The phenomenon in the back of the head is very unpleasant, causing a lot of inconvenience and often limiting performance. The causes of pain in the occipital part of the head can be very different, from diseases of the cervical spine to neuralgic pathologies.
If you don’t know why the back of your head hurts, then this article is for you. It collects the main causes and describes methods of treating headaches in the back of the head. In any case, you must remember: if you have a headache in the back of your head, you should not self-medicate, you need to seek medical help. Of course, we are not talking about isolated cases of pain in the occipital region. As a rule, they are caused by prolonged exposure to an uncomfortable position, stress, extreme hunger, and also due to excessive consumption of foods with caffeine or chemical additives.
Causes of pain in the back of the head
A severe headache in the back of the head never occurs without a reason. It can be a signal of diseases:
- spine;
- vascular system;
- neurological system.
Pain in the back of the head with hypertension
Hypertensive attacks are characterized by the appearance of bursting pain, which is accompanied by pulsation. They may appear when waking up after a night's sleep. In addition, it is observed:
- general weakness;
- dizziness;
- cardiopalmus;
- increased pain when trying to tilt your head;
- reduction of pain after sudden vomiting.
Pain in the back of the head with increased intracranial pressure
Promotion intracranial pressure characterized by:
- pressing, bursting pain in the occipital region or throughout the head;
- increased pain in bright light and loud sounds;
- heaviness in the head and pain in the eyeballs;
- vomiting, which does not reduce pain syndromes.
Pain in the back of the head due to cervical myositis
Inflammatory processes in the neck muscles caused by hypothermia or injury are characterized by pain symptoms that spread from the neck to the occipital, shoulder and interscapular areas. It appears when you move your head and is asymmetrical.
Pain in the back of the head due to occipital neuralgia
Neuralgia of the occipital nerve, resulting from hypothermia or accompanying osteochondrosis, is very different severe pain shooting character. They occur periodically, like attacks with any attempt to change the position of the head.
During rest, a slight pressing pain is felt in the occipital region.
Pain in the back of the head due to vascular diseases
Spasms of the cranial arteries cause throbbing pain, which becomes stronger when trying to move the head and subsides somewhat at rest. The pain begins in the back of the head and eventually spreads to the frontal area. It is accompanied by a feeling of heaviness in the head and begins in the morning after waking up.
Our doctors
Diagnosis of pain in the back of the head
If you suffer from constant or regular pain in the occipital region of the head, contact the CELT clinic. Our specialists will conduct the necessary research and find out the reason why you are experiencing pain. In order to become our patient, you do not need Moscow registration.
In addition to obtaining a history of the nature, timing and intensity of pain, diagnosis may include:
- examination by a doctor;
- blood pressure measurement and monitoring;
- ultrasonography ;
- electroencephalography;
- magnetic resonance imaging;
- examination of the fundus by an ophthalmologist.
If there is a suspicion of a brain tumor, a consultation will be required.
Perhaps every person has experienced headaches at least once in their life. Such sensations are very unpleasant and painful. With them, it is impossible to concentrate on anything and do anything.
Sometimes it is possible to get rid of pain in the back of the head only with the help of medication. However, before taking any measures, it is necessary to find out what caused these very sensations.
Causes of headaches in the back of the head
Various types of disorders and damage to the muscles of the neck, back and shoulders can provoke the appearance of pain in the back of the head. In addition, the back of the head can also hurt due to diseases of the heart, vascular system and neurological disorders.
Provocateurs of such painful sensations most often are:
- violations in the area cervical region spine
- change in blood pressure
- occipital nerve problems
- intracranial pressure
- spasm of cerebral vessels
- suffered from nervous tension and stress
- prolonged stay of the body in an unnatural and uncomfortable position
- muscle strain
- pathology of bite or diseases of the temporomandibular joints
- poisoning and intoxication of the body
- infection or cold
- heat body
The cause of occipital pain can be determined by its nature, intensity and frequency of occurrence.
Pressing pain in the back of the head, causes
The most common causes of pressing pain in the back of the head are cervical osteochondrosis, cervical spondylosis or intracranial pressure.
- This disorder is provoked by the destruction of intervertebral discs. As a result, a person experiences constant pressing headaches in the back of the head, temples and neck. Often such pain is also accompanied by dizziness, nausea, loss of orientation and hearing loss.
