A periodically occurring burning sensation in the back of the head is a serious symptom of many diseases associated with damage to cerebral blood vessels and nerve fibers. You can only get rid of a burning sensation in the back of the head with a correctly established diagnosis and effective treatment. Therefore, it is important, when such a clinical sign appears, not to engage in self-diagnosis, but to consult a neurologist.
You can make an appointment for a free appointment with this specialist at our manual therapy clinic. During the consultation, which lasts 30 minutes, the doctor will conduct an examination, make a preliminary diagnosis and give all the necessary recommendations for treatment.
Causes of pain
Pain in the back of the head can be caused by injury: a blow or a fall. But patients usually know about this. It can also be caused by prolonged stress, incorrect head position while sitting and excessive physical activity. This symptom is typical for people who work at computers or at a desk.
Among the pathological causes of pain in the back of the head are:
- diseases of the nervous system;
- pathologies of the heart and blood vessels;
- damage to the jaw apparatus;
- infectious diseases.
To establish the exact cause, an additional examination is required, which is prescribed by a doctor.
Causes of headaches in the back of the head
Pain is the result of inflammatory reactions, mechanical damage to tissues or pressure on them, impaired blood supply to certain areas of the brain, or ischemia. The cause of pain in the back of the head should be sought not only in this area, but also the condition of the cervical spine should be examined. From time to time it can occur even in a healthy person, regardless of gender and age, but this does not mean that it is safe. If it is relieved by analgesics and does not appear after their action ceases, there is no cause for concern. You should consult a doctor in the following cases:
- pain lasts 5 days or more or a total of 220 days a year;
- there is no response to the use of painkillers, or they bring a short-term effect;
- painful sensations spread to the back of the head, as well as to the neck and upper limbs;
- high intensity pain that occurs frequently.
To understand the cause of pain in the back of the head, it is necessary to undergo a comprehensive examination. Our clinic offers individual programs, as a result of which a definitive diagnosis can be made. However, patients have the right to be informed before the start of treatment and to know what pathologies can cause headaches.
Migraine
Migraines are acute attacks of headache of unknown origin. They are often unilateral, but can be localized in the back of the head. The duration of one attack can range from several hours to several days, and the frequency of their occurrence varies from person to person. Women suffer from migraines more often than men, and the average age of most patients is between 25 and 35 years. It can be triggered by physical activity, changing weather conditions, lack of rest or nervous tension. The attack can be stopped with systemic analgesics - they should be taken immediately after the onset of pain.
Tension headache
This type of headache occurs in most of the population and is less dangerous than other forms. Discomfort in the occipital region is often associated with tension in the neck muscles or prolonged exposure to an uncomfortable position. They compress the arteries and nerves that carry blood and impulses to the brain, which is accompanied by a pain reaction in the back of the neck and in the back of the head. Pain of mild or moderate intensity, easily responds to systemic analgesics. It often goes away within a few hours, but its duration can be several days or even a week. In some cases, the provoking factor is emotional tension and stress, which leads to spasm of the neck muscles.
Fluctuations in pressure (arterial and intracranial)
Blood pressure in a healthy adult at rest does not exceed 130/85 mm. rt. Art. If this figure rises to 140/90 mm. rt. Art. and more, we can talk about arterial hypertension. According to statistics, this symptom can be diagnosed in 10-30% of the population, but only a third of patients seek medical help and receive proper treatment. This approach is dangerous to health - hypertension can not only cause acute pain in the back of the head, dizziness and even fainting, but also signal dangerous disorders. In 90% of cases, it is defined as essential, that is, it is an independent pathology that can be easily treated with medication. 10% are due to secondary hypertension. Its causes are diseases of internal organs, and several of its varieties can be distinguished:
- renal - develops with renal failure and accumulation of excess fluid in the body;
- central - indicates damage to certain areas of the brain that regulate blood pressure;
- hemodynamic - we have to talk about this type in case of pathologies and anomalies of the aorta and its valves;
- pulmogenic - manifests itself in chronic lung diseases;
- endocrine - a consequence of diseases of the adrenal glands or thyroid gland.
Another indicator that should be taken into account with chronic pain in the occipital part of the head is intracranial pressure. It is impossible to measure it at home, since accurate data is obtained only by puncturing the spinal cord and determining the speed of fluid flow. Intracranial pressure is a total value that consists of pressure indicators of brain tissue, blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which accumulates in the ventricles of the brain. Its increase is often diagnosed in children and adults, based on ophthalmological examination data and characteristic signs. If hypertension is not associated with organic brain lesions (detected on MRI), treatment consists of adjusting the diet and taking diuretics.
