Pressure in the back of the head. Pain in the back of the head: causes, treatment

This disease affects people who remain in one position for a long time. This category includes specialists who work at a computer or drivers. In this case, the neck muscles are in constant tension.

Nature of pain:

• The pain may last for a long period.
• My neck and head hurt in the back.
• It may be dull or aching.
• It decreases if you rub your neck.

Reasons

Vascular diseases

Vascular pain includes:

• All information on the site is for informational purposes only and is NOT a guide to action!
• Can give you an ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS only DOCTOR!
• We kindly ask you NOT to self-medicate, but make an appointment with a specialist!
• Health to you and your loved ones!

Pain due to difficulty venous outflow	They often occur upon awakening and may be accompanied by swelling lower eyelids and a feeling of heaviness. The nature of the pain in this case is bursting and dull, it begins in occipital region and spreads throughout the head. It can also get worse when bending over, coughing or in a horizontal position.
Spasm of the superficial or intracranial arteries	In this case, the pain is throbbing. It can radiate from the occipital region to the forehead, and intensify with movement. When at rest it recedes.
	At this moment, a rise in blood pressure occurs, which is a consequence of dysregulation vascular tone or spasm of blood vessels. The pain at the moment of orgasm can be pulsating and quite intense. It can either grow or appear suddenly.
	With fragility of the vascular walls or narrowing of the lumen of the blood vessels, a feeling of heaviness in the head occurs, gradually turning into a dull moderate pain that “squeezes” the head. It occurs during intense physical exertion.

High blood pressure

When blood pressure rises, a bursting, throbbing pain occurs in the back of the head. It usually appears in the morning, after waking up.

Cephalgia may be accompanied by symptoms such as nausea and tachycardia. In some cases, the patient becomes dizzy and may experience sudden vomiting, which is not preceded by a feeling of nausea, and after this he experiences relief.

It is often combined with the following symptoms:

• Dizziness that occurs when raising the head. The patient begins to lose stability.
• A person can fall when turning their head, while remaining conscious. In severe cases, he may lose consciousness, and when he comes to his senses, he may experience weakness for a long time.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Tinnitus and hearing loss.
• Loss of visual acuity, feeling of sand in the eyes.
• Feeling foreign body in the throat and difficulty swallowing.
• Speech disorders.

When a sharp pain develops in one part of the back of the head, then radiates to the forehead and temple, accompanied by photophobia, dizziness, nausea and vomiting.

Cervical myositis

The reason why the back of the head hurts is cervical myositis. With this disease, the neck muscles become inflamed due to hypothermia or injury.

The pain is asymmetrical, felt more on one side. At the same time, it is difficult to turn your head, the pain can radiate from the back of the head to the shoulder or to the area of ​​the shoulder blades.

Malocclusion

Pain in the back of the head due to malocclusion can last for several days. It occurs in the back of the head, parietal and parotid regions. Usually it is dull, affecting bottom part back of the head, and may be stronger on one side.

When opening the mouth, a characteristic click occurs, which occurs in the area of ​​the temporomandibular joint. The pain may appear during the day and intensify in the evening.

Increased intracranial pressure

With increased ICP, pain in the occipital region can be bursting, dull and pressing. It may appear at night or during morning hours. It may be accompanied by nausea and, in some cases, vomiting, which does not bring relief.

In addition, increased intracranial pressure may be accompanied by symptoms such as:

• dark circles in the eye area;
• dependence on weather conditions;
• increased nervousness and excitability;
• sweating;
• arrhythmia;
• fatigue;
• double vision.

Neuralgia

With occipital neuralgia, there is a sharp, shooting pain in the back of the head, which intensifies when turning the head or coughing. She can give in lower jaw, neck or back area.

Between acute painful attacks, a feeling of heaviness in the occipital region or aching pain persists.

Neuralgia can occur due to diseases cervical region spine, including those caused by hypothermia.

Cervical spondylosis

Cervical spondylosis occurs when the ligamentous tissue attached to the vertebrae degenerates into bone tissue. In this case, growths form on the vertebrae.

The disease is characterized by a dull, aching, prolonged pain in the back of the head. The pain may radiate to the eyes or ears.

The person feels stiff and cannot actively move his head. When turning or bending, the pain intensifies. The patient's quality of life is impaired due to constant pain in the back of the head. Insomnia often occurs as a result of this.

Myogelosis of the cervical region

The disease occurs when blood circulation in the neck muscles is impaired, and as a result the appearance of compactions.

The disease is characterized by stiffness and aching pain in the back of the head.

In some cases, cephalalgia with myogelosis is accompanied by dizziness.

Stress and mental tension

If a person suddenly finds himself in a stressful situation or long time is in nervous tension, he may experience aching pain in the back of the head. A burning sensation may be felt.

Cephalgia continues long period and weakens after the person calms down.

It can be accompanied by apathy and does not depend on physical stress, but intensifies with emotional stress.