- Cervical osteochondrosis is sometimes accompanied by double vision and fog in the eyes. A person suffering from cervical osteochondrosis, throwing his head back, may fall and be immobilized for some time. At the same time he will be fully conscious
- This disease is caused by ossification of the connective ligaments of the spine. Bone growths block normal turns and movements of the neck, which provokes constant pain in the neck and back of the head, especially aggravated by turning the head.
- Sudden movements of the neck cause increased pain, and after they are completed, a regular pressing dull pain remains
- One more a clear sign cervical spondylosis is sleep disturbance or its complete absence
- Intracranial pressure is provoked by an increase or lack of cerebrospinal fluid, cerebral edema, the appearance of a tumor, or an increase in the concentration of blood in the vessels of the brain
- This disease is accompanied by pressing or bursting pain in the back of the head, temples, forehead during sleep, and aggravated upon waking up.
- Pain in the occipital part of the head may be pulsating in nature, and may also be accompanied by nausea, vomiting and lightheadedness.
Acute pain in the back of the head, causes
Acute pain in the back of the head is observed with cervical migraine, cervical spondylosis, myogelosis of the cervical spine and neuralgia.
- Cervical migraine itself is a consequence of diseases of the cervical spine
- The pain of cervical migraine is often sharp and burning. Such pain can be either constant or throbbing
Myogelosis
Myogelosis of the cervical spine - Myogelosis often occurs under the influence of drafts, stress, incorrect posture, and is a thickening in the neck muscles
- In addition to acute pain, myogelosis may cause dizziness, fatigue and stiffness in the shoulder area.
This disease often occurs in patients with osteochondrosis or spondyloarthrosis. They start to feel strong sharp pains V cervical vertebrae, spreading to the eyes, ears, back and back of the head.
Dull pain in the back of the head, causes
Often, a dull pain in the back of the head occurs due to cervical osteochondrosis, cervical spondylosis and malocclusion.
Bite problems
- It would seem so simple, and at the same time quite common dental problem, as a malocclusion, can provoke discomfort and even human pain
- While chewing, a patient with malocclusion often experiences pain in the neck, reflected by a dull pain in the back of the head
- These sensations can last from several hours to several days.
- Malocclusion is a problem that can lead not only to constant pain, but also to many other complications (impaired speech, gum disease and facial distortion)
Throbbing pain in the head, pain in the back of the head, causes
The causes of pulsations in the head and back of the head can be many factors and diseases:
- hypertension
- neurology of the cervical spine
- intracranial pressure
- diseases of the vascular system
- cervical migraine
- tumors
- incorrectly selected glasses or lenses
- diseases of the nose and ear
- menstruation
Hypertonic disease
- Hypertension is one of the most frequent illnesses occurring in people with heart disease
- Arises hypertonic disease due to a predisposition to vasoconstriction
- This disease is often accompanied by strong pulsation in the back of the head, rapid heartbeat, general malaise, dizziness and spontaneous nausea.
- Pulsation in the back of the head quite often occurs due to spasm of blood vessels passing inside or outside the skull
- Throbbing pain can spread to both the back of the head and the frontal part of the head
- When moving, the pain increases, and when at rest, it decreases.
Tumors
- Brain tumors, meningitis and other serious brain disorders quite often manifest themselves in the form of a throbbing headache
- In addition to pain, such diseases have a number of other accompanying symptoms: nausea, vomiting, weakness and dizziness
Glasses
- If glasses or lenses are chosen incorrectly, a person will have to strain their eyes repeatedly throughout the day.
- Such stress can cause pulsations in the eyes, head, neck, as well as a feeling of tightness on the scalp.
Diseases of the nose, ear
- Sinusitis, rhinitis, sinusitis and otitis - quite common reasons headaches in children and adults
- They can cause pulsation, nagging pain or a sharp headache in the occipital and frontal parts
Pain in the right side of the head, causes. Pain in the left side of the head, causes
Often, pain localized in one or another part of the head is caused by the use of very cold water or food, alcohol, drugs or nicotine, as well as a disease such as myositis.
