepening into the back sinuses may lead to the headache moving to the back of the head.

• Ear problems

Ear problems such as: inflammation of the middle or inner ear, blockage of the Eustachian tube due to a cold or allergies, balance disorders such as Meniere's disease, or even the accumulation of wax inside the ear can lead to a headache that starts from behind the ear and extends to the back of the head.

• Tumors or intracranial bleeding (very rare)

In very rare cases, posterior headaches may be caused by intracranial pressure due to a tumor or bleeding, and are usually accompanied by neurological symptoms such as double vision or loss of balance.

Symptoms of headache in the back of the head

A headache in the back of the head is one of the types of headaches whose symptoms vary depending on the cause, but there are a group of common signs that can be noticed, including:

• Pain or pressure in the back of the head may be mild or moderate to severe.
• Tension in the neck or shoulder muscles.
• Feeling pain that increases with movement or sitting for a long time, especially if the posture is wrong.
• Palpitations or pulsation in the head, especially when suffering from a migraine.
• Sensitivity to light or sounds in some cases.
• Feeling dizzy and unbalanced, if the headache is related to high blood pressure or neurological problems.
• Inability to concentrate or feeling mentally exhausted.

Does lack of sleep cause headaches in the back of the head?

It should be noted that there is a close connection between lack of sleep and the appearance of headaches in the back of the head. Sufficient regular sleep for a period of no less than between 7 and 9 hours is essential for the health of the brain and body. When an individual does not sleep adequately, an imbalance occurs in the levels of hormones and levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, which leads to headaches. Lack of sleep also affects the levels of serotonin and melatonin, which are important hormones for regulating the body’s biological clock, and these levels can cause the blood vessels to expand.

Lack of sleep leads to an increase in feelings of anxiety and tension, which causes an increase in headaches in the back of the head. Therefore, it is important to make sure to get enough sleep to avoid this annoying health problem. If the headache persists despite improving sleep, you must consult a doctor to identify the main cause behind the problem and take appropriate treatment.

When is pain in the back of the head serious?

Of course, headaches are one of the common health problems that many people do not care about. However, when the headache is severe, you must pay attention to it and not be complacent. Most of the time, the pain in the back of the head is not an indication of a serious health problem. The pain may be the result of normal causes, including stress, lack of sleep, or infection with the flu. However, there are a number of cases that indicate the presence of a more serious problem, which requires immediate medical attention. If the pain in the back of the head is severe or accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or difficulty seeing or speaking, it is likely that the problem has increased.

If the pain in the back of the head continues for a long time, or its intensity increases, and if new abnormal symptoms appear, a doctor must be consulted for diagnosis and rapid treatment of the pain to avoid any possible complications.

Types of headaches in the back of the head according to symptoms

• Headache at the back of the head

A headache in the back of the head is considered a common type of headache in which a person feels pain or pressure in the area of the upper back of the head. This type of headache results from a number of different factors, including nervous stress, muscle tension, and the wrong position of the neck or head while working or sleeping. It can be caused by exposure to loud noises. In many cases, a headache in the back of the head can be accompanied by other symptoms, including a feeling of fatigue, exhaustion, or difficulty concentrating. The headache in that area of the head can last for a number of hours or can last up to days, which affects...

There are a number of effective methods that relieve or treat headaches from above, including practicing light exercises, maintaining good head and neck posture, in addition to practicing relaxation, and taking pain-relieving medications when needed, but a doctor must be consulted if the headache persists or worsens.

• Headache in the back of the head with a pulse

Many people suffer from a headache in the back of the head with a pulsation, which is very annoying. It is a type of severe and annoying headache in which a person feels pain with a recurring pulsation in the area, especially in the cranial area. This type of headache is accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, sensitivity to sound or light, and poor concentration. It is believed that the reason behind this headache is a disturbance in blood flow to the brain and blood vessels in the head and neck area, and it can be the result of factors such as lack of sleep, stress, poor nutrition, and problems in the neck and spine.

It should be noted that in many cases, a pulsating headache in the back of the head may be severe, to the point of hindering the daily activities of the individual affected by a headache in the back of the head. Therefore, it is always recommended to consult a doctor as soon as possible to determine the cause and obtain appropriate treatment, which includes both natural treatments and pain-relieving medications, and to get enough sleep to maintain health and get rid of a headache in the back of the head.

• Headache in the back of the head with nausea

Research indicates that a headache in the back of the head with nausea results from disturbances in the functions of the brain and the central nervous system. The cause may be an imbalance of chemicals in the brain or increased pressure on the nerves and blood vessels in the head and neck area. This type of headache is severe and long-lasting, which is more annoying to the individual. In addition to severe pain, nausea and vomiting increase the individual’s suffering. To relieve a headache in the back of the head with nausea, medications that relieve pain and nausea are used.

