Premium Nahrungsergänzungsmittel | artgerecht

Headache Back of Head – Causes and Treatment

Headaches at the back of the head are a common symptom with many possible causes. Learn about causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Regular tips about health Regular tips about health

Things worth knowing about "Headache in the Back of the Head"

Headaches at the back of the head are a common symptom with many possible causes. Learn about causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.

What are Headaches at the Back of the Head?

Headaches at the back of the head (occipital headaches) refer to pain located in the posterior region of the skull, often near the junction between the head and neck. The pain can feel dull, pressing, throbbing, or stabbing in nature and may vary in intensity. Depending on the underlying cause, the pain can be one-sided or bilateral and may radiate into the neck, shoulders, or temples.

Causes

Headaches at the back of the head can have many different causes. The most common include:

Tension-type headache: The most frequent type. Muscle tension in the neck and shoulder area causes pressing, band-like pain that often affects the back of the head.
Occipital neuralgia: Irritation or inflammation of the occipital nerves leads to sharp, shooting pain at the back of the head that can radiate toward the forehead.
Cervicogenic headache: Pain originating from the cervical spine (neck) that radiates to the back of the head. Common with disc problems or osteoarthritis of the cervical spine.
Hypertensive headache: High blood pressure can cause throbbing pain at the back of the head, especially in the morning upon waking.
Migraine: Although migraine typically affects one side of the forehead or temples, it can also be felt at the back of the head.
Poor posture: Prolonged screen use or an unfavorable sleeping position can cause muscle tension and occipital headaches.
Stress and psychological strain: Emotional stress frequently leads to muscle tension and resulting headaches at the back of the head.

Symptoms

Symptoms of headaches at the back of the head vary depending on the cause:

Dull, pressing, or pulling pain at the back of the head
Sharp, shooting pain (in neuralgia)
Pain radiating into the neck, shoulders, or temples
Neck stiffness and restricted range of motion
Dizziness or nausea (with certain causes)
Sensitivity to light and noise (with migraine)
Pain worsening with head movement

When to See a Doctor

In most cases, headaches at the back of the head are harmless. However, certain warning signs require immediate medical attention:

Sudden, extremely severe headache (so-called thunderclap headache) – may indicate a brain hemorrhage
Headache combined with neck stiffness, fever, and light sensitivity – possible meningitis
Headache following a head injury
Progressively worsening headaches over several weeks
Headaches accompanied by neurological deficits such as vision disturbances, paralysis, or speech problems
Headache combined with very high blood pressure

Diagnosis

To diagnose headaches at the back of the head, the doctor begins with a thorough medical history and physical examination. Depending on the suspected cause, further investigations may follow:

Blood pressure measurement to rule out hypertension
Neurological examination to assess nerve function
Imaging procedures such as MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or CT (computed tomography) of the cervical spine and skull
Blood tests if an inflammatory condition is suspected

Treatment

Treatment of headaches at the back of the head depends on the underlying cause:

General Measures

Heat therapy (hot water bottle, warm shower) to relax the neck muscles
Regular breaks during screen work and ergonomic workplace adjustments
Stress reduction through relaxation techniques such as yoga, progressive muscle relaxation, or meditation
Adequate sleep and regular physical activity

Medication

Pain relievers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol for acute pain
Muscle relaxants for pronounced muscle tension
Beta-blockers or antidepressants for prevention of frequently recurring headaches
Corticosteroid injections or local anesthetics for occipital neuralgia
Antihypertensive medications for blood-pressure-related headaches

Physiotherapy and Manual Therapy

Physical therapy to strengthen and stretch the neck and shoulder muscles
Manual therapy or chiropractic care for cervicogenic headache
Acupuncture as a complementary treatment method

Prevention

Many cases of headaches at the back of the head can be prevented or reduced in frequency through simple measures:

Maintaining good posture in daily life and at the workplace
Regular stretching and loosening exercises for the neck and shoulders
Staying well-hydrated (at least 1.5 to 2 liters of water daily)
Stress management and relaxation techniques
Keeping a headache diary to identify triggers

References

Stovner LJ et al. - The global prevalence of headache: an update, with analysis of the influences of methodological factors on prevalence estimates. Journal of Headache and Pain, 2022.
International Headache Society (IHS): The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (ICHD-3). Cephalalgia, 2018.
World Health Organization (WHO): Headache disorders. Fact Sheet. www.who.int

Building Blocks for a Healthy Life

As an integrated manufacturer, we develop & produce evidence-based, patented, and non-patented formulations. We work exclusively with plant and natural extracts according to the strictest purity & quality standards.
The combination of science & modern technology with the laws of nature creates solutions consistently tailored to humans – for the highest good: health.

Most read entries

3 Posts in this encyclopedia category