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How to overcome pain in the back of the head?

30 marca 2024
Pain in the back of the head, occipital migraine, aching neck
Around the world, pain at the back of the head changes the lives of many people. It is a relatively rare type of headache, if any of them can be considered pleasant. It is certainly not a minor ailment, and it is worth understanding that it can be an alarm signal sent by the body. Especially since it can take various forms, which differ from each other. Most people say that the pain at the back of the head can be subtle, stabbing, or dull, and besides, it is sudden.

It is worth delving deeper into understanding what can cause pain at the back of the head. This allows understanding the potential risks associated with this type of headache. It also enables preventing or alleviating pain by understanding its nature. Knowledge is the key to dealing with pain, which improves the quality of life.
Neck pain, shoulder tension, tight fascia

What causes pain in the back of the head?

Pain at the back of the head can have various causes, understanding which can help to more effectively manage this condition. One of the main factors causing pain in this part of the head is muscle tension. It is particularly caused by maintaining poor posture for a long time, hence it is common among people leading a sedentary lifestyle, including office workers. However, it's also worth noting that prolonged stress contributes to excessive neck and nape tension, and as a result, also causes pain at the back of the head, especially in the occipital and nape areas.

Some individuals experience occipital migraines, which is a specific pain at the back of the head. It may manifest as pulsating and one-sided pain, which sometimes radiates to the occiput. People suffering from occipital migraine often also experience additional symptoms, such as photophobia, hypersensitivity to sounds, or nausea, making it relatively easy to diagnose.

The conditions of the cervical spine that may press on nerves or discs are also significant. Specifically, this could be discopathy, which affects an increasing number of people. It may occur in inflammatory conditions, especially of the muscles or the occipital nerve. Less commonly, it is caused by sinusitis, although this does occur. The cause of pain at the back of the head can also be the result of a combination of various factors. Therefore, it is crucial to have a thorough examination and diagnosis by a neurologist, which will allow for effective treatment planning.
Pain in the back of the head, throbbing headaches, neck pain treatment

Is pain in the back of the head dangerous?

Generally, pain at the back of the head itself is not dangerous, but it can often be bothersome, thus making life difficult for many people. However, there are situations in which headache should be treated as an alarm signal to consult a doctor. The necessity for immediate intervention is indicated by sudden and very intense pain at the back of the head that does not subside. It can be a symptom of serious conditions, such as a stroke or intracranial hemorrhage.

It is important to consider additional symptoms accompanying the pain at the back of the head. If the pain is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or vision disturbances, it may be a symptom of migraine or stroke. Especially when it also causes weakness of limbs or difficulty speaking, which all the more requires medical intervention.

In the case of chronic pain at the back of the head that persistently lasts for a longer period, it is worth undergoing a diagnosis. This will allow planning effective treatment to prevent it from returning or to make it occur less frequently. Sometimes, headaches can also be caused by other diseases that require treatment. Therefore, it is advisable to treat pain at the back of the head with due attention and consult a doctor in case of doubt, who will help identify its causes. Then, plan treatment aimed at improving health.
Stroke, intracranial bleeding, stroke treatment

How to relax the neck and nape muscles?

Many of us experience neck and nape tension, which is also associated with muscle stiffness. This is related to prolonged sitting and stress, thus elements that constitute a significant part of today's world. It also results from not maintaining sleep hygiene at a good level. Relaxing these muscles definitely brings relief, which improves well-being. It's worth taking care to ease the tension and restore the neck's flexibility.

One method is stretching the muscles, i.e., regular stretching of muscles and fascia. For this purpose, stretching exercises are used, which work on the neck and nape muscles. This in turn helps to reduce tension and increase range of motion, also acting as pain relief. The most basic exercise involves simply tilting the head from side to side, forward, and backward, while controlling the breath.

Also, a gentle massage of the neck and nape can help in loosening the tension, thereby alleviating pain. You can use fingers, thumb, or massagers for this, depending on your preferences. Performing circular movements, especially with gradually increasing pressure, is effective.

Another method is applying a warm compress to the neck and nape area. This also helps some people to relax the muscles, which in turn alleviates tension. You can use a warm cloth, hot water bottle, or thermal pads, which also comes down to personal preferences. However, ensure that they have a safe temperature to avoid burning the skin.

Techniques based on mindfulness and deep breathing, like meditation or yoga, which are becoming increasingly popular, will also help in effectively reducing stress and tension. These are also helpful for relaxing the neck muscles, especially with regular practices. For many people, they bring long-term relief and additionally affect lifestyle.

