Understanding Occipital Headaches: Pain at the Back of the Head

Understanding an Occipital Headache

An occipital headache is a kind of pain that starts at the back of the head. It can move up to the top of the head or even behind the eyes. A lot of people think that any pain in this area is a migraine. That is not always the case. An occipital headache can have a lot of causes. Each person may feel the pain of a headache in a different way.

Common Symptoms

The pain of a headache may feel sharp. It may feel like something is burning. Some people notice an ache of an occipital headache that lasts for hours. Others feel bursts of pain of an occipital headache that come and go. You might also get a neck. It is common to feel tenderness near the back of the head. Some people feel pain of a headache when they move their neck. Bright light can also make the pain of a headache worse.

What Causes an Occipital Headache

One cause of an occipital headache is poor posture. Sitting for a time with your head bent forward can put pressure on the muscles in your neck. Stress can make these muscles tight. If you hurt your neck it may also lead to a headache. In some cases nerves that are irritated can trigger a headache. A doctor can help you find the cause of your occipital headache.

Treatment Options

The treatment of a headache depends on the cause of the occipital headache and Gentle stretching may help relax the muscles. Having posture can reduce the pressure on your neck. Drinking water, getting proper rest and staying active may also help with your occipital headache and doctor may suggest medicine or physical therapy if the pain of your headache keeps coming back. Some people may need to have tests to find the real problem with their occipital headache.

When You Should See a Doctor

You should go see a doctor if the pain of a headache starts suddenly becomes very severe or comes with weakness, numbness, fever or trouble speaking and these signs may point to a medical condition getting help early can help prevent problems and do not wait until the pain of a headache becomes harder to manage.

Final Thoughts

An occipital headache can affect your life but many people get better with proper care and learning the cause of your headache is the first step toward feeling better. If the pain of your headache keeps coming back or does not improve you should speak with a medical professional getting treatment early can reduce the pain of a headache improve your movement and help you return to your normal daily activities with greater comfort and confidence.