Headaches
Headaches are among the most common forms of pain experienced by individuals; they are a leading cause of absenteeism in workplaces and educational institutions. While it’s not always necessary to consult a physician for every headache, in certain situations, a headache may indicate a serious underlying issue that warrants medical attention. This is particularly true for sudden, severe headaches, those occurring after a head injury, or headaches accompanied by other symptoms such as neck pain, loss of consciousness, or pain in the eyes or ears. It’s important to note that describing headache pain can sometimes be challenging. Generally, headache symptoms may include a throbbing or pressure-like sensation, which can vary in intensity from mild to severe and may be localized to specific areas such as the face or skull, or felt more broadly across the head.
Causes of Pain at the Back of the Head
Many different factors can lead to pain in the back of the head. Below are some of the most common causes:
- Arthritis: Arthritis can cause pain in the head and neck if it leads to inflammation or swelling in the neck area. Movement often exacerbates the pain in these cases. This type of headache can result from various types of arthritis but is most commonly associated with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
- Poor Posture: Maintaining incorrect body posture can lead to discomfort in the back, neck, and the rear of the head as improper positioning increases pressure on the back, shoulders, and neck, potentially resulting in mild throbbing or pain at the base of the skull.
- Herniated Disks: A herniated disk in the neck can cause pain and tension in the neck area. This type of headache is referred to as cervicogenic headache, where the pain initially manifests at the back of the head, temples, or behind the eyes. It’s worth noting that cervicogenic headaches may worsen during sleep or when lying down, sometimes disturbing the individual’s sleep.
- Occipital Neuralgia: This condition involves damage to the nerves traveling from the spinal cord to the scalp. Occipital neuralgia is often confused with migraines, as it also causes throbbing pain that starts at the base of the skull and radiates toward the scalp. Additional symptoms may include pain behind the eyes, sharp stabbing sensations in the neck and back of the head, sensitivity to light, and discomfort when moving the neck.
- Tension Headaches: Tension headaches are one of the most prevalent causes of pain at the back of the head. Symptoms typically include tightness in the back or front of the head, with pain that can range from mild to moderate, and in some instances, can be severe. This type of headache does not worsen with physical activity and usually does not cause nausea or vomiting. The duration of pain can vary widely among individuals.
- Medication-overuse Headache: This type of headache may occur as a rebound effect from excessive use of pain-relief medications.
- Exercise-induced Headache: Individuals may experience headaches at the back of the head following intense physical activities, such as running or lifting heavy objects.
Other Causes of Headaches
There are various other types of headaches, with a few examples outlined below:
- Ice Cream Headaches: Some individuals may experience sudden, sharp headaches when consuming very cold food or beverages. Typically, this pain lasts for about a minute, even with continued consumption. To alleviate discomfort, it is advisable to eat slowly and warm the food slightly in the front of the mouth before swallowing.
- Sinus Headaches: Acute sinusitis, which involves inflammation and swelling of the sinuses, can block drainage from the nasal passages and lead to mucus buildup, causing pain in the forehead, around the nose and eyes, over the cheeks, or in the upper teeth.
- Intracranial Hypertension: This type of headache occurs when there is increased pressure within the skull due to an excess of cerebrospinal fluid, which surrounds the brain and spinal cord. An elevation in this fluid can result in a severe and prolonged headache.
Video on Types of Headaches
Headaches come in many forms. How many types of headaches have you experienced?