Pain in the back of the Head : Common reason to and When to worry
Pain in the back of the head, can be alarming and uncomfortable.
Due to many day to day activities and action we neglect our health. In the pace full life we forget to understand that if there is any problem in our body we can observe some warning signs before. So understanding your body is the biggest remedies of your pain.
This article explores some very common reasons why headaches are so common these days , what are the things you can do and when you need to worry?
The most common reasons we encountered in our day to day life are
1. Your Pillow Might Be the Real Villain
There are some patients who come with pain in the back of the head.So we say that it might be too high or too flat pillow,which causes you pain in the back of the head. Over night your neck bends unnaturally building a tension at the base of your head.
Because of this, many times you wake up in the morning and observe “Headache again”?. Changing your pillow to an orthopedic pillow can reduce morning head pain drastically.
2. Scrolling = Straining
If your phone gets more neck time than your family—your head pain says hi to you.
It’s a myth that Only older people get neck headaches. Even teens and young adults can get them due to screen time.
When you spend long hours looking down at your phone, unknowingly you strain your neck muscles This leads to that nagging, dull pain at the back of your head. Sometimes it get mistaken as a migraine.
Migraine is a condition where the pain is at the front or one side of the head, sometimes( rarely) migraines may affect the back of the head.
To reduce pain at the back of your head , best idea is to be aware of time you use on phone and set limit in apps usage. If you work continuously on the phone or laptop then try the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
3. Stress Shows Up in the Back of Your Head
We don’t know when we are stressed or depressed but your body knows and gives you signals like “hey you’re overthinking or anxious”. Stressful thoughts and emotional subconsciously disturb your posture and your neck muscles stiffen. This tension can crawl upward cause headache back of head.
Try to focus on your breath , relax your … Unclench your jaw. Your might just need 10 minutes of silence and 5 deep breaths and Notice the change.
4. Dehydration = Headache Trigger
Our body needs a constant supply of water ,even a mild lack of water can reduce brain hydration and blood flow, causing pain in the back of the head. If you’ve skipped water all day and now have a headache then drink first, don’t panic. Try to take 1 liter of water, you can even add some lemon and salt ( not recommended in high blood pressure).
5. Morning Headaches? Check Your BP.
If you wake up with pain in the back of your head frequently and your age is more than 30, don’t ignore it. High blood pressure often gives silent signals—and this is one of them.
Low blood pressure also give your headache back of head so sever that you cannot even lift your head above. Many women face low BP in morning. There are many home remedies like mutalti tea , lemon & salt water can manage your blood pressure.
6. It’s Not Always in the Head—It’s in the Neck
Many desk workers with poor posture, long computer hours, or a sedentary lifestyle unknowingly build neck stiffness( neck muscles tightness).This pain then travels to the back of the head, confusing them into thinking it’s a brain issue. It’s a big Myth that “Back head pain means brain tumor!” Most cases are due to posture or tension, not tumors.
For all who have long sitting hours or sedentary lifestyles should include 10-15 minutes of Neck stretches daily . It can prevent 70% of such headaches. You will observe the effect after 2-3 days.
7. A Sudden ‘Electric Shock’ Headache? Act Fast.
A pain in the back of your head can be radiating, sudden , stabbing or electric – shock especially on one-sided. This is a nerve-related issue in medical terms we call it as occipital neuralgia. Don’t ignore these things.
Occipital neuralgia is a medical condition where the occipital nerves which run from the top of the spinal cord to the scalp become inflamed or irritated. Some common symptoms you will observe are
- Sharp, jabbing pain in the back of the head
- Pain behind the eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Tenderness in the scalp
Talk to a doctor or physiotherapist they can help you. Donot panic it is treatable.
8 . Massage Is Medicine (Almost)
Almost in every case 5-minute massage on the back of your neck work like magic. You can take some warm oil or a tennis ball gently place on stiff neck muscle and release built-up tension. You will observe surprising relief. Try it before reaching for painkillers.
We think that “Painkillers are the only solution.” Fixing posture, hydration, massage and movement helps more in the long term.
Daily Habits to Prevent Pain in the Back of the Head
- Drink at least 2-3L water
- 5-minute neck stretch break every hour
- Adjust pillow height (orthopedic works best)
- Sit with back support and neutral neck
- Limit phone usage while lying down
- Sleep 7–8 hours in a proper position
- Get eyes checked if you squint often
When to Worry
The 3 S Rule is best to understand when you need to worry and take to doctor.
- Sudden pain, like a thunderbolt
- Slurred speech or blurry vision
- Stiff neck with fever