What Causes Pain in the Back of the Head?
August 22, 2023 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
Pain in the back of the head can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from mild and temporary issues to more serious medical conditions. Here are some common causes of pain in the back of the head:
- Tension Headaches: These are the most common type of headaches and are often described as a constant band-like pressure around the head, including the back of the head. Stress, poor posture, and muscle tension can trigger tension headaches.
- Migraines: Migraines can cause pain at various locations on the head, including the back. They are often characterized by intense throbbing pain, sensitivity to light and sound, and sometimes nausea and vomiting.
- Cervicogenic Headaches: These headaches originate from issues in the neck and can cause pain that radiates to the back of the head. Poor posture, neck injuries, or problems with the cervical spine can trigger these headaches.
- Occipital Neuralgia: This condition involves inflammation or irritation of the occipital nerves that run from the upper spine to the scalp. It can cause sharp, shooting pain in the back of the head.
- Muscle Tension or Strain: Muscles in the neck and upper back can become tense or strained due to factors like stress, poor posture, or overuse. This tension can cause referred pain to the back of the head.
- Cluster Headaches: These are severe headaches that usually occur on one side of the head, often behind the eye, but they can also radiate to the back of the head.
- Sinusitis: Inflammation or infection of the sinuses can cause pain and pressure in various areas of the head, including the back.
- Herniated Disc: If a disc in the cervical spine (neck region) becomes herniated or compressed, it can lead to pain that radiates to the back of the head.
- High Blood Pressure: Elevated blood pressure can cause headaches, including pain in the back of the head.
- Infections or Inflammation: Infections like meningitis or inflammation of the blood vessels (vasculitis) can lead to head pain, sometimes including the back of the head.
- Trauma: Injury to the head, neck, or upper back can result in pain at the back of the head.
- Brain Conditions: Rarely, more serious conditions like tumors or intracranial pressure changes can lead to pain in the back of the head.
If you’re experiencing persistent or severe pain in the back of your head, it’s important to consult a medical professional for a proper diagnosis. They can help determine the underlying cause of the pain and recommend appropriate treatment options.