{"id":62038,"date":"2023-12-11T09:30:07","date_gmt":"2023-12-11T14:30:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=62038"},"modified":"2025-05-22T08:39:29","modified_gmt":"2025-05-22T12:39:29","slug":"headache-in-back-of-head","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/headache-in-back-of-head\/","title":{"rendered":"What does a headache in the back of the head mean?"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you have pain anywhere in your head, your first question is likely, \u201cHow do I make it stop?\u201d Headaches can be uncomfortable and make it difficult to function at your best. To get relief, you\u2019ll need to figure out why your head hurts in that particular spot\u2014and what\u2019s causing the throbbing. And if the pain is in the back of your head, you may worry it\u2019s cause for concern.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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The most common type of back-of-head headaches are tension headaches, but there are other possible culprits. Most of the time, <\/span>headaches<\/span><\/a> in the back of the head aren\u2019t dangerous, but if they are chronic or accompanied by other concerning symptoms, you may need medical advice.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Here, we\u2019ll take a closer look at what causes headaches in the back of your head and what to do about them.<\/span><\/p>\n

What does a headache in the back of the head mean?<\/span><\/h2>\n

There are many different types of headaches that can cause pain and pressure in the back of the head.<\/span> While it can help guide you to an answer on what\u2019s causing the issue, the location of the pain shouldn\u2019t be cause for alarm.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe location of a headache can sometimes provide clues to the underlying cause,\u201d explains Sean Ormond, MD, an anesthesiologist and interventional pain management physician at<\/span> Atlas Pain Specialists<\/span><\/a> in Arizona. \u201cHowever, it is important to remember that headaches can occur in a variety of locations, and the location alone is not always enough to diagnose a specific condition.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Many people worry that a headache in the back of the head or in another specific location may indicate something serious, such as a stroke or <\/span>aneurysm<\/span><\/a>\u2014but these are typically accompanied by other symptoms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf you have a headache that is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, neck stiffness, or vision changes, it is important to see a doctor,\u201d Dr. Ormond says.<\/span><\/p>\n

More likely, your back-of-the-head headache is caused by one of the following eight headache types. Here, we\u2019ll take a closer look at these headache types, including how common they are, typical symptoms, what causes them, and how long they usually last.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Back of head headache causes<\/span><\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Condition<\/b><\/span><\/td>\nType of headache<\/b><\/span><\/td>\nLocation<\/b><\/span><\/td>\nRecognizable features\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Tension headache<\/span><\/td>\nPrimary\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nBilateral, radiating from the back of the head<\/span><\/td>\nThrobbing pain, feeling like you have a vice or band around your head, s<\/span>houlder and upper back stiffness<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Migraine<\/span><\/td>\nPrimary\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nHead, neck, and face<\/span><\/td>\nNausea, visual disturbances, along with severe headache symptoms<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cervicogenic headache<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n

Secondary\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nBack of head, side of head<\/span><\/td>\nDull ache at the back and side of your head\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Poor postural alignment<\/span><\/td>\nSecondary\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nHead, neck, shoulders<\/span><\/td>\nTension in head, neck, shoulders, upper back<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Medication overuse headache<\/span><\/td>\nSecondary\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nBack of head and other locations in head and neck<\/span><\/td>\nSymptoms similar to migraine or tension headache; associated with medication intake<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Sinus headache<\/span><\/td>\nSecondary\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nBack of head and face<\/span><\/td>\nFacial pain and pressure; comes on after a respiratory infection<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Dehydration headache<\/span><\/td>\nSecondary\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nBack of head, front, side, or all over<\/span><\/td>\nExtreme thirst and dizziness; triggered by <\/span>dehydration<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Occipital neuralgia<\/span><\/td>\nSecondary\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nBack of the head, scalp, and neck<\/span><\/td>\nSharp, shooting, burning pain when moving head<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Tension headache<\/span><\/h3>\n

Overall, tension-type headaches are the most common type of headache affecting adults,<\/span> according to the Cleveland Clinic<\/span><\/a>. A tension headache is a primary headache that occurs without an underlying cause.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey are thought to be caused by muscle tension in the scalp and neck,\u201d says <\/span>Raj Dasgupta, MD<\/span><\/a>, a quadruple-board certified physician. \u201cTension headaches can be triggered by stress, anxiety, poor posture, or lack of sleep.\u201d Symptoms of a tension headache include a throbbing sensation, and feeling like you have a vice or band around your head. Tension-type headaches tend to be most painful in the back of the head, shoulders, and temples. They can last anywhere from<\/span> 30 minutes to up to a week<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Migraine headache<\/span><\/h3>\n

