Pain in the Back of the Head: 8 Causes

Some headaches occur specifically in the back of the head. Possible causes include tension, migraine, and medication overuse. Some conditions may also cause pain in the back of the neck.

Below are the most common causes and their key symptoms:

1. Tension Headache

Tension-type headaches often cause a feeling of tightness or pressure around the forehead and may extend to the back of the head, neck, shoulders, or scalp.

Symptoms:

• Tightening sensation around the head
• Mild to moderate pain (sometimes severe)
• Not worsened by physical activity
• No nausea or vomiting

2. Migraine

Migraines are recurring headaches that may increase in frequency with age.

Symptoms:

• Intense, throbbing pain (often on one side)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sensitivity to light, sound, and smell
• Visual disturbances (aura)
• Can last from hours to days

3. Cervicogenic Headache

This type of headache originates in the neck and spreads to the head.

Symptoms:

• Pain around the eyes
• Neck, shoulder, or arm pain (often one side)
• Pain triggered by movement
• Nausea and sensitivity to light or noise

4. Occipital Neuralgia

A less common condition caused by irritation or damage to nerves at the back of the head.

Symptoms:

• Burning or throbbing pain
• Sharp, shooting pain
• Pain often on one side
• Scalp tenderness
• Sensitivity to light

5. Exercise-Induced Headache

Occurs during or after intense physical activity.

Symptoms:

• Sudden, pulsating pain on both sides of the head
• Lasts from minutes to up to 2 days

6. Cluster Headache

Severe headaches that occur in cycles, often around one eye.

Symptoms:

• Intense, sharp or burning pain
• Red or swollen eye
• Nasal congestion
• Facial sweating or drooping eyelid

7. Medication-Overuse Headache

Caused by frequent use of pain relief medication.

Symptoms:

• Daily or frequent headaches
• Worse in the morning
• May include nausea, fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating

8. Low-Pressure (Positional) Headache

Caused by reduced pressure of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain.

Symptoms:

• Worse when sitting or standing
• Improves when lying down
• Triggered by coughing, sneezing, or bending
• Often felt at the back of the head

When to See a Doctor

Seek medical attention if:

• The headache is sudden and severe
• You have fever, stiff neck, confusion, or vision problems
• Headaches occur frequently or worsen over time
• There is weakness, loss of consciousness, or neurological symptoms

Summary

Headaches in the back of the head are common and often harmless, but some may indicate more serious conditions. If symptoms persist or worsen, it’s important to seek medical advice early.