Occipital Neuralgia: Symptoms & Treatment

Occipital headache is an ache or pain located at the back of the head that can radiate to the neck and shoulders. In many cases, this type of pain may be associated with Occipital Neuralgia, a condition caused by irritation or inflammation of the occipital nerves. These headaches are not considered a disease themselves but rather a symptom of various underlying conditions, ranging from muscle strain to nerve inflammation. Back headache is another term commonly used to describe pain occurring in this area. Dr Mohamed Koura is a pioneer in interventional pain therapy and among the first physicians in the Middle East to introduce innovative non-surgical techniques for managing spinal and joint pain. With extensive experience in advanced treatments such as radiofrequency and laser therapy, he helps patients achieve significant pain relief and improve their quality of life safely and effectively.

What Is a Back Headache and What Causes It?

Posterior headache is Pain experienced in the back of the head or at the base of the skull which can extend to the neck. Causes of Posterior headaches can bemuscle tension, problems with the cervical vertebrae or high blood pressure, among others. These types of headaches often throb or feel like pressure, are worse when the head is moved, or after a period of sitting. Back headache causes can therefore vary depending on the underlying condition.

Here are types and causes of headaches:

1. Tension and Stress headaches

Neck headaches that occur due to neck and shoulder muscles tension as a result of stress or long sitting postures. It is among the most common types of occipital headaches. Many of us spent a good part of the day sitting in front of a computer screen or cell phone which is one of the most common causes for tension headaches in the back of the head.

2. Cervical headaches

Neck headaches that occur due to problems with the cervical vertebrae or herniated discs. Neck headache typically starts in the neck and spreads to the head. Neck headaches may be accompanied by neck stiffness and limited neck movement.

3. Hypertension headaches

Uncontrolled high blood pressure can cause pulsating headaches at the base of the head, particularly in the morning. It is sometimes accompanied by the dizziness and blurry vision.

4.Occipital Neuralgia

This inflammation results from damage to or irritation of the occipital nerves. These nerves are responsible for carrying sensory information from the scalp to the brainstem, running from the top of the spinal cord. Typically described as sharp, stabbing, or electric-shock pain. It may occur on one or both sides of the head.

5. Migraine headaches

Though migraines usually affect one side of the head, some attacks may start at the back of the head if there is sensitivity involved.

6. Poor sleep habits headaches

Wrong pillow selection or an incorrect sleeping posture can lead to pressure applied to the cervical vertebrae which may cause headache at the back of the head upon waking up.

Back Headache Symptoms

Headaches that occur at the back of the head are often presented with many different symptoms, although it varies depending on the person, and the intensity of the pain. However, the most noticeable are:

• Neck muscle tension or stiffness.
• Feeling light headed or dizzy.
• Vision blur (occasionally).
• Light and sound sensitivity.
• Stabbing or pulsating pain at the back of the head.
• Neck to shoulder or upper back pain.

Back head pain may also be described as pressure, throbbing, stabbing, or pulsating pain depending on the underlying cause.

Occipital Headache Treatment

Different treatment methods available for headaches include;

1. Resting and changing lifestyle: For a lot of people changing some daily practices would alleviate the headache. Try sitting in a healthy posture and also give yourself breaks during working.

2. Drugs: One can take painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen but must be sure that the body isn't overfed with painkillers for long duration. Headaches due to blood pressure might just resolve on getting it under control.

3. Physiotherapy: Sessions of physiotherapy, and exercises that help release muscle tension might relieve the pain for many in cases of cervicogenic headache.

4. Injections/Radiofrequency: Certain chronic conditions like occipital neuralgia might require treatment using local injections or radiofrequency ablation by a specialist.

How can you prevent Occipital headache?

• Try and reduce as much stress and tension as possible.
• Work and study with good posture.
• Limit the time you spend using screen technology.
• Ensure you have a pillow which is comfortable for your sleeping style.
• Exercise, and make sure you do specific exercises to help your neck and back.
• Stay hydrated by drinking water.

While it can be worrying when you develop a posterior headache there are certain scenarios where you should see a doctor without delay;

• Sudden severe headache
• Worsening or persistent recurrent headaches
• Changes in sight speech or balance
• Fever or neck stiffness accompany the headache.

A headache should not be simply dismissed as pain, it is an indication from the body that something is not right and there is pressure that needs to be resolved. Muscle tension or spinal problems, and even high blood pressure will manifest in this way and can be easily solved by seeing a doctor if the symptoms are becoming too much for you to manage alone.

Dr. Mohamed koura is a leading neurologist specialist and a highly-regarded brain doctor in Egypt and the Arab countries. With over 25 years of expertise and innovation Dr.koura can successfully treat chronic problems of the spinal column and joints using techniques like radiofrequency ablation and lasers and can identify and individualize the correct diagnosis for your situation.

Dr. Mohamed koura is here to assist you using the latest therapeutic techniques, including thermal radiofrequency and laser treatments for spinal pain without surgery—book your appointment now from here.