After a long day at work, the last thing you want to deal with is a headache in the back of the head, and if you suffer from it, you are not alone, as it affects almost everyone at some point in their lives, and although there are many types of headaches, the causes of back headaches remain among the worst types, and they may be so severe that they prevent you from performing your daily tasks. What are the causes of back headaches?
What are the causes of back headache?
According to statistics, headaches are among the most common forms of pain.
Back headaches are usually caused by one or more of the following:
- Stress: Tension headaches, known as tension headaches, are the most common cause of back-head headaches, accounting for 90% of all headaches.
- Cluster headache: Cluster headaches cause recurring, severe attacks of pain on one side of the head in the back, and may radiate from the back of the head and neck to the front and around the eyes. This type is caused by a spinal problem in the upper back and neck.
- Occipital neuralgia: It is nerve pain in areas of the skin supplied by the occipital nerves (which extend from the top of the spinal cord to the scalp).
- Excessive effort: Such as exercise-induced headaches, also known as exertion headaches.
- Migraine: Migraines cause severe, throbbing pain on one side of the face and head that extends from front to back, and may affect only the back of the head.
- Caffeine withdrawal: More than one study indicates that those who habitually drink caffeine may develop a physical dependence on it (a type of addiction), and if a person suddenly stops drinking caffeine, he may suffer from withdrawal symptoms, which are considered one of the causes of headaches.
- Head trauma: Sometimes posterior headaches are caused by head trauma and complications such as: concussion, blood bruises, fracture or bleeding of the skull.
- Brain tumor: A headache accompanied by a throbbing sensation in the back of the head may be a sign of a brain tumor.
- Sexual activity: Known as a headache associated with sexual activity, it occurs before or during orgasm.
- Intracranial hemorrhage: Back headache caused by intracranial hemorrhage is a very serious condition. It may occur as a result of a stroke or brain aneurysm, and causes severe pain throughout the head or only the back.
Include Causes of back headache Also the following:
- Sleeping or sitting in the wrong position.
- Sinusitis.
- Problems with the vertebrae, ligaments or tendons of the neck.
- Not getting enough rest.
- Otitis media.
- High blood pressure.
- Side effects of some medications.
Read also: What is the difference between migraine and regular headache?
What is the treatment for a headache from the back?
Like any other condition, treatment for a posterior headache depends on determining the cause behind it. The treatment plan developed by the doctor includes medications to relieve symptoms, and others to treat the cause if the headache is secondary and related to another health condition.
For example: If the causes of back headaches are caused by the sinuses, the doctor will recommend decongestants and histamines to treat them, along with pain relievers to relieve the headache.
Common pain relievers for back headache
Common pain relievers for back headaches include:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs Such as: Ibuprofen.
- Pain relievers Such as: Paracetamol. The doctor may recommend medications that contain a combination of paracetamol and caffeine to treat headaches caused by tension (tension-type headache).
- Migraine painkillersWhich usually contains a mixture of several active ingredients, including caffeine, domperidone, ergotamine, and paracetamol, which relieve pain and relieve symptoms associated with migraines such as nausea and light sensitivity.
In some rare cases, if the headache is persistent and affects the person's ability to lead a normal life, the doctor may recommend opioid pain relievers such as Tramadol, but with specific doses that must be adhered to to avoid addiction.
Book your consultation now at مركز العلوم العصبیة At Al Mousa Specialist Hospital.
Treating back headaches at home
Simple lifestyle habits can reduce the chances of developing posterior headaches or avoid them completely, especially types caused by stress, tension, etc.
If you suffer from the causes of...Back headache Frequently, try the following tips:
- Avoid causes of stress and psychological pressure as much as possible.
- Maintain a regular sleep schedule, by setting bedtime and wake-up times as closely as possible, and getting 7 hours of sleep every night.
- Exercising daily for at least 30 minutes.
- Rest in a quiet, dark room, especially with migraines;
- Avoid spending long periods in front of the TV or computer screen. If necessary, you can take a break every 20 minutes and close your eyes for 20 seconds.
- Apply warm or cold compresses behind the head.
- Drink plenty of water daily.
Frequently asked questions
Is lack of sleep a cause of back headaches?
Yes, scientists have found a direct link between lack of sleep and migraines and tension headaches, both of which cause headaches in the back of the head.
How long does a headache last?
A headache may last 30 minutes, or up to 7 days, depending on the cause and type.
When is pain in the back of the head serious?
If your back headache is characterized by: You should pay attention and see a doctor:
- So severe that it wakes you up or keeps you from falling asleep.
- Continuing for several days.
- Sharp and started suddenly.
- Most severe in the morning.
If you experience any of the following symptoms with your headache, You must go to the emergency room immediately:
- fever.
- confusion.
- Stiffness in the neck.
- Repeated vomiting.
- Difficulty speaking.
- Numbness or weakness on one side of the body.
- Weak or blurry vision.
We reviewed through the article Causes of back headacheAnd tips for dealing with it at home.
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