Types of headaches in the back of the head

Acute	Acute pain is a severe headache in the back of the head. It intensifies with head movements and can be a consequence of diseases such as osteochondrosis, myogelosis or neuralgia. The pain is paroxysmal and can radiate to the lower jaw, eyes, ears, or the area between the shoulder blades. In order to get rid of it, you need to try to relax as much as possible.
Pulsating	This type of pain is the most dangerous. It may be a harbinger of cerebral hemorrhage. Throbbing pain in the back of the head indicates high blood pressure, and be accompanied by the following symptoms: loss of orientation in time and space; dizziness; hearing loss or tinnitus; numbness of the limbs. A throbbing headache may also be a symptom infectious diseases, vertebrobasilar syndrome, closed glaucoma. If this occurs, you should consult a doctor.
Dumb	A dull headache can occur due to osteochondrosis, spondylosis or muscle strain. It can radiate behind the ears or in the parietal region. If you have a dull headache, you need to relax as much as possible and choose correct position head so that the muscles of the collar zone are as relaxed as possible.
Aching	A nagging headache can last for a long time. It occurs when the muscles of the cervical spine are overstrained, resulting from prolonged stay in one position or mental stress. You can get rid of such pain with a cold compress on the forehead and massage of the collar area.

Diagnostics

If you have a headache in the back of your head or neck, you should seek help from a doctor.

First of all, you need to visit your local therapist; if necessary, he can refer you to a neurologist, traumatologist, chiropractor or massage therapist.

You must first take an X-ray of the cervical spine, or a brain tomography.

Prevention

Treatment

Traditional methods

• A cabbage leaf needs to be mashed and applied to the back of the head.
• Moisten the towel in ice water and apply to your forehead while drinking a cup of hot tea.
• Apply a compress of grated horseradish to the back of the head to improve blood circulation.

Physiotherapeutic procedures

For diseases such as spondylosis, osteochondrosis, myogelosis and neuralgia, physiotherapeutic procedures are prescribed:

• Magnetotherapy.
• Electrophoresis.
• Ultrasound treatment.

Therapeutic exercise

There is a whole set of exercises that will help relieve the muscles of the back and cervical spine.

In order to choose them correctly, you need the help of a physical therapy doctor.

The set of exercises depends on what kind of disease is being treated with exercise therapy.

Manual therapy

A chiropractor will help with neuralgia, osteochondrosis or tension headaches. With spondylosis, massage is contraindicated.

To do a massage at home, you need to first warm your hands, massage your ears, and then light movements walk from the back of the head to the forehead and in the opposite direction.

Also effective means is acupressure, but in this case the help of a professional is needed.

If a headache in the back of the head does not go away for a long time, or is accompanied by other symptoms, you should seek medical help.

Modern people often complain of pain in the back of their heads. Many suffer from such pain syndromes, but they cannot determine the causes of their occurrence.

Pain in the back of the head can occur when the head is positioned incorrectly during sleep. Quite often, pain syndromes progress against the background of existing diseases.

To understand why the back of the head hurts, it is necessary to identify the causes of such pain.

Let's name the most common ones.

Cervical osteochondrosis

Cervical osteochondrosis is a type of spinal disease in which a rapid aging process of the intervertebral discs and vertebrae of the neck occurs.

Several vertebral regions can be affected at the same time.

If osteochondrosis affects the cervical area, the victim is diagnosed with “ cervical osteochondrosis».

The disease can occur due to:

• sedentary lifestyle;
• low mobility;
• smoking, alcohol;
• overweight;
• incorrect body position during sleep;
• genetic predisposition.

The first appearance of the disease - pain in the neck and heaviness in the back of the head - can be confused with a state of overwork.

If a person is not provided in time medical care, the changes occurring in the spine can become irreversible.

Cervical spondylosis

With cervical spondylosis, the vertebrae in the cervical region are deformed. Specific growths (osteophytes) form on them, causing pain to the victim when the head rotates.

Pain syndromes can also appear when a person is in a quiet, motionless position, especially at night.

This is due to increased voltage cervical area spine during the rest period.

In addition, a kind of painful “shooting” may appear in ears and eyeballs.

Cervical spondylosis most often affects the elderly population, as well as people who move little.

Cervical myositis

Are you worried not only about pain in the back of your head, but also in your lower back? Find out more.

Treatment of pain in children

If pain in the occipital region in a child is associated with stress or depression, then in the morning he needs to drink lemongrass and ascorbic acid.

Tea with lemon helps not only relieve painful sensations, but also gives the child additional energy.

If a child often complains of pain in the back of the head, it is better to limit him from nuts, bananas, chocolate and cheese.

Kefir, cottage cheese, yogurt and other foods rich in calcium should be included in the diet.

Prevention of occurrence

To prevent pain in the back of the head, you need to take a number of actions:

• Monitor your sleep duration. You need to sleep at least 7-8 hours a day. If you have frequent pain in the occipital region, it is better to sleep on an orthopedic pillow.
• Don't forget about physical activity and exercise. Properly selected exercises will help relieve pain and heaviness in occipital zone. And their daily implementation will increase efficiency.
• Follow a diet. People suffering from frequent pain in the back of the head are not recommended to eat Chinese dishes, a lot of chocolate, nuts, bananas, smoked meats, cheese and spicy foods. It is better to give up alcohol and tobacco forever.
• Carry out water procedures regularly. Hot bath with the addition of chamomile decoction will help relieve tension in the neck and pain syndrome. Bath procedures should be kept for 15 minutes. In this case, the water temperature should not exceed +40 degrees.
• Take vitamins. Annual use of the complex necessary for the body vitamins will help prevent pain in the occipital region.
• Conduct aromatherapy sessions. Lavender oil has healing sedative properties. For headaches, it is recommended to rub it into the temple area.
• Use healing herbs and plants. They are recommended to be taken in the form of capsules or tablets. Removes very effectively painful attacks Pyrethrum plant in the back of the head. It is very useful to drink infusions of linden tea, green tea with the addition of mint leaves. You can add lemon balm to tea, which has excellent antioxidant properties.
• Don't forget about rest. We should not forget about good rest. Frequent overloads always have a negative impact on health.