This type of headache also extends to the sides or front side of the head. Common causes of this type of headache include muscle tension in the neck and shoulders, or problems in the neck vertebrae or nerves. Severe dehydration may also lead to headache and nausea, and allergies to some foods or medications can cause headaches accompanied by nausea. When you feel this problem, you should consult a doctor to get the appropriate treatment according to your health condition and the cause of the headache.

• Headache in the back of the head with dizziness

One of the most important types of headaches that you should pay attention to is a headache in the back of the head with dizziness, which is a type of chronic headache that affects the cranial region and the back of the head. This type is characterized by feeling pain with a pulsing and repetitive knocking, and it is often accompanied by a feeling of vertigo and dizziness. Research confirms that the reason behind a headache in the back of the head with dizziness is an imbalance in the regulation of blood circulation in the head and neck, which leads to increased pressure on the nerves and blood vessels in that area. Headaches can be caused by problems in the neck or spine.

As for the causes of headaches in the back of the head and a feeling of dizziness, we will explain some of them below:

• Tension headaches, i.e. resulting from muscle tension in the neck and shoulders.
• Migraine, in which the individual suffers from nausea and vomiting.
• Sinusitis, which causes pain behind the eyes and spreads to the back of the head, accompanied by dizziness.
• Low blood pressure, which causes headaches and dizziness, especially when standing up suddenly.
• Inner ear disorders.

يمكنك أيضا قراءة Methods of treating headaches, their types, causes and prevention

Methods of diagnosing a headache in the back of the head

Diagnosing a headache in the back of the head depends on an accurate assessment of the symptoms in addition to a clinical examination. The doctor begins by asking the patient about the nature of the pain, its duration and intensity, along with the factors that trigger or relieve it. The doctor may also request additional tests such as an MRI or CT scan if there is suspicion of structural or neurological problems. Blood pressure can be measured or blood tests can be performed to rule out various causes such as infections or high blood pressure. This evaluation helps determine the exact cause of the headache and direct appropriate treatment.

Treating headaches in the back of the head and neck

Early intervention is usually recommended to treat headaches of all types in the back of the head, to avoid aggravation of the problem. The treatment methods used include the following:

• pharmaceuticalThe type of medications used varies based on the severity of the symptoms and their causes. The doctor usually resorts to using analgesics to relieve the severity of the pain, such as aspirin and other non-steroidal analgesics. 
• Muscle extensorThe doctor may prescribe muscle relaxants to reduce the severity of pain and increase the speed of recovery.
• Nutritional supplementsThe doctor may resort to using some supplements to improve symptoms, such as: supplements rich in magnesium, riboflavin, and some coenzymes.

What are the ways to treat a headache at home?

The following tips will help you reduce the severity of headache symptoms:

• Massage and use of heat compresses.
• Cool the forehead using cold compresses.
• Relax and rest.
• Stay away from headache triggers, such as exposure to flashes of light or sounds.
• Drink enough water to treat dehydration.
• Drink soothing drinks such as: chamomile tea, ginger, cinnamon, or turmeric.
• Less looking at screens to reduce visual stress.
• Go out to breathe fresh air to calm the nerves and rejuvenate.
• Inhale or massage the neck using aromatic oils such as: peppermint oil and lavender oil.
• Pressing specific points on the neck or behind the ear can help relieve pain.
• Practice relaxation exercises such as meditation.
• Eating a snack such as: fruits, nuts, or yogurt helps balance.
• Maintain good, healthy posture when sitting or sleeping.
• You can take an over-the-counter painkiller such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.

How to avoid getting a headache in the back of the head?

A headache in the back of the head occurs for many reasons, but you can avoid it by following the following tips and instructions:

• Deal with stress and pressure properlyContinuous and repeated exposure to stress causes a number of health problems, including headaches.
• Make sure you get enough sleepLack of sleep is one of the factors that increase the likelihood of developing a headache, so sleeping well for at least 6 hours reduces the chances of it occurring.
• Pay attention to proper nutritionMake sure to diversify your food sources to include the main nutrients, avoid fast food and foods rich in fat, and replace them with healthy alternatives such as vegetables and fruits.
• Stay away from headache triggers, including loud sounds and flashing lights, especially when feeling exhausted and tired.
• Commit to following healthy habits that positively affect your health, including performing a comprehensive periodic examination once every 6 months.

Possible complications of a headache in the back of the head

Although headaches are often caused by simple causes such as stress or poor posture, neglecting them or ignoring recurrent symptoms can lead to potential complications, the most prominent of these complications being the persistence of chronic pain and its impact on the patient’s life and concentration, feelings of anxiety and psychological tension resulting from worry about the presence of a serious problem, and poor daily and functional performance due to recurring pain. It should also be noted that in some cases, posterior headaches are evidence of more serious problems such as high blood pressure or disorders in the spine or nerves, which leads to neurological complications if not treated with time.

Frequently asked questions 

Can a headache in the back of the head be prevented?

