Headaches in the back of the head – all you need to know about it

I Wrote – Nada Sami

A headache behind the head is an annoying symptom associated with many health problems. It causes pain and can prevent the sufferer from performing normal daily tasks. It can sometimes occur as a result of exposure to stress, but it can also indicate a health problem. which requires medical diagnosis and treatment.

The Consulto reviews, in the following report, the main causes, symptoms and available treatment methods for a headache in the back of the head, according to the sites “Medical news today” and “Web md”.

What is a headache behind the head?

A headache behind the head is an intense, throbbing pain at the back of the head that can be sharp and sudden, and its intensity can gradually increase, depending on the cause of the headache.

What are the symptoms associated with a headache behind the head?

A headache behind the head is accompanied by many other symptoms, not all of which are necessary, and they also differ depending on the cause leading to this headache, the most important of which are:

-Pain in the neck

– Zaglalah in the eyes

facial spasms

Mood swings

Difficulty concentrating

Blurred vision

photosensitivity

Nausea

Vomit

Also Read: When Does a Headache Warrant a Visit to the Doctor?- Hossam Mowafi Explains

What causes headaches behind the head?

Headaches behind the head occur as a result of many types of headaches or exposure to another health condition, and the main causes of headaches behind the head are:

Migraines

Migraine is one of the most serious types of headaches. It causes frequent bouts of pain and is considered a chronic health condition. Women are more likely to suffer from it. There is no clear cause for migraine, but psychological state and lack of sleep can be the main causes of migraines.

Migraine causes severe pain in one part of the brain, usually starting in the left back area, and the pain spreads to other areas of the head and body. Excruciating head pain is accompanied by many other symptoms, such as: nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light. , neck pain, trouble sleeping, Vision confusion.

migraine treatment

Headache attacks can last from a few hours to three days, depending on the severity of the attack, and treatment depends on certain medications that do not treat the headaches, but reduce the severity of the symptoms, while establishing habits healthy sleep and nutrition, relieving stress as much as possible, and psychotherapy.

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Tension headache

Tension headache is one of the forms of headache that accompanies some people when exposed to nervous tension or tension, and it is one of the most important causes that lead to pain in the back. back of the head, as the victim feels tightness around the head. the back of the head, the pain starts gradually and the pain of the tension headache can last for a few minutes. And even a whole week comes and goes.

There are many causes of tension headaches, all related to an unhealthy lifestyle, such as lack of sleep, exposure to intense stress at work, lack of drinking water, and persistent psychological stress.

Treatment of tension headaches

The treatment for tension headache depends on taking painkillers that reduce the severity of the pain, and the real treatment is to change your lifestyle as much as possible, get away from unhealthy habits, get continuous hours good sleep, to follow types of sports that help relieve stress such as meditation, yoga and swimming, and it can also be useful to undergo cognitive behavioral psychotherapy, which helps to develop the ability to manage problems and stress, and to improve the quality of life in order to get rid of the causes that cause headaches and overcome the pain.

Cervical headache

A neck headache is caused by a problem with the bones, joints, nerves, or soft tissues in the upper part of the spine, such as arthritis, a pinched nerve, or a spasm or injury to the muscles of the spine. neck.

Neck headache appears as a one-sided headache that starts in the neck and spreads from the back of the head forward. The pain is usually moderate to severe, non-throbbing, and worsens with certain movements of the head or neck.

Neck headache may be accompanied by a stiff neck and pain in the arm or shoulder on the same side as the headache.

Treatment of cervical headaches

Treatment for this type of headache usually depends on identifying the cause of the headache, using medications that help reduce symptoms such as pain relievers and anti-inflammatories, and practicing certain exercises that help relieve muscle spasms.

occipital neuralgia

Occipital neuralgia is pain in the areas of skin innervated by the large or small occipital nerves. These nerves originate in the neck and travel down each side of the head to the scalp.

Occipital neuralgia is thought to result from entrapment of the occipital nerve, irritation caused by a stretched muscle or blood vessel, or trauma or injury to the head.

Headaches associated with occipital neuralgia are usually one-sided, severe, sudden onset, and cause a stabbing sensation that begins in the back of the head and neck and travels up the head.

Symptoms associated with occipital neuralgia include:

vision changes

or eye pain

buzz

stuffy nose

Treatment of occipital neuralgia

There are many treatment options for occipital neuralgia, depending on the severity of the condition, including antidepressants and after physical therapy sessions. For severe or persistent cases, Botox injections may be tried.

stress headache

Stress headache occurs as a result of heavy physical exertion without sufficient rest with lack of sleep, and it can occur as a result of violent sports or excessive exercise. This type of headache causes throbbing pain on both sides of the head and may extend to the back of the head.

Treatment of stress-related headaches

Treating a stress headache depends on getting enough rest and sleep, paying close attention to keeping the body hydrated, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers. Hot water can also help relieve pain and help you feel comfortable.

headache painkillers

Some people usually suffer from headaches from excessive use of painkillers, known as painkiller headaches, and it starts in the back when you stop taking painkillers, causing severe pain behind the head that extends to the front part and lasts for a few hours, and its intensity varies depending on the amount of painkillers the person was taking, and the patient may suffer from it. Other symptoms include neck pain, stabbing eye pain, and sensitivity to light.

Analgesic treatment for headaches

Analgesic headache depends mainly on stopping taking these drugs, but gradually with taking certain sedatives and antidepressants, according to the evaluation of the treating physician, and following other means of pain relief such as physiotherapy with massage and heat, and following relaxation practices.

When does a headache in the back of the head indicate a serious health problem?

Despite the severity of the pain behind the head and other disturbing symptoms, the causes are not dangerous and can be controlled and treated based on lifestyle and a few medications, but in some cases the headache behind the head may be the result of growth. of a tumor in the brain, and there are certain signs when they appear that can indicate the possibility of exposure to a serious problem such as tumors, and if they appear, you must seek medical attention immediately, who are the following :

-Loss of consciousness

Loss of certain events or details in short-term memory.

Not very focused

Inability to control drowsiness even with enough sleep

Difficulty speaking

slow pronunciation

Inability to control pain

Also read: What does a headache in the back of the head with vomiting indicate? – Hossam Mowafi responds