- The causes of myositis include hypothermia, prolonged stay in an uncomfortable position, or various types of neck injuries.
- Headache with myositis, it mainly appears during head movement and neck turns
- Very often, some athletes or, on the contrary, people far from sports, during severe physical exertion, may feel pain in the back of the head, frontal part, goosebumps or tingling in the head area
- Some people experience some head pressure. It seems as if the head was tied with a rope, or a tight hat was put on it
- All these signs appear due to a sharp spasm of blood vessels arising from severe physical stress
Treatment of headaches in the back of the head with traditional methods
Before proceeding with more complex, radical remedies traditional medicine, you need to try to get rid of headaches with the help of basic things:
- ventilate the room
- eliminate all annoying loud sounds
- try to increase the humidity in the room
- take a walk in the fresh air
- stop using alcohol, nicotine, drugs
- cleanse the intestines
- massage the entire surface of the head, including the temples
- aromatherapy
- massage of temples, forehead and neck with aromatic oils of lavender, rosemary and mint
- toning and relaxing herbal teas and infusions
- compresses
Here are some of the most effective traditional methods relief from headaches:
Infusions
- St. John's wort infusion. Take a glass of boiling water and pour a large spoonful of St. John's wort into it. Infuse the herb and take one third of a glass before meals
- Decoction of odorous chamomile without tongue. Pour a large spoonful of chamomile into a glass of water and boil it for five minutes. After steeping the broth for twenty minutes and straining it, take a third of a glass after meals.
- Tincture of evasive peony. We take crushed peony roots and fill them with vodka in a ratio of one to ten. Take a small spoon of infusion before meals
- Decoction of herbal collection. Take two tablespoons of the collection of rustling clover, white lilac flowers and rattle (proportions 4:4:2) and fill it with half a liter of boiling water. After steeping the decoction for half an hour, strain the infusion. We take the decoction about six times a day, half a glass
- Herbal decoction No. 2. Take a tablespoon of the collected flowers of common lilac, pink meadow cornflower and thyme. Pour boiling water over the herbs and let them brew for an hour. Drink the entire decoction in two doses, an hour apart.
- Infusion onion peel. Pour a glass of boiling water over the onion peel and leave for an hour and a half. We drink the resulting infusion in half a glass twice. It is recommended to brew a new infusion every day
- Propolis tincture. Add twenty grams of propolis to one hundred grams of alcohol or vodka. We take the infusion forty drops at a time. You can drip them directly onto the bread
- Valerian infusion. Take twenty grams of valerian roots and pour them into a glass of boiling water. Heat the mixture in a water bath under the lid for fifteen minutes. Let it brew for about forty-five minutes and strain. Take two large spoons of valerian infusion thirty minutes after meals.
Compresses and wraps
- At high blood pressure we cut fresh cucumber circles and place it on the eyes
- Dip the rye crumb in vinegar, wrap it in a bandage, and apply it to the sore spot.
- Pour into liter jar water with a large spoon of salt and stir it thoroughly. Ten grams camphor oil pour in one hundred grams of ammonia ten percent alcohol, shake everything well. We pour all two solutions into one vessel, cover with something and chat until the flakes formed when combining the mixtures disappear. We heat the mixture in a water bath and make a compress from it on the sore spot overnight
- Dissolve a large spoonful of salt in half a liter of water. We soak a wool-based fabric in a salt solution and apply it to the lower back. Wrap the compress in a warm scarf and leave it overnight
- Apply the peeled lemon peel to your temple. Let the crust sit until it starts to bake.
Unusual ways to get rid of headaches
- We put a green scarf on our head
- We determine which nostril in the nose breathes cleaner by closing each one in turn. If the nostril from which the pain comes is breathing better, you need to close the breathing nostril and breathe with the one that is breathing worse.
- We stand in front of a large mirror and, without blinking, repeat to our reflection in it: “On the count of three, headache, go away!” Once! On the count of three, headache, pass! Two! On the count of three, headache, pass. The headache goes away. The headache is gone. Three!"