Whatever the reason behind the occipital pain, you should not leave everything to chance - you should immediately contact a specialist. If treatment is not promptly addressed, the disease may become irreversible.

Most pain is associated with the presence hidden diseases that pose a danger to human health.

Every person has experienced at least once in his life headache in the back of the head. The nature of this pain varies. A sharp headache in the back of the head or a dull, throbbing, pressing, aching headache may occur. The pain may be constant or occur periodically. The nature of the pain is related to the factors that cause it. However, regardless of the cause of a headache in the back of the head, it is always quite painful, and a person must get rid of it. But, as you know, in order to cure a disease, you must first determine its cause.

The main causes of headaches in the back of the head

Pain in the back of the head can indicate the presence of many diseases. The most common of them are:

• occipital neuralgia;
• diseases of the cervical spine, such as spondylitis, osteochondrosis, spondylosis, cervical migraine, etc.;
• spasm of cerebral vessels;
• increased intracranial pressure;
• hypertension (increased blood pressure);
• staying in an uncomfortable position for a long time;
• stressful conditions;
• excessive muscle tension due to physical activity;
• diseases of the temporomandibular joints or malocclusion.

The nature of headaches in the back of the head in various diseases

• Cervical osteochondrosis. This disease causes changes in the structure of the intervertebral discs and is accompanied by constant pain in the back of the head, neck and temples. Painful sensations are often accompanied by nausea, dizziness, decreased hearing, and loss of coordination. There may be a feeling of a “veil” before the eyes, double objects. When the head is thrown back or there is a sudden movement, the patient falls and loses the ability to move for some time, although he remains fully conscious. Often, with cervical osteochondrosis, the patient experiences a cervical migraine, which is accompanied by a sharp headache in the back of the head, spreading to the temples and superciliary area.
• Cervical spondylosis. The disease is accompanied by the appearance of bone growths on the spine, which significantly impair the mobility of the neck. The patient experiences very frequent headaches in the back of the head, sometimes almost non-stop. With any turns or tilts of the head, the pain intensifies. Due to constant pain, the patient's sleep is disturbed.
• Hypertension. Often, high blood pressure is accompanied by the appearance of throbbing, frequent headaches in the back of the head. Headaches in the back of the head are often accompanied by palpitations, general weakness, dizziness and sudden nausea.
• Cervical myositis. This disease often occurs as a result of hypothermia, injury, or prolonged exposure to an uncomfortable position. The main symptom is headache in the back of the head when moving (turning or tilting) the head. In this case, the pain often radiates to the shoulders, back of the head and interscapular area. For of this disease The pain is asymmetrical, that is, on one side it is more pronounced.
• Myogelosis of the cervical spine. This disease is characterized by the appearance of painful lumps in the neck muscles, which is accompanied by dizziness and sharp headaches in the back of the head.
• Occipital neuralgia often causes headaches in the back of the head. The pain is paroxysmal in nature, radiating to the neck, back, ears, and lower jaw. Any movement of the head, coughing or sneezing increases the pain. Patients with this disease describe the pain as “shooting.”
• Vascular pain caused by spasm of the arteries. The patient complains of pain in the back of the head, mainly occurring with movement and subsiding when sitting or lying down. At physical activity pain in the back of the head also occurs due to vascular pathology. At the same time, frequent headaches in the back of the head occur with increased physical activity and are accompanied by a sensation of “goosebumps” on the scalp.
• Occupational pain. They often occur in people who are forced by duty to remain in one position for a long time. Thus, professional pain in the back of the head occurs in drivers and office workers.
• Increased intracranial pressure. Mostly with this disease, the patient experiences pain along the entire circumference of the head, but sometimes it is localized in the back of the head. The pain is accompanied by nausea and vomiting, and a feeling of heaviness in the head. Often these symptoms are accompanied by sharp pain in the eyes in bright light.
• Malocclusion. If malocclusion is not treated, it often leads to various negative consequences, including the occurrence of a dull pain in the back of the head, which intensifies significantly in the evening. In this case, the pain can last from several hours to several days in a row.

Treatment of headaches in the back of the head

In order to prescribe adequate treatment for a headache in the back of the head, it is necessary to find out why it arose. To do this, the patient must undergo a preliminary examination, which includes an x-ray of the cervical spine.

The most common treatment for headaches in the back of the head is the following specialists: traumatologist, neurologist, chiropractor, doctor physical therapy, massage therapist, physiotherapist.

If the pain in the back of the head is caused by neuralgia of the occipital nerve, cervical osteochondrosis, stress, myogelosis, intracranial pressure, or is of a professional nature, it will effectively help manual therapy and massage.

