A headache in the back of the head, also known as anoccipitalheadache, can stem from various causes.
Understanding the cause of your headache is key to finding the right treatment.
The pain is typically mild to moderate and affects both sides of the head.
Oleg_Ermak/Getty Images
Migraine
Migrainesare intense, throbbing headaches that usually affect one side of the head.
They happen when nerves in the blood vessels of the brain become overactive, causing pain and other symptoms.
While migraines are often one-sided, some types can spread to the whole head, neck, or face.
Occipital migraines specifically cause pain at the back of the head.
These migraines are triggered by abnormal brain activity.
Occipital neuralgia usually affects just one side of the head.
The pain is usually moderate to severe, does not throb, and worsens with head or neck movement.
This happens when certain sensitive spots in your muscles, known asmyofascialtrigger points, become irritated and painful.
These trigger points often feel like small knots or areas of tightness.
The pain can be persistent, worsening throughout the day as muscles become fatigued.
It may also come with neck or shoulder stiffness.
These headaches can last for minutes, hours, or even days.
They are more common in men around age 40 who engage in strenuous exercise.
In some cases, this may be linked to an undiagnosed heart valve problem.
Because of this, frequent exertion headaches could be a sign that you should see acardiologistfor further evaluation.
Dehydration
Adehydration headachecan occur when your body doesnt get enough fluids to function properly.
Eating water-rich foods likefruitsand vegetables can also help keep you hydrated.
Unlike migraines, they dont come with a visual “aura” before the pain starts.
Cluster headaches cause a severe burning, stabbing, drilling, or squeezing sensation.
Each episode can last between 15 minutes and three hours.
Genetics and smoking may also play a role.
The pain may also intensify with coughing, sneezing, or physical exertion.
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle modifications play a key role in reducing the frequency and severity of migraine attacks.
These simple strategies can complement medical treatment and improve overall well-being.
Heat or Cold Therapy
Cold therapycan help reduce inflammation and numb pain by constricting blood vessels.
Cold and heat therapy can be used separately or alternated.
It’s best to experiment and see which approach works for your specific headache bang out.
Studies show that massage can lower headache frequency and intensity, especially for migraines and tension headaches.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Most headaches are not dangerous.
doi:10.4103/0028-3886.315992
Ghadiri-Sani M, Silver N.Headache (chronic tension-punch in).BMJ Clin Evid.
American Society of Anesthesiologists.Myofascial pain syndrome.
2018;4(1):18006. doi.10.1038/nrdp.2018.6
American Migraine Foundation.What to know about low pressure headaches.
Cedars Sinai.Knowing the Signs of a CSF Leak.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.The most common brain tumor: 5 things you should know.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.When is a headache a symptom of a brain tumor?
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Headache: Could it be a brain tumor?.
Harvard Health Publishing.Headache pain: When to worry, what to do.
2023;101(24):e2560-e2570.
doi:10.1590/1809-2950/17019328032021
American Massage Therapy Association.Tackling migraines head-on.
Nationwide Children’s.Migraine and tension headaches: Using massage to ease the pain.
