Backside Headache : Causes, Types, Treatment and Symptoms

Also known as an occipital headache, it is the pain around the base or back of the skull that can vary from a dull ache to intense or throbbing sensations. Its root cause could range from mild muscular stress to more significant neurological disorders.

Most Common Backside Headache Symptoms:

• Dull throbbing or sharp pain located at the back of the head
• Pain and pressure behind the eyes
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Nausea and sometimes vomiting
• Stiff neck or pain when moving the neck
• Tendr scalp
• Muscle tightness in the neck and shoulder
• Excessive tearing, watery eyes, stuffy nose, or drooping eyelids in some cases
• Discomfort in the upper arms

Common, Uncommon or Underlying Causes of Backside Headache

Occipital headaches, or backside headaches, are typically caused by irritation or compression of the occipital nerves or associated neck and upper spine structures. They require a diagnosis to obtain focused treatment, which can include physical therapy, pain management, nerve blocks, or surgery. If the headaches are severe or persistent, they should seek medical attention right away to rule out any major underlying causes.

Here are some reasons for Backside Headache:

• Muscle tension: Prolonged muscle tightness from poor posture or stress
• Occipital nerve compression: From cervical spine conditions like osteoarthritis 
• Head/neck Trauma/injury: Whiplash, for instance, it cna damage the occipital nerve
• Chronic neck tension/strain causing nerve irritation
• Cervical disc disease: Herniated or degenerative cervical disc, pressing on nerves
• Tumor: Tumors near C2 & C3 nerve roots caue occipital headaches
• Infections: Infections in the areas involving the cervical region or meninges
• Vasculitis: Blood vessel inflammation can compress or irritate the occipital nerve
• Metabolic disorders: Gout or diabetes affecting the nerve can trigger occipital neuralgia
• Neurological disorders: In rare cases, aneurysms, stroke, AVMs, cerebrospinal fluid leak, or other CNS conditions may affect the occipital nerve function
• Intracranial hemorrhage: Bleeding inside the skull associated with other symptoms
• Sleep disorders: It may worsen muscle or nerve irritation and contribute to headaches

When to Seek a Specialist for Your Backside Headache?

For rear (occipital) headaches, see a neurologist, pain expert, or spine specialist for a clear diagnosis and specific treatment plan, which may include sophisticated imaging, nerve blocks, or surgery.

• Headache immediately followed by head and neck trauma, like whiplash.
• When the overall quality of life is compromised.
• When accompanied by additional symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, night sweats, or systemic illness.
• When pain medication, physical therapy, or lifestyle changes fail.
• Headache accompanied by a tender scalp, pain radiating to the face and shoulders.
• Worsening headaches despite medication

Don’t wait for signs to grow severe. Consult our Neurologist today

Diagnostic Approach for Backside Headache

The specialist-approved diagnostic strategy for rear (occipital) headaches includes a comprehensive evaluation to identify and treat the underlying cause. This method guarantees that frequent, unusual, and severe illnesses are treated to improve patient outcomes.

• Detailed medical history.
• Physical and neurological examination.
• MRI of the brain and cervical spine, as well as a CT scan.
• Nerve conduction studies or electromyography (EMG).
• Blood tests. To rule out the infections or metabolic causes.
• Accessing and releasing occipital nerve blocks, if any.
• Trigger point injections, to diagnose myofascial or tension-related pain.

Types of Backside Headache

The most medically recognized backside headache varieties are occipital neuralgia, cervicogenic, tension-type, and, on occasion, migraines and cluster headaches, each with its own clinical features and treatment techniques.

Some common types of Backside Headache include:

• Occipital neuralgia: Caused by occipital nerve irritation, manifests as sudden, acute, sharp, or stabbing pain spreading from the skull base to the scalp, eyes, or ears, which is frequently provoked by minor head movements and accompanied by scalp discomfort.
• Cervicogenic headache: Caused by cervical spine diseases (arthritis or disc disease), is a dull, non-pulsating, tightening pain in the back of the head that is frequently accompanied by neck pain and limited motion, and can be distinguished by diagnostic nerve blocks.
• Tension-type headache: Characterized by a constant, dull ache or pressure (often bilateral) in the back of the head caused by muscular tightness (neck, scalp, shoulders), which is associated with stress or poor posture, and may include scalp/neck muscle sensitivity.
• Migraine and cluster headaches: Occurs rarely, migraine (throbbing/pulsating pain with nausea/light sensitivity) and cluster headaches (severe, unilateral pain, usually around an eye but sometimes radiating posteriorly) can affect the occipital region.

How to Treat Backside Headache Symptoms?

To effectively alleviate rear (occipital) headache symptoms, a step-by-step strategy involving non-surgical and/or surgical solutions suited to the individual’s underlying cause and severity is required. Sometimes, for chronic or difficult cases, a combination of therapies often produces the best results; if symptoms persist, advanced techniques should be explored.

For underlying causes, treatments & rehabilitative strategies include:

• Certain medications
• Hot/cold therapy
• Physical therapy, including a head massage
• Nerve blocks and injections: Administered in the nerve to offer short-term relief and help in diagnosis
• Occipital nerve stimulation: Utilizes an electrical impulse device to block the pain signals
• Spinal cord or ganglion stimulation: Utilizes the same technique on the spinal cord or ganglion
• Decompression or release surgery: releases the pressure on the occipital nerve caused by the surrounding tissues.
• The surgeon may suggest stress management classes or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

What if Backside Headache is Left Untreated?

Untreated posterior (occipital) headaches, particularly those caused by occipital neuralgia or cervicogenic problems, have the potential to become chronic and disabling, emphasising the importance of early diagnosis and treatment in preventing complications and improving results.

Some possible complications of an untreated Backside Headache include:

• Psychological impact: Leads to anxiety, depression, and decreased overall quality of life
• Possible progression of underlying condition: Lack of treatment, vascular inflammation, cervical spine issues, causing extensive nerve or tissue damage.
• Hypersensitivity: Light and skin hypersensitivity make routine activities like washing your hair painful.
• Sleep disturbances or reduced productivity: Poor sleep quality, difficulty concentrating, and decreased productivity.
• Increased intensity and frequency of headaches.
• Chronic pain and disability.

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