Headache at the back of the head - Causes, and Management

What Is a Headache?

A headache is defined as discomfort in the head or face, which can also involve pain in the upper region of the neck. The skin, bone, and structures in the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth are all pain-sensitive in the region of the face and head. Furthermore, the large arteries of the brain are extremely sensitive, and these are the main organs that lead to pain in vascular headaches like migraines. The teeth and the temporomandibular joint can also cause a headache. The brain is not sensitive to pain and does not cause headaches.

What Are the Types of Headaches?

There are several forms of headaches, such as :

• Migraine: Migraines are characterized by nausea and vomiting, lightheadedness, light sensitivity (photophobia), and other visual symptoms. Migraines have several phases as well, and however, not everyone goes through each phase. The following are some of the stages of a migraine headache:

• Prodromal Phase or Premonition Phase: Hours or days before the headache, a change in mood or behavior may develop.

• Aura Phase: The headache may be preceded by a set of sensory, visual, or motor symptoms. Vision abnormalities, hallucinations, numbness, speech problems, and muscle weakness are all examples.

• Headache Phase: Period of throbbing pain on one or both sides of the head during the actual headache. Depression, weariness, and sensitivity to motion and light are all prevalent.

• Resolution Phase: During this stage, the pain subsides, but fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating may replace it. After an attack, some people feel revitalized, while others do not.

• Cluster Headaches: Cluster headaches frequently come in waves, lasting weeks or months at a time. The following are the most prevalent cluster headache symptoms:

  • Severe headache on one side, generally behind one eye.

  • The impacted eye may appear red and watery, with a droopy lid and a small pupil.

  • Congestion or a runny nose.

  • Inflammation of the eyelids.

  • Inflammation of the forehead.

• Tension Headaches: The most prevalent type of headache is the tension headache. Tension headaches are frequently caused by stress and tense muscles. A stress headache has the following symptoms:

  • The headache comes on gradually.

  • Both sides of the head frequently hurt.

  • Pain in the back of the neck or head is possible.

  • The pain is dull or has the sensation of a band around the head.

  • Tension headaches do not usually produce nausea, vomiting, or light sensitivity (photophobia).

  • The discomfort is mild to moderate but not unbearable.

• Medication overuse headache (MOH): is induced by long-term and excessive use of headache medications. It is the most prevalent type of secondary headache. It may impact up to five percent of some populations, with women being more affected than men. The symptoms include:

  • Pain is oppressive and continuous.

  • Pain is generally at its worst when you first wake up.

In this article, tension headaches or headaches at the back of the head are discussed in detail.

What Is a Headache in the Back of the Head?

The most frequent type of headache is the tension headache. When the muscles in the scalp and neck tense, this happens. Pain radiates from the sides and rear of the head. It is usually a faint ache that does not throb. Headaches in the back of the head are caused by a variety of factors; they might be the result of a small injury, or they can be a symptom of other health issues. The type and location of pain are important factors in determining the etiology of headaches. Headaches that are severe or recurrent require immediate medical intervention.

A stress headache is not a symptom of anything else. Even so, it can be excruciating. Some people report it feels like their head is being squeezed by a vise.

There are two different kinds of tension headaches:

• Chronic Tension Headache: Chronic headaches occur more than 15 times per month for at least three months. The pain is generally constantly present, albeit it varies during the day. When one experiences a chronic headache, one can feel a little nauseous.

• Episodic Tension Headaches: Episodic or stress headaches are called so because they occur when someone is stressed, anxious, angry, hungry, depressed, or exhausted.

What Causes a Headache in the Back of the Head?

The exact etiology of tension headaches is unknown. Experts used to believe that tension headaches were caused by muscular spasms in the face, neck, and scalp, which might be caused by heightened emotions, tension, or stress. Muscle contraction, however, does not appear to be the cause. The most widely accepted explanation suggests that patients with tension headaches have heightened pain sensitivity. A heightened pain system can cause increased muscle tenderness, which is a common symptom of tension-type headaches. Tension-type headaches are most usually associated with stress. A single stressful incident or a buildup of stress frequently triggers episodic ones. Chronic stress can develop from daily tension. The following are possible tension headache triggers:

• Bad posture.

• Insufficient sleep.

• Depression or emotional or mental stress.

• Low iron levels can cause fatigue and hunger.

• Anxiety.

• Smoking, alcohol, or caffeine.

• Dental or jaw-related concerns.

• Sinusitis, cold, or flu.

• Dehydration.

• Strained eyes.

What Are the Symptoms of a Headache in the Back of the Head?

A tension headache or headache in the back of the head has the following signs and symptoms:

• Headache that is dull and agonizing.

• Tenderness in the scalp, neck, and shoulder muscles.

• Pressure or tightness across the forehead region or on the sides and back of the head is usually experienced.

How to Treat a Headache in the Back of the Head?

Tension headaches are best treated as soon as they appear when the symptoms are still minor. The goal is to alleviate the discomfort and prevent future occurrences.

• Lifestyle changes.

• Reduce stress.

• Exercise every day as it relieves tension and keeps one in shape. It also aids in stretching.

• Get plenty of rest.

• Maintain a good posture. A solid stance might help one avoid tense muscles.

• Drink multiple glasses of fresh water each day. Eating meals that are naturally high in water, such as fruits and vegetables, can help.

• Eat balanced, regular meals.

• Caffeine and alcohol should be avoided.

• Limit the number of pain relievers you take. Use the least dose feasible. Take only one or two pain relievers at a time.

• Medications.

Tension headaches are frequently treated with over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Some of these medicines can help people with chronic headaches avoid them. However, if the patient takes them frequently, there is a risk of developing a condition known as medication overuse headache or rebound headache. Treatments available over-the-counter include Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs).

If over-the-counter pain medicines do not work, the doctor might prescribe a stronger medication like Indomethacin, Ketoprofen, Ketorolac, and Naproxen.

Conclusion:

Medical management of headache problems necessitates healthcare professional training, correct diagnosis, and recognition of the illnesses, successful treatment with cost-effective drugs, modest lifestyle changes, and patient education. Given the related impairment and societal costs, headache disorders are a public health concern. Because headache disorders are most bothersome during productive years, Loss in working hours and diminished productivity are enormous. One-third of all neurological consults are for headaches.