Why does the back of your head hurt and what to do about it
When the Back of Your Head Hurts - What Could Be Behind the Unpleasant Pressure in the Nape
Headache is one of the most common health problems affecting people across all ages and lifestyles. While most people associate headaches with pressure behind the forehead or in the temples, many suffer from a less known but equally unpleasant variant – pain at the back of the head. This type of headache deserves attention because its causes can vary widely, from trivial to more serious.
When dull pain in the nape of the neck appears, it is often attributed to poor sleep or strain on the cervical spine. Sometimes it is indeed just the result of prolonged computer work or an awkward sleeping position. But what if the pain doesn't subside and is accompanied by pressure or stabbing at the crown, sometimes only on the right side? Back of the head pain, whether on the crown, on the right or at the bottom of the neck, can indicate a range of issues worth knowing.
Tension, Stress, and the Cervical Spine
One of the most common causes of headaches in the nape area is the so-called tension headache. It usually manifests as a dull, constricting pain at the back, which can radiate to the crown or behind the eyes. It often occurs during long periods of sitting, working on a computer, or looking at a mobile phone with the head bent forward. The neck muscles in these situations are tense, inadequately supplied with blood, and overworked.
For example, accountant Marcela (42) described how after several hours of working with her head bent, she starts experiencing a dull pressure at the back of her head, sometimes extending to the crown. "All it takes is to stand up, walk down the hallway, and do a few shoulder rotations, and the pain often subsides," she says. This type of pain is often accompanied by a feeling of stiffness in the neck and shoulders.
It's no surprise that stress and mental tension directly influence the onset of these headaches. During stress, tension in the shoulder and neck area automatically increases, which can lead to nerve irritation and subsequent pain. For the body, it's a signal that something is out of balance.
Influence of Sleep and Body Position
Headaches at the back, below, where the skull meets the cervical spine, can also arise from poor quality or interrupted sleep. A hard or too soft pillow, an unsuitable mattress, or sleeping in an inappropriate position can overload the cervical vertebrae. The result is a morning headache in the nape, which can persist for several hours after waking up.
Some people suffer from what is known as cervicogenic headache – a headache that originates in the cervical spine but presents as head pain. This pain often appears on one side of the head, such as the right, and ascends towards the crown. If limited neck movement or pain during head turning accompanies it, the cervical spine is most likely to blame.
Warning Signals and Migraines
Not all headaches in the nape area are harmless. If the pain appears suddenly, is very intense, and is accompanied by symptoms like vomiting, vision disturbances, or loss of balance, it could indicate a serious health problem – such as brain hemorrhage or high blood pressure. In such cases, it's essential to seek medical help immediately.
A specific type of headache that can also manifest at the back of the head is a migraine. Although migraines usually occur on one side of the head, they can sometimes move to the crown or nape area. The pain is pulsating, moderate to severe in intensity, often accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light or sound. One common variant is migraine with aura – neurological symptoms like visual disturbances or perceptual disorders.
Natural Approach and Relief Without Medication
Since most headaches at the back originate from muscle tension or poor body posture, the first step to improving the condition is adjusting the daily routine. Regular movement, conscious stretching of the cervical spine, and proper posture are crucial. People working at computers should follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes look 20 feet (about 6 meters) away for 20 seconds and take a walk at least once an hour.
Additionally, there are natural methods that can help alleviate dull pain in the nape. Aromatherapy using essential oils like peppermint or lavender can help relax tense muscles and bring relief. For tension-related headaches, try a warm compress on the neck or relaxing baths with Epsom salt.
One often overlooked but very effective method is yoga and meditation. Regular exercise not only improves posture but also helps reduce stress, a common trigger for headaches. "Our body remembers the tension of each day. If we don't give it a chance to release it, it manifests as pain," says physiotherapist and yoga instructor Petra Říhová.
When to Consider Professional Help
If the pain persists for several days, worsens, or frequently recurs, consulting a doctor is advisable. A neurological examination can rule out more serious causes, such as a herniated disc, occipital neuralgia, or other neurological disorders. Long-term pain at the back of the head on the right may indicate inflammation in the cervical spine area or a blockage of one of the vertebrae.
For many people, the barrier to visiting a doctor is that they perceive headaches as a normal part of life. However, statistics show that chronic headache – pain lasting more than 15 days a month – affects up to 5% of the population. Timely diagnosis can significantly improve quality of life.
Pain at the back of the crown or in the nape is not just about physical discomfort. It is a telling signal that the body is not in balance. Whether due to lack of movement, poor posture, stress, or other factors, the best way to combat pain is to understand its origin.
Ultimately, a headache can be an opportunity for change – a change in habits, attitudes, and lifestyle. Realizing what the body needs can be the first step towards health and greater well-being. And such a journey is worth taking.
