Occipital neuralgia is a distinct type of headache characterized by piercing, throbbing, or electric-shock-like chronic pain in the upper neck, back of the head, and behind the ears, usually on one side of the head. Typically, the pain of occipital neuralgia begins in the neck and then spreads upwards. Some individuals will also experience pain in the scalp, forehead, and behind the eyes. Their scalp may also be tender to the touch, and their eyes especially sensitive to light. The location of pain is related to the areas supplied by the greater and lesser occipital nerves, which run from the area where the spinal column meets the neck, up to the scalp at the back of the head. The pain is caused by irritation or injury to the nerves, which can be the result of trauma to the back of the head, pinching of the nerves by overly tight neck muscles, compression of the nerve as it leaves the spine due to osteoarthritis, or tumors or other types of lesions in the neck. Localized inflammation or infection, gout, diabetes, blood vessel inflammation (vasculitis), and frequent lengthy periods of keeping the head in a downward and forward position are also associated with occipital neuralgia. In many cases, however, no cause can be found. A positive response (relief from pain) after an anesthetic nerve block will confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatment is generally symptomatic and includes massage and rest. In some cases, antidepressants may be used when the pain is particularly severe. Other treatments may include local nerve blocks and injections of steroids directly into the affected area.
Prognosis
Occipital neuralgia is not a life-threatening condition. Many individuals will improve with therapy involving heat, rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and muscle relaxants. Recovery is usually complete after the bout of pain has ended and the nerve damage repaired or lessened.
Research
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) and other institutes at the National Institutes of Health conduct research related to pain and occipital neuralgia in their clinics and laboratories and support additional research through grants to major medical institutions across the country. Much of this research focuses on understanding the basic mechanisms of pain and testing treatments in order to find better ways to treat occipital neuralgia.
View research on this topic.
View studies being conducted about this condition.
View NINDS publications on this topic.
Organizations
American Chronic Pain Association (ACPA)
Provides self-help coping skills and peer support to people with chronic pain. Sponsors local support groups throughout the U.S. and provides assistance in starting and maintaining support groups.
P.O. Box 850
Rocklin, CA 95677-0850
//www.theacpa.org
Tel: Rocklin
Fax: 916-652-8190
National Headache
Foundation
Non-profit organization dedicated to service headache sufferers, their families, and the healthcare practitioners who treat them. Promotes research into headache causes and treatments and educates the public.
820 N. Orleans
Suite 411
Chicago, IL 60610-3132
//www.headaches.org
Tel: Chicago
Fax: 312-640-9049
Content Provided By
NINDS Disorders is an index of neurological conditions provided by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. This valuable tool offers detailed descriptions, facts on treatment and prognosis, and patient organization contact information for over 500 identified neurological disorders.
Neurological Disorders and Stroke »
By Medicover Hospitals / 21 March 2022
Home / symptoms / Pain In Back Of Head
Causes:
Tension-type Headache
- Tightening sensation in the back or front of the head
- Pain that is low to moderate, but can be severe at times
- Nausea or vomiting.
Migraine
- Strong throbbing ache on one side of the head
- Vomiting and Nausea
- Visual Annoyance
- Increased sensitivity to light, sound, and smell
- Tender muscles and sensitive skin
Arthritis
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Redness
- Decreased range of motion
Poor Posture
Headaches caused by poor posture might be relieved by standing or sitting up straight. It can be cured with over-the-counter pain relievers and may also be cured with the help of physical therapy.
Low-Pressure Headache
Spontaneous intracranial hypotension causes severe discomfort in the back of the head and neck, which worsens when you stand or sit. Low-pressure headaches usually improve after half an hour of lying down. Some persons with SIH have a minor headache in the morning that gets worse throughout the day.
Cervicogenic Headache
These aren't just any headaches; they're secondary headaches, which means they're an indication of something else going on in the body.
Diagnosis :
Treatment
When to Consult a Doctor
There are some symptoms that indicate an emergency. If you experience headaches alongside any of the following symptoms, seek emergency medical attention:
- Mood swing and agitation
- Fever and stiff neck
- Slurred speech and weakness
- Severe headaches
Many headaches go away on their own, but some are caused by more serious issues. Anyone experiencing pain in the back of their head should consult a doctor. If an underlying cause needs to be addressed, it is advisable to do so as soon as feasible.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Pain in back of head could be due to bad posture or other reasons. The most common is tension headache which happens when muscles in the scalp and neck get tensed. Pain radiates from the sides and back of the head as a result of this.
Brain tumour can produce pain in the back of the head if it develops large enough to push the nerves or blood vessels. Headaches, on the other hand, are a poor indicator of a brain tumour.
Every patient's pain is different, but headaches caused due to brain tumours are usually continuous and worst at night or early in the morning. They're frequently described as dull, "pressure-type" headaches, however, some people report intense or "stabbing" pain as well.
- Use a Cold pack or Heating pad
- Ease pressure on the scalp or head
- Try not to chew
- Hydrate
Anxiety headaches, also known as tension headaches, can strike anywhere on the head, including the front, sides, tops, and even the back.