HomeAnswersNeurologyoccipital neuralgiaIs occasional sharp pain on the back of the head connected with ear or wisdom tooth infection?

I have occasional sharp pains on the right back of my head. Please help.

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Vinodhini J.

Published At August 22, 2020
Reviewed AtAugust 22, 2020

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Currently, I am experiencing some sharp pains that come and go in one specific spot on the right part on the back of my head (it is around the headband area). The pain is not that severe and does not stay long, but I am worried about what it could be. It also aches a bit if I touch it. The pain feels like the touch on a bump caused by hitting your head on something- but I have not hit my head on anything the past few days. I am not sure if it is connected with an ear infection or something about my wisdom tooth slowly coming out. But it has been two days and it has not gone away. It is not hindering my everyday life, but the sudden slight pain is making me anxious. Please help.

Answered by Dr. Aida Abaz Quka

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Your symptoms are suggestive of occipital neuralgia which is caused by an irritation of the occipital nerve, which lies in this region. It can be caused by a wrong position during sleep or a prolonged wrong posture on the computer or smartphone.

I recommend using Indomethacin or Naproxen twice daily for a week and your situation is going to improve. It is also necessary to correct your posture and use an orthopedic pillow. I hope this helps.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

Can I just buy those medicines over the counter? And how many mg of Naproxen should I take and how many hours should be the interval between them?

I do have a bad posture ever since I was a child and it never really got corrected. I am not able to buy immediately the specific pillow needed but is an ordinary pillow fine? I have work from home tomorrow, so I will probably be sitting down on a chair for some hours again.

Answered by Dr. Aida Abaz Quka

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Indomethacin is better. I would recommend taking 50 mg twice daily for a week after meals. If you want Naproxen, I would recommend taking 250 mg twice daily for a week, after meals. You can buy them over the counter, without medical prescription.

Some stretching exercises of the neck can help considering the prolonged standing before the computer. Making frequent breaks from your work can help too.

I hope this helps.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Aida Abaz Quka
Dr. Aida Abaz Quka

Neurology

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