The pain may also radiate from the base of the head toward the back of the scalp. Occipital Neuralgia Symptoms can vary from person to person. Some individuals report sharp or shooting pain at the back of the head, while others may experience a dull ache, soreness, or tenderness in the neck. Sharp and Shooting Pain One common pattern involves sudden pain that feels sharp or electric. The discomfort may begin near the base of the skull and travel upward toward the scalp. Some