Tension Headaches
Tension headaches, known as Tension headache in English, are among the most prevalent types of headaches. They are characterized by sensations of pain, tightness, or pressure in the back of the head, neck, or forehead area. Additional symptoms may include extreme fatigue, muscle aches, irritability, as well as disturbances in sleep and concentration. There are two primary types of tension headaches that we will outline below:
- Occasional Tension Headaches: These headaches typically develop gradually over the course of the day, often beginning around midday. They can last anywhere from 30 minutes to several days and usually occur less than 15 times a month.
- Chronic Tension Headaches: This type is recognized when headache occurrences surpass 15 days in a month. Chronic tension headaches can last for extended periods, with varying intensity throughout the day, but they often seem unrelenting.
Migraine Headaches
Migraine headaches, also referred to as Migraine, can cause intense pain lasting for several hours or even days. The pain commonly focuses on one side of the head and may also be felt in the back of the head. Accompanying symptoms often include nausea and vomiting. Patients may also experience warning signs like Aura, which precede a migraine episode. The exact causes of migraines remain unclear; however, they appear to be associated with genetic, environmental factors, brain chemistry changes, and the way the brainstem interacts with the Trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for pain sensation.
Other Causes
Various other factors may lead to pain in the back of the head, including:
- Occipital Neuralgia: This condition is connected to damage or irritation of the nerves that run from the neck to the scalp. Individuals affected typically experience pain at the base of the neck that radiates to the back of the head and behind the ears.
- Exercise-Induced Headaches: Intense or strenuous physical activity can trigger headaches in the back of the head, with pain often intensifying either during the exercise or immediately afterwards.
- Rebound Headaches: These headaches stem from the excessive use of pain relievers, particularly when medications are taken more than three days a week for extended periods or when proper usage guidelines are not followed.