For spondylosis and high blood pressure, hard massage is strictly contraindicated. But light self-massage can have positive action for any type of pain in the back of the head.

Physiotherapy (magnetic therapy, electrophoresis, ultrasound or laser treatment) has a good effect in treating headaches in the back of the head. Physiotherapy is especially indicated for spondylosis, cervical osteochondrosis, myogelosis, increased intracranial pressure, vascular pain, neuralgia of the occipital nerve.

Physical therapy will be useful for all patients with headaches in the back of the head, except for pain caused by malocclusion (only an orthodontist can help here).

Folk remedies for headaches in the back of the head

For mild headaches, the following may have a positive effect: folk remedies:

• regular ventilation of the room, humidification of the air using special devices;
• hot compress on the back of the head and a hot drink;
• compress from cabbage leaf, previously crushed in the hands;
• compress of chopped onion and grated horseradish;
• warm tea made from high primrose herb or linden flowers. A mixture of herbs is also effective: meadowsweet, sage, peppermint.

For headaches in the back of the head, it is recommended to avoid the use of tobacco and alcoholic drinks, since they contribute to its strengthening. At occupational pain it is recommended to adjust workplace so that you can sit comfortably. You can also purchase an orthopedic pillow. Sleeping on it will promote maximum relaxation of the neck muscles at night.

Video from YouTube on the topic of the article:

It is unlikely that today you can meet a person who has not experienced what a headache is at least once in his life.

It can be localized in a wide variety of places, but pain is most often felt in the back of the head.

In this article you will get acquainted with the primary information based on your symptoms, but this is not a direct guide, an informational article, for correct diagnosis contact your doctor.

Reasons why headaches occur in the back of the head

Arterial hypertension

In people who are regularly under stress and in the elderly, a headache in the back of the head may appear when blood pressure rises.

The pain in this case is usually pressing or bursting, sometimes patients complain of temporary visual impairment, manifested in the form of “floaters” before the eyes. Most often it is observed in the morning.

Headaches caused by high blood pressure can be relieved with antihypertensive medications. However, before doing this, you should definitely measure your blood pressure to make sure that hypertension is the cause of the pain.

Overvoltage

If a person is constantly in emotional stress, susceptible various kinds depression, and at the same time he works a lot at the computer, and for a long time he is in the same position, in which the head and neck are slightly tilted forward, sooner or later he will experience a spasm of the muscles located in the occipital region and neck.

Muscle spasm in the occipital region is itself considered a source painful sensations , but at the same time, tense muscles can also cause tension in the tendon aponeurosis of the skull, to which the muscles of the temples and forehead are attached.

As a result, a headache from the occipital region quickly spreads to the temples and forehead, and the patient feels as if his head is being squeezed by a steel hoop.

Pain from muscle strain and psycho-emotional overload, usually pressing and progressing mostly in the occipital and frontal parts heads, often bilateral. The nature of the pain is usually non-spasmodic and moderate, but quite constant.

When you press on painful areas, you feel their tension, and in some areas even compaction, while any touch responds with pain. At the same time, the pulsating pain syndrome is so pronounced that the person is unable to concentrate on anything and cannot think about anything other than his pain.

In addition, for headaches from overexertion, dizziness and tinnitus are often observed, but without nausea. Often, fixing the neck in a certain position helps reduce pain.

This disease can occur in people of absolutely any age, but more often people over 30 years of age are susceptible to it.

Cervical osteochondrosis

Often, pain in the occipital part of the head is caused by diseases affecting the cervical spine.

So, with cervical osteochondrosis, pain increases even with a slight turn of the neck and any movements of the head.

It can be caused by compression of the spinal roots or limited mobility in the upper spine.

Due to the exacerbation of pain when moving, the patient tries to limit as much as possible. motor activity in the problem department.

Cervical osteochondrosis occurs most often in elderly people. The diagnosis can be confirmed using X-ray or MRI of the cervical spine.

Cervical spondylosis

Intense pain in the back of the head and neck with spondylosis is caused by the growth of the lateral processes of the vertebrae (osteophytes) and their deformation. It is generally accepted that the formation of osteophytes is associated with salt deposition, but this is not the case.

The lateral processes of the vertebrae begin to grow as a result of the degeneration of ligament tissue into bone tissue. More often, cervical spondylosis affects older people, but if a person leads a passive lifestyle, the disease can manifest itself much earlier.

I hope you have figured out the pain under the right rib; if you are interested, you can read about the symptoms of pain in the left hypochondrium area.

Myogelosis - thickening of muscle tissue in the cervical spine

This disease can be caused by the following reasons:

• long stay in a draft;
• muscle stiffness caused by being in an uncomfortable position;
• posture disorders;
• frequent stressful situations, etc.

TO characteristic features, with which, as a rule, myogelosis makes itself felt, except headaches in the back of the head, include regular dizziness, stiffness in the shoulders and pain in the shoulder girdle.

Occipital neuralgia

Neuralgia is characterized by acute, cramping pain in the back of the head, which can radiate to the back, cervical spine, lower jaw or ears. Sharp pain may be caused by coughing, sneezing, or sudden movement of the head or body.