- We tap the bridge of the nose with our thumb for five to twenty minutes. After a couple of hours we repeat the ritual
- We brew ourselves some tea in a cup. Dip in hot tea a small spoon and apply it to the nose on the side where the pain is located. When the spoon has cooled, repeat the procedure. Afterwards, we apply the spoon removed from the hot tea to the earlobe on the same side. Finally, warm your fingertips on a hot cup and drink your tea
It is worth noting that no matter how effective folk remedies are, it is first necessary to find out the cause of the pain. Only by eliminating it can you get rid of it once and for all.
from excruciating headaches.
The human body is a complex mechanism that is designed in such a way that if there is any malfunction in its operation, it gives signals to which you simply need to react in time and take action. Therefore, when you have a severe headache, then this is definitely good reason think about what might be wrong with your health and consult a doctor who will find the cause of the ailment and help you choose effective treatment.
What are the causes of severe headaches in the back of the head? What to do, if painful sensations have become constant companions of man? What treatment for headaches in the back of the head should I choose to forget about this trouble once and for all? We will try to answer these questions in this material, but first we’ll talk about some general points.
For example, did you know that human brain not susceptible pain syndrome, since there are no pain receptors in its nerve tissues. Therefore, when we feel pain, it means that for some reason one in nine is “suffering.” sensitive areas(mucosa, muscles, sinuses, veins, nerves, eyes, subcutaneous tissue, periosteum of the skull, arteries) located in the head.
Education: Graduated from Vitebsk State Medical University with a degree in Surgery. At the university he headed the Council of the Student Scientific Society. Advanced training in 2010 - in the specialty "Oncology" and in 2011 - in the specialty "Mammology, visual forms of oncology".
Experience: Work in a general medical network for 3 years as a surgeon (Vitebsk Emergency Hospital medical care, Liozny Central District Hospital) and part-time as a district oncologist and traumatologist. Worked as a pharmaceutical representative for a year at the Rubicon company.
Presented 3 rationalization proposals on the topic “Optimization of antibiotic therapy depending on the species composition of microflora”, 2 works took prizes in the republican competition-review of student scientific works(categories 1 and 3).
Pain in the back of the head is a very common symptom, and the causes of such pain can range from blood pressure problems to a brain tumor. Pain in the back of the head is usually transient and can be easily treated at home. However, severe pain in the back of the head, especially if it does not go away when taking conventional painkillers (analgin, ibuprofen), or if attacks recur frequently, is a reason to visit a doctor. During your doctor's appointment, you may be asked to have blood tests or x-rays to determine the cause of your back pain. The doctor uses these tests to rule out diseases and conditions such as meningitis, tumors, and stroke, which may also cause this type of pain and cannot be treated at home.
Causes of pain in the back of the head
1. Common reasons
Cervicogenic headache
Cervicogenic headaches are, in some ways, one of the most unusual types of headaches because the source of the pain is not actually in the head. Cervicogenic headache is referred pain (i.e., pain that occurs in a different location than its source) felt in the head even though its origin is in the neck (eg, intervertebral hernia in the cervical spine, posterior osteophyte, spondylolisthesis, etc.).
Cervicogenic headache is one of the most common types of back pain. This pain is usually felt on one side of the head and may radiate to the temple, eye or forehead. Postural problems, neck injuries, and other minor injuries often precede the onset of this type of pain.
Most often, such pain occurs with discogenic pathology of the spine (protrusion and herniation of the intervertebral disc).
Although cervicogenic headaches also occur in young people, they are more often diagnosed in older people and people whose profession involves working on a computer.
Occipital neuralgia
Occipital neuralgia is a condition associated with cervicogenic headache. An alternative name is occipital neuralgia. Often occurring on one side of the head, it is acute and can radiate to the forehead and eye.
Migraine
Although migraine pain is not typically located in the back of the head, nearly 40% of patients report pain in the back of the head to varying degrees expressiveness. Often such patients also experience neck pain. Treating neck pain in these cases may help relieve some of the symptoms associated with migraines.
Stabbing headache (pain like an ice chip)
A stabbing headache is a sharp, piercing pain that usually lasts only a few seconds. Although this type of pain can be felt in any part of the head, it can also be located in the back of the head.
Headache from exposure to cold stimuli ("cold" headache)
Cold headaches are caused by exposure to low temperatures(such as being cold, eating ice cream, or drinking cold drinks). Typically, this type of pain is localized in the temples, but a small percentage of patients may experience pain in the back of the head.