Migraine headaches affect about<\/span> 10% of the population<\/span><\/a>. These types of headaches can last between<\/span> four and 72 hours<\/span><\/a>. What distinguishes <\/span>migraines<\/span><\/a> from other types of headaches is that they tend to be a full-body experience: head pain and pressure are usually one of several symptoms. Common migraine symptoms include sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, vomiting, and an aura, which usually affects your vision, causing flashing lights, zigzagged lines, and vision loss. People who experience auras also may have numbness and a tingling feeling in the face.<\/span>
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\n<\/span>RELATED: <\/b>Types of migraine headaches<\/b><\/a> | <\/b>Migraine treatment<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Cervicogenic headache<\/span><\/h3>\n

Cervicogenic headaches are not a very common type of headache: They are brought on by neck problems like arthritis, muscle strain, or a <\/span>herniated disc<\/span><\/a> and affect between<\/span> 0.4%-4%<\/span><\/a> of people who have headaches.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey typically manifest as a dull ache at the back and side of the head, and they can also cause pain in the neck, shoulders, and arms,\u201d Dr. Ormond says.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cervicogenic headaches are a chronic condition and will only resolve once you fix the underlying neck issue that\u2019s causing the headache.<\/span><\/p>\n

Poor postural alignment<\/span><\/h3>\n

One often overlooked cause of headaches in the back of the head is poor posture. Symptoms caused by poor postural alignment may include muscle tension in the neck, shoulders, and upper back, in addition to tension in the back of your head. These types of headaches are usually relieved once the trigger is tackled, such as correcting chronic poor posture and doing exercises to release muscle tension.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Medication overuse headaches<\/span><\/h3>\n

Sometimes the headache medications you are taking\u2014especially when taken frequently for months\u2014can induce headache symptoms, including pain or pressure in the back of your head. \u201cOver-the-counter pain relievers and caffeine are just two examples of medications that can cause headaches if taken too frequently or in high doses,\u201d Dr. Ormand explains.<\/span><\/p>\n

Medication overuse headaches, also known as rebound headaches, affect between<\/span> 0.5%-2.6% of people<\/span><\/a>. Symptoms are similar to tension headache or migraine symptoms, though they may be stronger and occur more often. Medication overuse headaches resolve once you decrease your medication intake, though you should consult with a healthcare provider for advice about the best way to do this.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sinus headaches<\/span><\/h3>\n

If your back of head headache has happened soon after a respiratory infection, you might be dealing with a headache caused by sinus pressure. \u201cHeadaches at the back of the head, as well as facial pain and pressure, can be brought on by sinus problems, such as sinusitis,\u201d Dr. Ormond explains.<\/span><\/p>\n

Symptoms may resemble those of a migraine, and<\/span> research has found<\/span><\/a> that most headaches that are thought to be sinus headaches are actually migraines. However, you can distinguish between migraine or a sinus headache by noting whether or not you\u2019ve recently had a cold or other virus, and how long your symptoms last. Untreated sinus infections usually last longer than migraines.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dehydration headache<\/span><\/h3>\n

If you are dehydrated because of a recent illness, staying in the heat for too long, or forgetting to <\/span>drink enough water<\/span><\/a>, you may develop a dehydration headache. A dehydration headache is a secondary headache, which is a symptom of an underlying cause or condition. Symptoms of this type of headache may include pain or pressure in the back of the head, according to the<\/span> Cleveland Clinic<\/span><\/a>. Other symptoms may include a dry mouth, feeling very thirsty, and dizziness. Headache pain subsides once you hydrate and rest.<\/span><\/p>\n

Occipital neuralgia<\/span><\/h3>\n

Though considered a<\/span>\u00a0rare type of neurological condition<\/span><\/a>, occipital neuroglia is a possible cause of headaches in the back of the head, scalp, and neck, says Dr. Ormond. \u201cDamage or irritation to the occipital nerves, which run from the upper neck to the back of the scalp, is the root cause,\u201d he explains. Pain from occipital neuralgia may be sharp, pulsating, shooting, or burning, and it can be brought on by neck movements or changes in head position, Dr. Ormond notes. \u201cOccipital neuralgia can be a very painful condition that makes it difficult to sleep, work, or enjoy everyday activities,\u201d he says.<\/span><\/p>\n

How to relieve a headache in the back of the head<\/span><\/h2>\n

The treatment options available to relieve a headache in the back of the head depend on which type of headache or health condition is causing the headache.<\/span><\/p>\n

Medications<\/span><\/h3>\n

You can get temporary pain relief from most types of headaches with over-the-counter medications. Certain types of headache disorders are treated with different prescription medications.<\/span><\/p>\n