Therefore, in order to reduce discomfort, the patient tries to constantly keep his head in one position.

If neuralgia of the occipital nerve is not diagnosed in time and treatment is not started, then it is quite likely that hyperesthesia will develop on its basis - a condition in which sensitivity in the area of ​​the entire back of the head is extremely aggravated.

Please note that they increase the risk of developing this disease. frequent colds and hypothermia.

Cervical migraine

Intense pain in the temples and back of the head, often radiating to brow ridges, indicates the presence cervical migraine. In addition, this disease is often accompanied by pain and a feeling of sand in the eyes, blurred vision, dizziness, hearing impairment or tinnitus.

Vertebrobasilar syndrome

The most common symptoms include various types vestibular disorders(noise or ringing in the ears, dizziness, fog before the eyes and other visual or hearing disorders), nausea, vomiting, hiccups, pale skin on the face, impaired coordination of movements and, of course, pain in the back of the head.

In addition, with vertebrobasilar syndrome, fainting without loss of consciousness may occur, which is accompanied by loss of balance and immobility.

Subarachnoid hemorrhage

A fairly rare cause of headaches in the back of the head, but very dangerous. With subarachnoid hemorrhage, the pain is very sharp and, as a rule, sudden. It quickly spreads to other areas of the head.

Also with this disease there is stiffness of the cervical and occipital muscles. Subarachnoid hemorrhage is a type of stroke and requires immediate hospitalization.

Traumatic brain injuries

One of the causes of occipital headaches can be traumatic brain injuries, most often complicated by the formation of hematomas or cysts that put pressure on the meninges, thereby causing painful sensations.

Meningitis

It is also a dangerous and, fortunately, quite rare cause of headaches in the occipital region. Often with meningitis, along with pain, stiff neck muscles are also observed. In this case, all of these phenomena occur, as a rule, against the background of fever.

Where to go if you have pain in the back of your head

First of all, we note that only a specialist can make an accurate diagnosis and only after a thorough examination.

Headaches should not be joked about, because by self-medicating and taking painkillers regularly, you will not be able to cure the disease, but will only make it worse.

Therefore, if you experience headaches in the occipital part, be sure to visit neurologist, cardiologist and traumatologist.

Your headaches may be nothing serious and are caused by normal fatigue, overexertion and sedentary work. And to get rid of these discomfort you will only need to have a good rest and slightly adjust your usual lifestyle.

But perhaps they are also a symptom of a serious disease that responds well only to treatment. early stages. Therefore, do not delay contacting a specialist and stay healthy!

Probably every person has experienced at least once in his life pain in the back of the head, or in the upper part of the neck adjacent to the back of the head. The nature of this pain is different people different: the pain can be sharp, dull, pressing, throbbing, aching, constant or episodic.

This is due to various factors, various diseases, causing headache in the back of the head. Regardless of the cause, a headache of this localization is always extremely painful, and a person wants to get rid of it immediately. But the method of relief is closely related to the cause that caused the pain in the back of the head. What are these reasons?

Causes of headaches in the back of the head

Pain in the back of the head can cause the following diseases and states:

• diseases of the cervical spine (osteochondrosis, cervical migraine, spondylitis, spondylosis, etc.);
• diseases of the cervical muscles (myositis, myogelosis);
• occipital neuralgia;
• hypertension (high blood pressure);
• promotion intracranial pressure;
• spasm of cerebral vessels;
• staying in an uncomfortable position for a long time;
• excessive muscle tension during physical activity;
• malocclusion and diseases of the temporomandibular joints;
• stressful conditions.

Characteristics of pain in the back of the head in various diseases

Cervical osteochondrosis

This disease, associated with changes in the structure of the intervertebral discs, is accompanied by constant pain in the back of the head, temples and neck. The pain is often accompanied by nausea and dizziness. When you move your head or tilt your head, the pain intensifies.

When pain in the back of the head occurs against the background of deterioration of neck mobility, stiffness of head movements, it is constantly present or occurs for long periods of time, spreads to the eyes and ears, intensifies with any movements of the head, subsides when taking a stationary posture, spondylosis or spondylitis can be assumed, and in In this case, you should contact a vertebrologist or orthopedist. If such specialists are not available in a medical institution, you can contact surgeon (make an appointment), osteopath or chiropractor.

When the pain is mainly localized in the neck, and is felt when moving the head, but only radiates to the back of the head, occurs after hypothermia, injury or prolonged exposure to an uncomfortable position - myositis is assumed, and in this case it is recommended to contact therapist (make an appointment), surgeon or orthopedist. If pain occurs after an injury or being in an uncomfortable position, it is better to contact an orthopedist or surgeon. If the pain is caused by hypothermia, then it is better to consult a therapist.

When a headache in the back of the head appears against the background of pain and stiffness in the muscles of the neck and shoulders, as well as painful tightness in the neck muscles, and is combined with dizziness, myogelosis is suspected and in this case you should consult a rheumatologist, surgeon, orthopedist or chiropractor.

When pulsating, bursting pain appears in the back of the head, intensifying when the head is tilted, often combined with dizziness, a feeling of heaviness in the head, weakness and tachycardia, and decreasing after sudden vomiting that occurs without nausea, an increase in blood pressure is assumed, and in this case it is necessary to contact Cardiologist (make an appointment) or a therapist, since these are the specialists who diagnose and treat hypertension.