Severe paroxysmal headache with periodic relapses
Severe, paroxysmal headaches with periodic relapses are a type of migraine and can be localized in any part of the head. More than a quarter of patients report pain in the back of the head.
Tension headache
Recent research indicates that people who suffer from tension headaches appear to have an increased sensitivity to pain. This can cause tension in the neck muscles, which can result in pain in the back of the head.
Sinusitis
If you've ever had sinusitis, you know that the pain is usually localized in different areas of the face and forehead. However, with severe inflammation, patients often experience pain in the back of the head.
Shingles (herpes zoster virus)
Shingles can cause a burning pain in the neck and head, usually on one side. With herpes zoster, pain in the back of the head usually precedes a rash, which is an indicator of the onset of an exacerbation of the disease.
2. More serious problems
There are several serious reasons pain in the back of the head that requires urgent medical attention.
Dissection (dissection) of the vertebral artery
Delamination vertebral artery accompanied by very strong and sudden pain in the back of the head. This pain differs from the much more common cervicogenic headache in that the pain of vertebral artery dissection begins suddenly and can be truly excruciating.
Subarachnoid hemorrhage
Bleeding in or around the brain, called subarachnoid hemorrhage, is a very dangerous condition requiring immediate medical attention. At the same time, it is recorded in almost 10% of patients complaining of severe pain in the back of the head. People suffering from this condition usually describe the pain as the worst headache they have ever experienced. Nausea, vomiting, dizziness and partial blackout are symptoms associated with this condition.
Inflammation of the lymph nodes
Any infection in the head is characterized by inflammation lymph nodes on the back of the head and neck. Scalp infections ear infections, infections in the nose and throat - all of them can be accompanied by inflammation of the lymph nodes. Lymph nodes in the back of the head and neck also often become inflamed with childhood rubella. Inflamed lymph nodes in the neck and back of the head can be very painful.
Meningitis
Pain in the back of the head caused by meningitis is the result of nerve damage due to infection, as well as the severe neck stiffness that typically occurs with this condition. One of the defining symptoms of meningitis is a very high temperature, combined with pain in the head and neck.
Pinched nerve
Sometimes pain in the back of the head can be caused by damage to nerve tissue. Most often we are talking about hypoglossal nerve, upper cervical nerves or accessory nerves.
Periarteritis nodosa
Several arteries supply blood to the back of the head. Periarteritis nodosa is a difficult-to-diagnose condition caused by inflammation of the arteries in the head. This is a very rare condition and is treated with steroid medications.
3. Physical stimuli
Sometimes pain in the back of the head can be caused by internal or external physical stimuli.
Height
Headache is enough common symptom in people who are not used to high altitude. Among those who experience headaches at high altitude, only about 4% of people reported pain in the back of their heads. Most feel the pain as generalized.
Cough
For some reason not entirely clear, coughing can cause headaches. In approximately 35% of cases, patients reported pain in the back of the head.
Cardiac cephalalgia
One of the rather strange causes of pain in the back of the head can be a heart attack or ischemic disease hearts. Although studies on the subject have conflicting statistics, one study found that approximately 33% of heart attack survivors experienced pain in the back of their heads. Opening the coronary arteries should solve this problem.
Neck muscle damage
One very common cause of neck pain is damage to the neck muscles, which occurs, for example, with a whiplash injury to the neck. In this case, the pain usually begins in the neck or shoulders and radiates to the back of the head.
Low blood pressure
Low blood pressure headaches are most often located on the sides of the head, but many people may also experience pain in the back of the head, which gets worse during periods of activity. In addition to pain, at low blood pressure Hearing problems and ringing in the ears may occur.
4. Rare diseases
There are some diseases that can cause pain in the back of the head. Such diseases require treatment, incl. and in surgery.
A brain tumor
About 25% of people with a brain tumor experience pain in the back of the head. This symptom is rarely the leading one.
Parkinson's disease
For some unknown reason, more than a third of patients with Parkinson's disease complain of pain in the back of the head and neck.
Dengue fever
Dengue fever causes severe headache and high body temperature. About 20% of patients complain of pain in the back of the head.
