What causes pain in the back of the head?

Pain in the back of the head can result from a medical condition or certain lifestyle habits. In this article, we will detail the causes of pain in the back of the head.

What causes pain in the back of the head?

There are many reasons for experiencing pain in the back of the head. The headache can be primary, meaning it occurs on its own without an underlying cause, or it can be secondary, linked to an underlying medical condition or nerve issue. Here’s a breakdown of the major causes of pain in the back of the head:

• Tension Headache 

This is the most common type of primary headache, accounting for about 90% of all headaches. It is thought to be linked to sudden tension in the neck and scalp muscles due to stress, depression, anxiety, or head injury. 

It causes mild to moderate pain around the lower back of the head, which can spread to the neck and eyes. Additional symptoms include sensitivity to light and sound, difficulty concentrating, shoulder stiffness, and a tight feeling around the head. 

This headache can last up to 7 days but may also be brief, lasting only 30 minutes.

• Migraine 

A common type of headache that often begins in childhood and worsens with age. Migraines cause throbbing pain on one side of the head, accompanied by nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances, and increased sensitivity to light, sound, and smells. 

Migraine attacks can last from a few hours to several days, often worsening with physical activity. 

Occipital migraines specifically cause pain in the back of the head and are triggered by stress, alcohol, caffeine, smoking, weather changes, and lack of sleep.

• Cluster Headache 

Cluster headaches cause recurrent attacks of pain in the back or sides of the head, often worsening when lying down. These attacks can last for weeks or months before subsiding. Symptoms include insomnia, nausea, tearing, nasal congestion, droopy eyelids, and sensitivity to light and sound.

• Poor Posture 

Poor posture while sitting, driving, or working can cause mild throbbing pain in the back of the head and neck. Certain postures put pressure on the back, shoulders, and neck muscles, causing them to contract and lead to headaches.

• Cervicogenic Headache 

Cervicogenic headaches are secondary causes of pain in the back of the head, originating from nerve issues in the neck. The pain begins in the neck and spreads to the head, causing discomfort around the eyes, vision problems, and sensitivity to light and noise. This type of headache is usually chronic and rare.

• Occipital Neuralgia 

This type of pain results from irritation or damage to the occipital nerves, which run from the spinal cord to the base of the scalp. It causes sharp, electric shock-like pain that starts at the base of the head and moves toward the scalp. The pain worsens with neck movement or pressure on the back of the head and scalp, and it often extends behind the eyes.

• Exercise-Induced Headaches 

Also known as exertion headaches, this primary cause of pain in the back of the head occurs during or after strenuous physical activity. It happens due to the rapid dilation of blood vessels to supply more blood to the head, increasing pressure in the skull. Various exercises, such as weightlifting and running, can trigger this type of headache.

• Low-Pressure Headache 

Also called a positional headache, this secondary headache causes pain in the back of the head, though it can also affect the front and one side. It occurs when intracranial pressure drops (when cerebrospinal fluid pressure in the brain falls below 60 mm of water). This type of pain worsens when sitting or standing and improves when lying down.

Should You Be Concerned About Pain in the Back of Your Head?

Most causes of pain in the back of the head, such as tension headaches and migraines, do not require medical attention and can be treated at home with over-the-counter medications or lifestyle changes. 

However, if the pain is caused by a more serious nerve-related issue, it’s important to consult a doctor. Seek medical advice if the following symptoms accompany the pain in the back of the head:

1. Nausea and vomiting.
2. Fever.
3. Headache worsening over time.
4. Severe weakness in any part of the body.
5. Seizures.
6. Double vision or loss of consciousness following the headache.
7. Frequent, severe headaches that interfere with daily activities.

A doctor may request several tests to diagnose the cause of the headache. In addition to imaging scans, they may order a complete blood count to confirm or rule out infection, thyroid function tests, urine analysis, and more. Blazma offers all these diagnostic tests.