If the pain in the back of the head is paroxysmal, very strong, burning or shooting in nature, spreading to the ears, neck, and sometimes to the lower jaw or back, intensifying when moving the head or neck, coughing, sneezing, subsiding slightly after the end of the attack, but at the same time V interictal period persisting as a dull and pressing pain in the back of the head, then neuralgia of the occipital nerve is suspected, in which case you should consult a neurologist.

When pulsating pains are localized inside the skull, seem to emanate from the back of the head and reach the forehead, intensify with movements and subside at rest, suggest spasm of the blood vessels of the brain and skull, which requires contacting a neurologist or cardiologist.

When pain in the back of the head is dull, bursting, spreading to the entire head, combined with a feeling of heaviness in the head, intensifying when lowering the head, coughing and in a horizontal position, a violation of the venous outflow of blood from the brain is assumed, and in this case you should consult a neurologist or a cardiologist.

When pain in the back of the head occurs during physical activity (hard work or exercise) or during orgasm, is of the nature of compression, combined with a feeling of heaviness in the head, tingling and goosebumps running across the skin, pathology is assumed vascular wall, and in this case it is necessary to contact a neurologist or cardiologist.

When the pain is felt over the entire surface of the head, including in the back of the head, has a pressing and bursting character, intensifies with loud sounds and bright light, is combined with a feeling of heaviness in the head, nausea and vomiting that does not bring relief, pain in the eyes - increased intracranial pressure, and in this case you should contact a neurologist or cardiologist, and in their absence, a therapist.

When, against the background of malocclusion, dull ache in the back of the head, ear, in the crown and near the ears, usually begins during the day, intensifies in the evening, is combined with a click in the temporomandibular joint, it is believed that the pain syndrome is caused by a malocclusion or inflammatory disease temporomandibular joint. In such a situation, you should contact dentist (make an appointment), and if missing malocclusion, then you can also refer to traumatologist-orthopedist (sign up).

What tests and examinations can a doctor prescribe for pain in the back of the head?

Since pain in the back of the head is provoked by various diseases, the doctor prescribes various tests for this symptom in order to identify the causative factor of pain. The list of examinations and tests in each specific case of pain in the back of the head is determined by the accompanying symptoms, on the basis of which a preliminary diagnosis can be made clinical diagnosis, and then order research to confirm or refute it, as well as distinguish it from other pathologies with similar symptoms.

Yes, when constant pain in the back of the head, temples and neck, aggravated by head movements (especially bending), combined with nausea, dizziness, sometimes vomiting, tinnitus, hearing impairment, spatial orientation disorder, double vision, darkening of the eyes or pain in the the back of the head against the background of stiffness in head movements, poor neck mobility, when the pain spreads to the eyes and ears, intensifies with any head movements, subsides when taking a stationary position - you can suspect osteochondrosis, cervical migraine, spondylitis or spondylosis, for confirmation of which the doctor prescribes the following tests and examinations:

• X-ray of the spine (make an appointment);
• Computer or Magnetic resonance imaging of the spine (make an appointment) and brain;
• Electroencephalography (EEG) (sign up);
• Rheoencephalography (REG) (sign up).

In practice, as a rule, radiography of the spine is first prescribed, which makes it possible to detect spondylosis and osteochondrosis. If x-ray (sign up) did not help identify the disease, then computer or magnetic resonance imaging of the spine is prescribed, which can detect osteochondrosis, spondylitis, and spondylosis. If technically possible, a medical institution may immediately prescribe a tomography instead of an x-ray. Electroencephalography and rheoencephalography are rarely prescribed, and only to confirm cervical migraine and to assess blood flow in the vessels of the brain.

If the pain is mainly felt in the neck, and occurs when moving the head, and radiates to the back of the head, often develops after hypothermia, injury or prolonged exposure to an uncomfortable position, the doctor suspects myositis and prescribes the following tests and examinations:

• Inspection and feeling painful area neck muscles;
• Blood test for rheumatoid factor(sign up);
• General blood test.

As a rule, doctors limit themselves to examining and palpating the painful area, since these simple actions, combined with characteristic symptoms in the vast majority of cases, they allow diagnosing myositis. So, the affected area is red, swollen, hot, touching it causes very severe pain, and the muscles when palpated are dense, tense, and hard. Blood tests for rheumatoid factor and general analysis blood medications are rarely prescribed, mainly for atypical or protracted myositis.

If pain in the back of the head develops against a background of pain, stiffness in the muscles of the neck and shoulders, and painful tightness in the neck muscles, combined with dizziness, the doctor suspects myogelosis, to confirm which he may prescribe the following tests and examinations:

• Manual search for a painful lump in the muscle that causes pain in the back of the head;
• General blood test;
• General urine test;
• X-ray of the spine;
• Arteriography of vessels at the site of injury;
• Myotonometry;
• Electromyography (sign up).