Of course, the basis is awareness of body posture, which should translate into caring for the physiological positioning of the spine during daily activities, such as sitting or walking. This includes during a key activity, namely while sleeping, on which we spend an average of about 1/3 of our lives. To this end, care must be taken for mattresses that support the spine in appropriate positions. Along with them, it's worth having an orthopedic pillow, which will take care of the cervical spine's positioning.
Stretching exercises, neck pain treatment, neck massage

How does lifestyle affect headache?

Headache is influenced by the lifestyle, which for many people is a decisive factor in its frequency and intensity, hence it is worth modifying it. Certain habits and environmental factors can promote the occurrence of headache, while others can alleviate it. To a large extent, it's a matter of body posture, especially while sitting. That's when there is a significant tension in the neck and nape muscles, which causes headaches. Therefore, it's worth considering purchasing ergonomic furniture, which is adapted to the body's anatomy.

Also, a high level of stress can lead to excessive tension in fascia and muscles, including the neck and nape muscles, exacerbating pain at the back of the head. Relaxation techniques such as meditation, mindfulness, or yoga are helpful in reducing stress.

The lack of sufficient sleep influences the pain at the back of the head, caused not only by lifestyle but often also by a bad mattress that improperly supports the body. It's important to care for regular and sufficiently long sleep, thus creating conducive conditions for rest. Remember, sleep hygiene is key to health.

Another factor is food products that cause headaches. For many people, headaches are triggered by caffeine, alcohol, and artificial food additives, regardless of the amounts consumed. Everyone reacts differently to them, so observation is important to determine whether a particular substance is a headache trigger for a specific person in order to eliminate it from their diet.
Healthy diet, healthy lifestyle, physical activity

What pillow will help with headache?

Choosing the right sleeping pillow in many cases has a significant impact on reducing headache, especially pain at the back of the head. However, sometimes using just an orthopedic pillow may not be sufficient. Then, it is definitely worth seeking advice from a doctor or physiotherapist to diagnose the difficulties. Besides, a functional mattress that cares for body posture during sleep turns out to be extremely important.

Only anatomical orthopedic pillows offer an option that will keep the neck and nape in the correct position. Meanwhile, maintaining the correct posture of the body during sleep is key to health. It also allows reducing the tension in the neck and nape muscles, which often contributes to headaches. Choosing the specific sleeping pillow is simple thanks to the advice of ONSEN® specialists.

Choosing the right orthopedic pillow can contribute to reducing headache, especially pain at the back of the head. Thanks to the use of the latest production methods based on design thinking, ONSEN® pillows are an effective aid at every stage of treatment and rehabilitation, due to their ergonomic shape.

We also encourage you to explore other articles on the best sleep and health blog, as well as the Encyclopedia of Healthy Sleep prepared by the ONSEN® team of specialists. For those who care about spine health, we recommend a set of spine exercises prepared by our physiotherapist.
Mattress for neck pain, mattresses for back pain, Polish company

FAQ: Pain in back of head

What can pain at the back of the head indicate?

Pain at the back of the head can have many causes. It may be the result of tension, poor posture, migraines, or cervical spine ailments. Sometimes, it can also be a result of stress or eye fatigue. In extreme cases, it may indicate intracranial hemorrhage and stroke.

Is pain at the back of the head dangerous?

Most cases of pain at the back of the head are not a cause for concern and do not pose a danger. However, there are situations in which headache can signal a more serious problem. If the pain is sudden and intense, it is worth contacting a doctor. If other symptoms accompany it, such as vision disturbances, speech difficulties, or muscle weakness, immediate medical help should be sought.

How long can pain at the back of the head last?

The duration of pain at the back of the head can vary and depends on its cause. Tension headaches can last from several minutes to even a few days. Migraine headaches can persist for a few hours to three days. Chronic pain that lasts longer than a week requires medical consultation.

What medication can help with pain at the back of the head?

Treatment for pain at the back of the head depends on its cause. For tension headaches, over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol may help. Triptans are most commonly used for migraines. However, it is important not to exceed recommended doses and not to use them long-term without consulting a doctor. Only a doctor can recommend other effective treatment methods or prescription medications.

Which pillow can help with pain at the back of the head?

Choosing the right pillow can significantly affect sleep comfort and reduce pain at the back of the head. Therefore, it is advisable to choose anatomical orthopedic pillows that support the natural curvature of the neck and ensure proper head alignment relative to the spine. Traditional sleeping pillows or wave-shaped pillows, which are not adapted to the body's shape, should be avoided. The ideal pillow should be adapted to the position in which you sleep, as well as to individual preferences and needs. Body build is also taken into consideration.

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