Back of Head Headache - Causes and Remedies
If you have ever suffered from a back-of-head headache, you know how irritating and disruptive it can be. Fortunately, this headache can be treated. If you know the symptoms and causes of this condition, you can find a natural remedy that will help you get relief. In addition to natural remedies, several coping techniques can help you deal with the pain.
Symptoms
People who suffer from back or head pain can often find relief from various remedies, but it is essential to get to the root of the problem and treat it accordingly. Headaches caused by poor posture, head injuries, stress, depression, anxiety, and even abnormal head positions can all contribute to the pain. Tension headaches are the most common type of back of head pain and are characterized by pain in the sides and back of the head. The pain can feel as though a vise is squeezing the head.
The causes of this condition are not well understood, but experts believe that the disorder is caused by over-reacting nerve cells in the head that send impulses to blood vessels. The process causes chemical changes in the brain and can cause disabling pain. While there is no single cure for this type of pain, it may require medications, surgery, or nerve block injections. In severe cases, it may require a surgical procedure to block the blood vessel causing the pain.
Causes
Several different conditions can cause a back head headache. Some of the most common is referred pain and stiff joints in the neck and upper back. Other causes of this type of headache are muscle strain and nerve irritation. Joint pain in the neck area is commonly caused by poor posture.
Fortunately, many causes of headaches are treatable. Treatment can include applying painkillers before strenuous exercise and resting your head. Other solutions include eating a healthy diet and getting enough sleep. A tension headache is caused by muscles getting tense due to physical or mental stress. In severe cases, a headache may require medications or surgery. Another way to reduce pain is by learning and practicing relaxation techniques. These can be learned in classes or done at home.
Treatments
Although the back of the head headache is a common problem, several treatment options exist to help relieve the pain. This type of headache can be severe, but it is not a medical emergency. Treatment options vary depending on the underlying cause. Some causes include stress, poor body posture, or not drinking enough water. The pain may be dull or sharp and lasts several hours or days. Medications, ice packs, and relaxation techniques may help ease the symptoms.
A doctor may prescribe over-the-counter or prescription painkillers to treat the pain. Depending on the severity of the back of the head headache, these drugs can help reduce the frequency or duration of headaches. However, narcotics may be prescribed if a patient continues to experience headaches even after treatment.
Medication options
Medications for the back head headache can range from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to heat therapy. Some doctors also prescribe beta-blockers and prescription muscle relaxants. Surgery may be an option in severe cases, which blocks signaling along the trigeminal nerve. However, the long-term effects of opioid use are often devastating.
Although simple pain relievers can relieve the pain, they do not work as fast as they should. In these cases, some people are helped by a combination of medicines, including triptans (another drug that helps with cluster headaches). Some individuals may also benefit from preventive medicines, including verapamil, a blood pressure medicine. Another option may be a short course of prednisone.