Directly to diagnose myogelosis, the doctor mainly uses a manual search for painful lumps in the muscles, when the muscles of the neck, collar area and upper back are felt with their hands. When the doctor, while palpating the muscles, finds a lump, a kind of lump the size of a pea to a large cherry, he presses on it. And if, as a result of pressure on the seal, a person experiences severe pain, then this is considered an undoubted sign of myogelosis. The examination may end here, and the doctor will not prescribe any instrumental or laboratory tests.

However, if the doctor still has doubts about the accuracy of the diagnosis of myogelosis, he may prescribe an x-ray of the spine to identify osteochondrosis, spondylosis, and joint damage that can provoke similar pain. Arteriography is prescribed to assess the condition of blood vessels in a tense muscle and is rarely used in practice, since its results are not particularly significant. A complete blood count and a complete urinalysis are usually prescribed simply for assessment. general condition body. But myotonometry and electromyography significantly help in diagnosing myogelosis, since they allow us to assess the condition of the muscles. But, unfortunately, these studies are rarely prescribed due to the lack of medical institutions necessary equipment and specialists.

If the pain in the back of the head is pulsating, bursting in nature, intensifies when the head is tilted, can be combined with dizziness, a feeling of heaviness in the head, weakness and tachycardia and decreases after vomiting without preceding nausea, then the doctor assumes hypertension, and prescribes the following tests and examinations for it: confirmation:

• General blood test;
• Biochemical analysis blood (glucose, urea, creatinine, cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoproteins, high-density lipoproteins);
• Blood test to check the level of potassium, calcium, sodium and chlorine in the blood;
• General urine test;
• Zimnitsky test (sign up);
• Nechiporenko test (sign up);
• Blood pressure measurement;
• Electrocardiography (ECG) (sign up);
• Echocardiography (Echo-CG) (sign up);
• Ultrasound Dopplerography (USDG) of neck vessels (sign up) and kidneys.

If hypertension is suspected, all of the above studies from the list above are prescribed, as they are necessary to diagnose and distinguish the disease from other pathologies that manifest similar symptoms.

When the pain in the back of the head is paroxysmal, burning, shooting in nature, very strong, spreads to the ears, neck, lower jaw and back, intensifies when moving the head or neck, coughing, sneezing, subsides at the end of the attack, but not completely, but remains in the interictal period in the form of a dull and pressing pain in the back of the head, the doctor suggests occipital neuralgia, and prescribes the following tests and examinations:

• X-ray of the spine;
• Computer or Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain (sign up) and spine;
• Echo-encephalography;
• Electroencephalography (EEG);
• Electroneurography.

As a rule, the above studies are rarely used when occipital nerve neuritis is suspected. And to diagnose neuritis of the occipital nerve, only special neurological examinations, and if the doctor remains in doubt about the diagnosis, then electroneurography is most often prescribed. And all other studies are used as additional studies to exclude other diseases of the spine and cerebral vessels, which can lead to similar symptoms.

When the pain pulsates inside the skull, begins in the back of the head and rolls all the way to the forehead, intensifies with movements, subsides at rest, or there is a dull, bursting pain in the back of the head that spreads throughout the entire head, intensifying when lowering the head, coughing and in a horizontal position, a doctor suggests spasm of cerebral vessels or impaired venous outflow from the veins of the head, and to confirm the diagnosis prescribes the following studies:

• Magnetic resonance or computed tomography spine and brain;
• Echo-encephalography (Echo-EG);
• Electroencephalography (EEG);
• Ultrasound Dopplerography of the vessels of the head (USDG) (sign up).

Exactly the same examinations are prescribed in cases where pain in the back of the head occurs during physical activity, orgasm and is of a pressing nature, combined with a feeling of heaviness in the head, tingling and goosebumps.

Most often in practice, echo-encephalography and Doppler ultrasound vessels of the head, since these methods make it possible to accurately detect blood flow disorders in the vessels of the brain and skull. Electroencephalography is used as additional method diagnostics, and magnetic resonance imaging perfectly complements ultrasound and echo-EG, but, unfortunately, it is rarely used due to the high cost, lack of equipment and specialists in medical institutions.

When the pain is felt over the entire surface of the head, including in the back of the head, is pressing and at the same time bursting in nature, intensifies with loud sounds and bright light, is combined with a feeling of heaviness in the head, nausea and vomiting that does not bring relief, pain in the eyes, the doctor suggests an increase in intracranial pressure, and prescribes the following tests and examinations:

• General blood test;
• Biochemical blood test (cholesterol and its fractions, creatinine);
• Fundus examination (make an appointment);
• Electroencephalography;
• Echoencephalography;
• Rheoencephalography;
• Tomography (computer or magnetic resonance imaging).

The main examination that allows you to accurately diagnose increased intracranial pressure is an examination of the fundus, since specific sign diseases are dilated and blood-filled veins of the retina. If there are no signs of increased intracranial pressure in the fundus, then the person does not have this. All other above methods are prescribed very often in practice, but are not very informative, since for them there are no exact criteria for increased intracranial pressure. Unfortunately, electroencephalography, echoencephalography, rheoencephalography and tomography can only establish the cause possible increase intracranial pressure or identify any other diseases of the brain, its vessels and nerves.