Thyrotoxicosis
Thyrotoxicosis is often called hyperthyroidism. Most often, Graves' disease (Graves' disease) is diagnosed with thyrotoxicosis. With this disease, pain in the back of the head is a common symptom. Graves' disease can be treated with medication and removal thyroid gland(thyroidectomy).
Treatments for the conditions and diseases listed above vary widely. Some of them require hospital treatment, while others can be managed at home.
A headache is a very common and unpleasant signal of dysfunction in the functioning of the entire body. Pain can vary in symptoms even from one person to another. This will depend on the reasons and circumstances that caused it. When localizing pain in the back of the head, you need to be alert, since not all the time this is the result of sedentary work.
This discomfort is a manifestation of a serious illness or a simultaneous combination of several diseases.
Causes of pain in the back of the head
Pain in the back of the head caused by spinal diseases
To this group of diseases includes osteochondrosis and cervical spondylosis. In the latter case we are talking about a violation bone tissue cervical spine. Over time, growths develop on it, which make it difficult to turn the head in any direction.
This the disease is typical for people who suffer from physical inactivity, and are of advanced age. Most often, discomfort appears in the neck when they are in one position for a long time. The pain appears especially severe at night, in a relaxed state. After a certain time, the unpleasant symptom spreads to the ears and eyes.
For osteochondrosis, you can consider inflammatory processes cartilage and bone tissue of intervertebral discs and vertebrae. Intervertebral discs gradually subside and collapse, complicating human movements.
Disease due to genetic disposition and manifests itself in those people who are forced to be in the same position due to lifestyle or professional activity. Osteochondrosis itself is complicated by regular overeating of foods with large amounts of carbohydrates and fats.
The following people are at risk:
- alcohol abusers;
- staying in one position with a bent back for a long time;
- smokers;
- sleeping on a high-standing pillow and a very soft bed;
- obese at any stage.
Often the data conditions are accepted as a manifestation of fatigue. But the pain in the back of the head continues to get worse and worse. The result can be serious consequences that will complicate a person’s life in the future.
Muscle problems as a cause of pain in the back of the head
Most often the reasons are that my head starts to hurt(its occipital part), there are problems with the muscular system of the shoulder and cervical region. The pain is expressed by myositis and myogelosis. The latter condition is manifested by compaction muscle tissue in this part, which occurs under the influence of such factors:
If a person suffers from myogelosis, then neck-shoulder area hurts and the back of the head. In this case, it becomes difficult for a person to bend or turn, as movements in this area of the spine become limited. Dizziness may occur frequently.
If it's too much headache in the back of the head, then most likely we are talking about the disease cervical myositis, which is defined as inflammation of muscle tissue in this area. And the discomfort is caused by its swelling, which gives a person a headache.
The disease develops under the influence of the following factors:
To identify an accurate diagnosis need to take an x-ray, based on its results, the subsequent treatment strategy will be determined. It should be taken into account that the disease can also be combined with rashes on the skin, which aggravate the situation and require the use of antibacterial drugs.
Problems with nerves and blood vessels as causes of pain in the occipital region
Vascular diseases- one of the most common in the world. And it is quite logical that they can provoke this uncomfortable state and interfere with a person’s full life.
Hypertensive syndrome appears due to increased vascular tone. As a rule, this disease is hereditary and needs to be monitored from childhood.
A surge in pressure can cause weakness, feeling tired and dizzy. The reason for the development of the disease may be:
If the back of your head begins to hurt, you should immediately check your condition with a tonometer.
During increased intracranial pressure a person often begins to experience pain, especially in the morning and at night, during increased formation of cerebrospinal fluid. The discomfort cannot be relieved quickly. The symptom recurs regularly, accompanied by vomiting, nausea and dizziness. Changes in blood pressure are also characteristic.
Cervical migraine is also one of the factors, which provokes pain in the back of the head. Migraines can spread to the eyes and ears, causing a sensation of noise and visual disturbances. The ability to work is significantly reduced: a person cannot concentrate, productively and quickly perform his professional duties.
Neuralgia of the nerve on the occipital part may be an independent disease, and in combination with spondylosis, osteochondrosis of this area of the spine. It is often confused with migraine, as certain symptoms are quite similar:
- localization of pain on one side of the head. It spreads to the ears and eyes. Sometimes the disease is characterized by pinching of both nerves at once;
- photophobia;
- discomfort when turning the head;
- vomiting, nausea.
