Headaches are one of the most common complaints of people of any age. They usually result from exhaustion, lack of sleep, or poor nutrition. However, it happens that this is a signal of serious illness. Our concern should primarily be violent, throbbing or recurring pain in the back of the head. We can then deal with postural defects, spinal injuries, hypertension, arthritis, and even stroke or brain tumor. Check when pain in the back of the head requires specialist advice.
Back pain and back problems
Pain in the back (occipital) part of the head is very often caused by degeneration or damage to the spine. This can happen, for example, as a result of even minor injuries, such as sudden braking of the vehicle or playing sports. In such a situation, stretching of the cervical spine and para spinal muscles is common. In this case, repeated stitching pains in the back of the head (radiating from the neck) are characteristic.
Young people are also increasingly suffering from this type of neuralgia. This phenomenon is known as the “technological neck”. This is the result of prolonged use of tablets and smartphones in the wrong position (with a lowered head, an unnaturally bent spine). Ultimately, this leads to postural defects and other unpleasant ailments, including headaches.
Occipital pain and giant cell arthritis
Specific stabbing pain in the back of the head is a common symptom of giant cell arthritis. The disease most commonly affects the elderly, but also affects middle-aged people. This is an inflammation of the blood vessels in the neck and head. It is assumed that genetic factors as well as viral infections may be the cause. In addition to severe headaches (usually occurring at night), the illness causes muscle and eye pain and visual impairment. If left untreated, it can lead to cerebral aneurysm as well as blindness (if the disease affects the ocular artery).
Neck pain, aneurysm and stroke
Severe or recurring pain in the back of the head should not be underestimated. If the pain is sudden and severe, it may be a ruptured cerebral aneurysm and subarachnoid hemorrhage. It is a rare but extremely serious complication of untreated blood pressure and atherosclerosis.
The pain increases with movement, and nausea and vomiting often occur at the same time. A severe headache (usually in the back) is also one of the symptoms of a stroke. Other symptoms include blurred vision and speech, paralysis on one side of the body, and loss of consciousness. In both cases, you should call an ambulance as soon as possible.