If the pain is present simultaneously in the back of the head, ear, in the crown and near the ears, is dull in nature, intensifies in the evening, and is combined with a click in the temporomandibular joint, the doctor suspects either an incorrect bite or inflammatory process in the temporomandibular joint. In this case, an examination of the dentition by a dentist is carried out, which makes it possible to identify various disorders bite An orthopedic traumatologist also examines the temporomandibular joint - the doctor feels the joint, asks you to open and close your mouth to listen to the sound the joint makes, and also inserts a finger into the ear and asks you to open and close your mouth to identify subluxation or dislocation of the joint . In addition, an x-ray or tomography may be prescribed to identify existing disorders in the temporomandibular joint.

How to treat pain in the back of the head

Preliminary examination

To cure a headache in the back of the head, you need to find out why it developed. Therefore, if frequent or severe pain in the occipital region, you should first of all contact the local police officer
Gentle manual therapy and gentle massage are prescribed for pain in the back of the head associated with increased intracranial pressure.

At occipital pain caused by increased blood pressure, massage is contraindicated.

A light self-massage of the head can help (and at least not cause harm) for any pain in the back of the head. Give yourself this massage with warm, well-warmed hands. First, lightly massage your ears with your palms. Then, using the ends of your fingers, using gentle rotational movements with slight pressure, massage the entire surface of the head, starting from the back of the head and ending with it. In this case, the palms should constantly touch the ears. In most cases, such a massage helps the pain disappear, or at least relieve it.

Japanese shiatsu acupressure massage has the same effect for pain in the back of the head. But an experienced specialist should conduct it (or teach you self-massage techniques).

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapeutic procedures (electrophoresis, magnetic therapy, laser treatment, ultrasound, etc.) provide good healing effect for pain in the back of the head caused by the following factors:

• cervical osteochondrosis;
• spondylosis;
• myogelosis;
• occipital neuralgia;
• increased intracranial pressure;
• vascular and occupational pain.

Therapeutic exercise

Physical therapy exercises have been developed for almost all diseases that cause pain in the back of the head, except for malocclusion (here you need the help of an orthodontist). A physical therapy doctor will teach you how to perform a set of exercises necessary for your illness.
You can try to relieve a headache in the back of your head yourself with the help of therapeutic movements and poses.

Therapeutic movements-poses for relieving pain in the back of the head

Movement 1
Sit on a chair, straighten your torso, and let your head bend forward under the force of its own gravity. Stay in this position for about 20 seconds (count slowly to yourself to 20). Straighten your head, rest for 20-30 seconds and repeat the movement. A total of 15-16 repetitions are recommended.

Movement 2
You can sit or stand while performing this movement. Raise your hands up, place your thumbs on the upper edges of your cheekbones, and the rest of your fingers on the back of your head. As you inhale, try to tilt your head back, while simultaneously resisting this movement with your fingers lying on the back of your head. The gaze should be directed upward. Slowly count to yourself to 10. Then exhale for 7-8 seconds with the head tilted downwards as much as possible, but without muscle tension. The gaze is also directed downwards. 3-6 repetitions are recommended.

Movement 3
Feel with your fingers painful point at the bottom of the back of the head, between the edge of the skull and the 1st cervical vertebra. Place both thumbs at this point and use the pads of these fingers to perform 15 rotational movements clockwise. Then just press for 1.5 minutes thumbs to the painful point. Stop pressure, rest for 2 minutes. 3-6 repetitions are recommended.

Folk remedies (for mild headaches)

For mild headaches in the back of the head, folk remedies can help:

• Ventilate and darken the room where the patient is; humidify the air in it using a special humidifier, or by hanging pieces of damp cloth on heating radiators; eliminate loud sounds.
• Apply a hot compress to the back of your head and at the same time drink hot water or tea (1 glass). For some people, on the contrary, with pain in the back of the head, cold compresses and massage of the back of the head with an ice cube help.
• Place a cabbage leaf compress on the back of your head (the leaf must first be crushed in your hands). A compress of grated horseradish or chopped onion is also recommended.
• Drink a cup herbal tea from linden flowers or high primrose herb, or from a mixture of herbs: peppermint, sage, meadowsweet.
• Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol - alcohol and nicotine increase any headaches.
• Rub your palms vigorously against each other to warm them up. With your right palm, grab the back of your head, and with your left palm, grab your forehead. Sit in this position for several minutes.

1. If you experience even mild and quickly passing pain in the back of your head, strengthen control over your health: try not to get overcooled or be in a draft; start doing regular morning exercises, take daily walks in the fresh air.

2. When working at a computer, take 10-15 minute breaks every hour if possible to get up and stretch and walk around. Move, do not allow your muscles to numb and blood to stagnate!
Adjust the height of your computer chair so that you can sit and look at the monitor directly without bending or craning your neck (i.e., the monitor should be at eye height).

3. If you have hypertension, measure your blood pressure regularly (2-3 times a day). Do not allow your blood pressure to rise to high levels, but take antihypertensive (pressure-lowering) medications only as prescribed by your doctor.

4. Try to avoid stressful situations, or try to change your attitude towards them to a more calm one. You can take mild sedatives, but to choose them you need to consult a doctor.

5. Buy an orthopedic pillow. Sleeping on such a pillow in a supine position provides maximum relaxation of the muscles of the occipital region.

Before use, you should consult a specialist.