What Does a Headache in the Back of the Head and Neck Indicate?

Whether you struggle with migraines or occasional headaches, you know what a painful inconvenience they are. Headaches, specifically headaches in the back of the head and neck, can be extremely debilitating if they get bad enough. This article will look at what a headache in the back of the head and neck could mean, why they’re happening, and how to treat it.

What Does a Headache in the Back of the Head Indicate?

The most common cause for headaches in the back of your head is tension, which has led this type of pain to be known as tension headaches. The tension can stem from stress at home or the workplace, poor sitting and standing posture, or numerous other things. Unfortunately, there isn’t any single cause for tension headaches, and they seem to affect people in a variety of ways.

• Pain All Over the Back of the Head

When the pain is widespread throughout the back of your head, it’s almost always a tension headache and isn’t cause for alarm. It will feel like you’re wearing a headband or baseball cap that’s too small. The only time you should worry about pain throughout the back of your head is when they’re secondary headaches caused by an underlying condition.

The only way to be sure that an underlying condition doesn’t cause your headache is to schedule a visit with a doctor, explain your symptoms, and allow them to examine you.

• Headaches in the back of the head with neck pain

Headaches in the back of the head accompanied by neck pain can indicate arthritis, low spinal fluid pressure on the brain, or a herniated disc, all of which require a medical diagnosis. They can also be caused by referred pain from a tension headache, but neck pain often indicates something more.

How do You Get Rid of a Headache in the Back of Your Head and Neck?

There are a number of things that can help you with pain in the back of your head and neck.

• At-Home Remedies

There are several at-home remedies that can relieve your pain, including lying down, applying cold compresses, staying hydrated, doing deep-breathing exercises, or drinking caffeine.

• IV Therapy

IV therapy is a great way to ease the pain of headaches. They contain a variety of fluids, electrolytes, and vitamins that get directly into your bloodstream and provide hydration, quell nerve endings and reduce inflammation.

• Physical Therapy

A physical therapist will perform exercises and manual therapy on your head and neck that will help ease the pain and possibly fix the problem causing it.

• Medications

Over-the-counter medications such as Advil, Acetaminophen, or Ibuprofin can help ease the pain. More serious and persistent headaches may require prescribed medication.

When Should I Worry About Headaches in the Back of my Head?

If your headache in the back of your head and neck is impeding your way of life, you should consult a medical professional. Tension headaches are common, and most people can deal with the pain. Debilitating pain, however, could indicate an underlying health condition that requires medical attention.

Related:

• Which IV Fluids Are Used in a Dehydration Treatment?
• IV Solutions Cheat Sheet: What and When Do You Need It?
• What Is Hangxiety And How To Get Rid Of It Immediately?
• How to Deal with a Hangover Headache?
• Is Liquid IV Efficient When Treating a Hangover?
• Dehydration and Headaches
• What Kind of IV Therapy Works Best for COVID Recovery
• 5 Reasons NAD IV Treatment for Addiction is Right for You
• Why We Age and How NAD IV Treatments Can Help
• Vitamin Spotlight: Vitamin B12
• IV Therapy at Home: Give the Gift of Health this Holiday Season