To determine the diagnosis, it is necessary to conduct a more detailed study.
Other causes of pain in the back of the head
Quite common causes of pain in the back of the head are:
- Malocclusion. If the bite is not corrected in a timely manner, the load on the muscles during speaking and chewing will be incorrect. Over time, the likelihood of developing various unpleasant symptoms increases.
- Stress. Under the influence of emotions, pressure begins to “jump”, this is caused by vasospasm in the neck area.
- A specific profession that involves improper distribution of load on the muscle and bone apparatus.
How to relieve pain in the back of the head?
Before you prescribe painkillers or take medical supplies clearly indicated for a specific disease, need to consult a therapist. Especially when the pain bothers you frequently and severely. The therapist will prescribe an x-ray of the cervical spine, and based on its results, he will determine the need to visit other doctors: a neurologist, a traumatologist. Often the help of a physical therapy doctor, chiropractor, or massage therapist is needed.
Their treatment methods Suitable for many of the above diseases. The only difference is in the specifics of the application: the number of procedures per session, the duration of the procedure, the set of techniques and the intensity of the effect on a specific area.
At home you can use self-massage. First you need to study the specifics of the chosen technique and see how the specialist uses it. It is best for the introductory process to be carried out by him for the first time to explain the nuances and answer emerging questions.
Usually, Exercise therapy is prescribed simultaneously with a course of massage. The combination of these procedures significantly improves the patient's condition. The set of exercises can also be done at home. The most important thing is not to be lazy. If the problem is related to a malocclusion, then you need to contact an orthodontist, since physical exercise they will not be able to eliminate it.
Physiotherapy also plays an important role. It is defined by the following procedures:
- Ultrasound.
- Amplipulse.
- Electrophoresis.
- Laser.
- Magnetotherapy, etc.
Using these procedures vascular and muscle tone of the head decreases, neck, pinched nerves are eliminated, blood flow is normalized. A couple of minutes of quiet lying or sitting under the device will only benefit the patient.
What to do when the back of your head hurts?
Therapeutic movements
There are special movements to relieve pain in the back of the head:
- Sit on a chair, straighten your torso, and let your head lean forward under the force of its gravity. Sit in this position for about half a minute (count to 30 to yourself). Level your head, rest for half a minute and repeat the movement. In total, it is advisable to do 12–17 repetitions.
- You can stand or sit while performing this movement. Raise your hands up, place your thumbs on the upper edges of your cheekbones, and the other fingers on the back of your head. While inhaling, try to throw your head back, while creating resistance to this movement with your fingers, which are located at the back of your head. Your gaze should be directed to the top. Slowly count to 15. Then exhale for 5-6 seconds with your head tilted down, but with relaxed muscles. The gaze is also directed downwards. 4-5 repetitions are required.
- Feel with your fingers the painful place at the bottom of the back of the head, between the 1st vertebra of the neck and the beginning of the skull. Place both at this point thumbs, and with pads make 20 rotational movements. Afterwards, simply press your fingers on the painful area for a minute. Then rest for a few minutes. You need to do 4-5 repetitions.
Traditional methods of treatment (for mild pain in the back of the head)
They can help with mild pain in the back of the head traditional methods treatment:
In addition to the advice of doctors to reduce pain in the back of the head, you need to reconsider your lifestyle:
- Reduce daily norm caffeinated drinks and consume clean water. The same applies to cigarettes and alcohol. Which you can do just fine without.
- Take breaks at work, at least 10 minutes every hour. Moreover, you need to get up from your seat, put all papers and affairs aside, and just walk around. Walking will help efficient work muscles and normal blood circulation.
- Drink a course of soothing teas or their analogues if you notice constant tension, irritability and short temper.
- Arrange for sleep on a comfortable bed, in a ventilated and cool room. Sleep duration is at least 6–9 hours.
Treatment of many diseases which cause pain in the back of the head, require a professional and serious approach. The complex of required measures includes a large number of actions and processes. Therefore, actions aimed at preventing the development of diseases are fundamental for every person. This position will allow you to fully enjoy life, and will also save money and time.