There are a number of methods that can be followed to prevent headaches in the back of the head, including psychological stress and chronic anxiety. The most important factors that help in the occurrence of a headache in the back of the head are practicing meditation and relaxation techniques, getting enough sleep, and maintaining improvement in the position of the neck and head, as using smart phones or computers and sitting in the wrong position for long periods of time leads to tension and fatigue in the neck and back muscles. Therefore, a good position of the head and neck must be maintained when sitting or sleeping, in order to reduce the risk of developing a headache in the back of the head.

Care must be taken to practice exercises that focus on strengthening the neck and back muscles, which helps prevent headaches in the back of the head and the accompanying symptoms. Factors that increase the problem should be avoided, such as drinking alcoholic beverages or changes in temperature. In some cases, a headache in the back of the head can be caused by various health problems, such as disorders in the neck or spine. Therefore, the cause must be treated to prevent headaches.

What are the causes of headache in the back of the neck?

Feeling pain in the back of the head along with the neck, this is the result of a number of different causes, including inflammation in the neck joints, as arthritis in the neck vertebrae causes stiffness and pain that spreads to the head, and neck muscle strain or bruises may cause pain in the neck and head, and a herniated disc in the neck may put pressure on the nerves and cause pain in the back of the head with the neck, and migraines may also cause pain in the back of the head with some other symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, and eye problems such as fatigue.

As for the symptoms associated with pain in the head and neck, they include neck stiffness, difficulty in moving the head, pain when touching the neck muscles, dizziness, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. As for the risk factors, they include sitting for long periods in uncomfortable positions, lifting heavy weights, stress, tension, and lack of physical activity.

How do I know what type of headache I have?

In order to determine the type of headache you are suffering from, you can observe and record the accompanying symptoms. There are a number of points that help determine the type, including identifying the location of the pain in the head, whether it is on one side or both sides, or in the forehead or the back of the head, and identifying the nature of the pain, whether it is constant or accompanied by a pulsation, and whether it is mild or severe.

Find out the accompanying symptoms and whether you feel nauseous or vomiting, whether you have sensitivity to light or sound, whether you feel numbness or weakness in any part of the body, whether there are specific factors that increase the severity or frequency of headaches such as stress, and you must know the duration of the headache attack, from tension headaches, migraines, and cluster headaches, and record all of this and go to the doctor and explain to him all the symptoms so that he can help you determine the type of headache and clarify the appropriate treatment for you, as the doctor performs some tests such as MRI or CT scan to rule out the most common causes.

How do I get rid of headaches quickly?

When you feel a headache in the back of your head, there are some effective methods that help relieve the headache quickly. For example, you can take painkillers recommended by doctors, which help reduce inflammation and relieve pain quickly. Nasal sprays can be used to help relieve pressure in the sinuses, neck, and in the areas surrounding the head. In addition, heat or cold can be applied to the area. You can place a hot compress on the neck and shoulders, which helps relax the muscles. Also, when you place a cold compress on the back of the head,

Does pressure cause headaches in the back of the head?

Yes, severe high blood pressure can cause a headache in the back due to increased pressure on the blood vessels in the brain. The pressure can be pulsating or pressing, and may increase early in the morning or with activity, and is accompanied by serious symptoms such as blurred vision, dizziness, shortness of breath, tinnitus, and nausea.

What are the causes of scalp pain from the back?

If the pain is concentrated in the scalp and not from inside the head, the causes may revolve around: excessive hair pulling, or seborrheic dermatitis accompanied by itching, burning, and peeling of the skin, or an allergy to hair products that may cause local sensitivity with burning, or sunburn, or boils and infections of the hair follicles due to the accumulation of sweat and friction with them, or head fungi such as tinea, or repeated friction from a pillow or helmet, or anxiety and psychological tension that causes the feeling that

How do I relieve back pain?

Take a break away from screens and stress. Head pain can be relieved by sitting in a quiet, dark, well-ventilated place and taking deep breaths, gently massaging the neck and the back of the head and using warm and cold compresses. Maintain a comfortable sitting and sleeping position, and stay away from stress and anxiety as much as possible.

Also, gently massaging the area affected by the headache helps stimulate blood circulation and relieve pain. Essential oils such as lavender oil or peppermint oil can be used to relieve stress due to their analgesic properties. If the headache persists or worsens, it is important to consult a doctor to determine the cause and the appropriate treatment to get rid of the headache.

In conclusion, we remind you that headaches in the back of your head may be annoying throughout the day and negatively affect your quality of life, and dealing with them properly requires knowing their causes and taking preventive measures to avoid them, such as getting enough sleep and dealing with stress properly. Al-Mousa Specialized Group To conduct a comprehensive periodic examination by a group of the best doctors and specialists

Sources and references  

Why Does the Back of My Head Hurt – healthline

What is this pain in the back of my head – medical news today