Ibuprofen here, aspirin there. Massage here, herbs there. Many people suffer from a headache, with some just occasionally and others almost every single day. There can be various types of headaches, and one of which is the pain in the back of their head.

Pain that is felt at the back of the head is not only distressing but can also hinder a person from functioning properly. There are many causes of such and different ways to treat or alleviate the pain of various causes, therefore, it's important that one is aware of its causes. For starters, keeping a log of the pain can help in tracking its cause and identifying the possible treatments.

Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments of Back of Head Pain

Headaches vary in types, causes, and treatments. People who suffer from pain in the back of the head should never ignore it.

1. A tension headache

Considered the most common kind of a headache, the tension-type is described as the feeling of having a tight band wrapped around the head. It can be chronic, which occurs more than 15 days in one month, or just occasionally.

Causes
Tension headaches happen because of the contractions of some head and neck muscles. Such contractions can be triggered by various factors, such as stress, fatigue, neck and eye strain, anxiety, lack of sleep, smoking, and cold temperature.

Symptoms
- Mild to moderate dull pain on both sides of the head
- The pressure around the head
- Last for 30 minutes or days

Treatments
To treat a tension headache, over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers such as aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen are taken. However, these should be used in moderation. Alternatively, there are also other treatments available to alleviate pain and address its cause, such as relaxation training, behavioral therapies, massage and stretches, heat therapy, and meditation.

2. Cervicogenic headaches (CH)

If the pain is felt at the back of the head and extends on the neck, there's a high chance of it being a cervicogenic type. It can be recurrent, to the point that it prevents the person from performing their tasks.

Causes
Just like any other types of a headache, cervicogenic headaches can be caused by many things, including:

• Problems in the vertebrae and neck muscles
• Fracture of the neck or upper spine
• Tumor in the neck or upper spine
• Certain jobs that require a person to hold their head when working
• Any injuries that might affect the neck, such a fall or whiplash

Symptoms
To rule out a cervicogenic headache, the following symptoms should appear:

• Stiff neck
• Pain around the eyes
• Non-throbbing, steady pain
• Pain on one side of the neck or head
• Head pain when sneezing, coughing, or breathing deeply
• Pain triggered by neck movement or the neck being in one position for an extended time

Treatments

• Medications - OTC or prescription painkillers such as acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, and muscle relaxants
• Physical therapy - These include massages, acupuncture, cognitive behavioral therapy, and heat therapy. The doctor may also incorporate the use of a neck brace.
• Surgery - If a headache is due to a compressed or blocked nerve, a spinal surgery or injection may be performed. Alternative treatments such as relaxation techniques and yoga.

3. Occipital neuralgia

Sometimes called occipital neuritis, occipital neuralgia is a type of a headache that involves the occipital nerves that run from the neck's upper part to the back of the head. This is the reason why this type causes unilateral or bilateral pain along with those parts.

Causes
Occipital neuralgia is often associated with occipital nerve inflammation or irritation that may be caused by injuries such as whiplash, head, neck or spinal injury, and muscle spasm. It is also attributed to some conditions like diabetes, gout, and inflammation of blood vessels.

Symptoms
A person with occipital neuralgia may suffer from the following symptoms:

• Throbbing or stabbing pain
• Pain traveling to the side of the head or the forehead
• Headache back of the head or on the upper part of the neck
• Some migraine symptoms such as tenderness of scalp or light or sound sensitivity

Treatments
To treat occipital neuralgia, a person may choose from these treatment options:

• Medications - The medications used for this type of a headache include anti-inflammatory meds, anti-seizure meds, and muscle relaxants. Nerve blocks may also be done to relieve chronic pain.
• Conservative treatments - These include rest, physical therapy such as soft tissue manipulation and massage, and heat therapy, including a warm shower.
• Surgery - If the pain doesn't go away using the first two options, the doctor may suggest more invasive treatments.

4. Subarachnoid hemorrhage

The subarachnoid space is the area between the tissues covering the brain and the brain itself and is where the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flows. If bleeding occurs within that space, it will result in a condition known as subarachnoid hemorrhage. Such a condition can lead to paralysis, coma, and death.

Causes
Subarachnoid hemorrhage is usually caused by head trauma or injuries such as falls or car accidents. It can also happen suddenly, often as a complication of a brain aneurysm and bleeding disorders. The chronic use of blood thinners may also contribute to its cause.

Symptoms
The primary symptom of subarachnoid hemorrhage is sudden, severe head pain that's especially extreme at the base of the skull. Some say that before the hemorrhage starts, a popping feeling in the head is experienced. Other symptoms include:

• Seizures
• Neck and shoulder pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Confusion and loss of consciousness
• Light sensitivity

Treatments
Immediate treatment is crucial in cases of subarachnoid hemorrhage to prevent death and severe brain damage. Below are the measures to treat the condition: Medications to alleviate pressure in the brain and relieve intense headaches Procedures to drain the blood and some CSF Surgery to close or stop the bleeding, especially if the cause of the hemorrhage is an aneurysm

In case of severe conditions, seek medical help

Headaches can be as extreme as hampering the way a person functions. If the pain in the back of the head or any type of a headache becomes unbearable or any of the following is experienced, don't waste any time and visit a doctor.

• Head pain after a car crash or fall
• Headaches that get worse over time
• Seizures and other neurological conditions
• Pain that impedes you to work or function properly
• Tension, migraine, or cluster headaches causing you to take high doses of OTC medications
• A headache associated with muscle weakness, numbness of body parts, and speech and personality changes.

Don't ignore the back-of-head pain

A headache that involves the back of the head can mean different things and is due to various causes. It is vital to identify the specific cause in order to address it properly. Aside from medications, there are also many alternative remedies to alleviate the pain.