A headache in the back of the head can be caused by many factors, including migraine, tension headache, poor posture, high blood pressure, and neck strain.
Also known as occipital pain or pain at the base of the skull, this type of headache may be accompanied by other symptoms like nausea, dizziness, vomiting, ringing in the ears, and sensitivity to light or sound.
If the headache in the back of the head is severe and frequent, or comes with neck stiffness, blurred vision, confusion, or fever, medical attention is advised to determine the cause and guide appropriate treatment.
What can cause a headache in the back of the head?
A headache can emerge at the back of the head due to conditions like:
1. Migraine
Migraine can lead to moderate to severe pain in the back of the head, as well as neck stiffness, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and sensitivity to light and sound. Read more about migraine symptoms and how they can present.
Triggers may include stress, anxiety, hormonal changes, or long-term use of certain medications.
What to do: If symptoms suggest a migraine, a neurologist can confirm the diagnosis and recommend treatment. Options may include antiemetics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and corticosteroids such as ibuprofen, metoclopramide, and prednisone. A tailored diet and relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation may also help.
2. Tension headache
Tension headaches are caused by muscle contractions in the neck or around the skull, leading to pressure-like pain across the head, including the forehead and both sides of the back of the head.
They tend to occur frequently and are often linked to poor posture, stress, anxiety, and lack of sleep. They are more common in women.
What to do: Once diagnosed, treatment may include massage therapy or medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs, pain relievers, or antidepressants.
3. Neck strain (torticollis)
Pain in the back of the head may be a symptom of torticollis, which is a strong, involuntary contraction of neck muscles that limits movement.
Other symptoms may include neck pain, muscle stiffness and swelling, uneven shoulder height, and difficulty turning the head.
What to do: A general practitioner can diagnose torticollis and guide treatment. This may involve anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, and pain relievers. In some cases, treatment may include botulinum toxin injections, physical therapy for stretching exercises, or surgery.
Read more about how to cure torticollis with interventions at home.
4. High blood pressure
High blood pressure can cause a headache in the back of the head that radiates to the forehead. This happens due to increased pressure inside the head that affects pain-sensitive nerves.
Other symptoms of high blood pressure may include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, blurry vision, ringing in the ears, and shortness of breath.
What to do: Depending on the cause, treatment may include medications such as hydrochlorothiazide, enalapril, or atenolol. Lifestyle changes like improving diet and engaging in physical activity for at least 30 minutes, 3 to 5 times a week, may also be advised.
5. Poor posture
Poor posture, especially among people who spend long hours seated at a desk or working on a computer, can lead to headaches in the back of the head.
This occurs because incorrect sitting positions or improper screen height may cause muscle tension and compression of spinal nerves.
What to do: Good posture habits can help prevent this type of headache. Sit with your back fully supported, keep your spine straight, feet flat on the floor, and maintain about an arm’s length between your eyes and the screen. The screen should be at eye level, and wrists should be aligned with the forearms.
Also recommended: 9 Exercises to Improve Posture tuasaude.com/en/exercises-to-improve-posture6. Stress and anxiety
A headache in the back of the head may be caused by stress or anxiety, as both can trigger muscle tension in the neck and head.
These conditions may also cause fast heart rate, shaking, dry mouth, sleep disturbances, and trouble concentrating.
What to do: For chronic stress, doctors may prescribe medications like sertraline, paroxetine, or propranolol. Psychotherapy is often recommended to help manage emotional triggers. Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, better sleep, and a healthy diet can also help manage symptoms.
7. Brain aneurysm
A brain aneurysm is a bulging blood vessel in the brain that may eventually rupture, leading to a hemorrhagic stroke.
Often, an aneurysm causes no symptoms before it ruptures. In some cases, however, it may lead to a constant headache in the back of the head. If the aneurysm bursts, the pain becomes sudden and intense, and may worsen over time.
What to do: If symptoms suggest an aneurysm, urgent medical care is essential. Treatment may involve surgery to place a stent or seal the bleeding vessel. Medications like acetaminophen, dipyrone, ibuprofen, or levetiracetam may be used to manage pain or seizures.
8. Meningitis
Meningitis is a serious condition involving inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord. It can cause a severe headache in the back of the head.
Other symptoms may include neck stiffness, fever, red skin spots, seizures, and confusion.
What to do: Diagnosis should be made by a neurologist, infectious disease specialist, or general practitioner. Treatment must begin as soon as possible and may include antibiotics, antiparasitics, antifungals, or antivirals. Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications can also help relieve symptoms.
9. Occipital neuralgia
Occipital neuralgia is a rare condition that causes continuous, sharp, electric shock-like, burning, or throbbing pain that starts at the back of the head and radiates to the scalp on one or both sides.
It occurs when the occipital nerves, which run through the scalp, become inflamed or injured.
What to do: Treatment may involve heat therapy using warm compresses, oral anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxants, or anticonvulsants. In some cases, botulinum toxin injections or surgery may be recommended to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
Headache in back of head on the right side
A headache in the back of the head on the right side may be related to migraine, tension headache, occipital neuralgia, or high blood pressure. Learn more about what can causes headaches on the left side of the head.
Headache in back of head on the left side
Similarly, headache in the back of the head on the left side may be caused by high blood pressure, tension headache, migraine, or occipital neuralgia. Learn more about what can causes headaches on the right side of the head.