Problems with the cervical spine
One of the causes of headaches concentrated in the back of the head is osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. In a healthy person, between the individual vertebrae there are hyaline cartilages, elastic and elastic, which act as a natural shock absorber. Intervertebral discs need sufficient blood supply to maintain their shape and protect the articular surfaces of the bones during movement. Osteochondrosis is a chronic progressive disease associated with thinning and deformation of cartilage. The process is chronic, and it is impossible to completely restore cartilage. Among its reasons are:
- injuries in the cervical spine;
- vertebral displacement, intervertebral protrusions and hernias;
- age-related changes - in older people, cartilage loses its elasticity;
- prolonged stay in an uncomfortable position, excessive physical activity;
- sedentary lifestyle, overweight.
With osteochondrosis, the vertebrae change their usual position. In the initial stages, the disease manifests itself as pain and discomfort directly in the affected area, and then the sensations begin to spread to the back of the head. The reason for this phenomenon is compression of the arteries that carry blood to the brain, and the appearance of ischemic areas. Therapeutic exercises, proper nutrition and drug therapy will improve blood circulation in the brain and prevent further development of osteochondrosis.
Neurological headaches in the back of the head
Occipital neuralgia provokes an acute headache. The greater occipital nerve (or Arnold's nerve) originates from the root of the second spinal nerve and travels under the base of the skull. Its damage, inflammation or compression causes pain in the back of the head. This is a “removing the helmet” type of pain - if the patient indicates in which area he is experiencing pain, he moves his hand from the base of the neck to the front of the head. Discomfort begins in the occipital region, but can spread to the frontal and temporal lobes.
The following factors can cause occipital neuralgia:
- injuries in the upper neck;
- muscle spasms, including those caused by prolonged exposure to a limited position without movement;
- diseases of the cervical spine (osteochondrosis, osteoporosis);
- arthritis that affects the 1st and 2nd cervical vertebrae;
- various tumors, hematomas, neoplasms.
Provoking factors can be incorrect posture, curvature of the cervical spine, working at a monitor or with prolonged concentration on small objects. The process can also begin due to hypothermia or infectious diseases. The pain can be paroxysmal (manifested by attacks) or chronic, requiring timely diagnosis and treatment. At the Clinical Brain Institute you can get more detailed advice about the causes and methods of preventing neuralgia.
Medicinal headaches
Self-medication is dangerous to health. With migraine and other types of headaches, patients often become addicted to the uncontrolled use of systemic analgesics (painkillers), including in excess of recommended dosages. For some time, these actions allow you to get rid of discomfort and continue living as usual, but then they can provoke the development of a medicinal headache. It occurs as a reaction of the body to the frequent intake of active ingredients of analgesics - using them several times a week is enough. Next, patients complain of a continuous headache, which intensifies in the morning and is often localized in the occipital region. It can still be stopped by taking painkillers, but after their effect stops, it manifests itself with renewed vigor.
Other reasons
The cause of a headache can only be identified based on the results of a general examination. Tension headache remains in first place - at least 70% of the population experiences it. Next, it is necessary to exclude possible problems in the cervical spine and diagnose the brain. However, there are several other conditions that can also cause occipital lobe pain. They appear less frequently, but they also cannot be excluded from the list of probable causes of this symptom.
- Cervical myositis is an inflammation of the muscles located in the cervical spine. The process may be aseptic or infectious. It is associated with injuries, curvature of the spinal column, infectious pathologies, as well as hypothermia and excessive physical exertion. Pain occurs in the neck and spreads to the back of the head.
- Atherosclerosis is a decrease in the strength and elasticity of the vessels that carry blood to the brain. Often the process is associated with the deposition of cholesterol and narrowing of the lumen of blood vessels, accompanied by an increase in blood viscosity. The most dangerous complications of atherosclerosis include infarction (necrosis of individual areas due to the cessation of their blood supply) and the formation of blood clots in the lumen of blood vessels.
- A history of trauma is one of the reasons why pain can occur even after a long time. Fractures of the skull or cervical vertebrae, closed head injuries and concussions affect the functioning of the nervous system and periodically cause headaches. Patients after trauma often experience weather dependence and suffer from attacks when weather conditions change.
Occipital lobe headaches can be caused by a variety of factors, but present with similar symptoms. The doctors at our clinic specialize in solving such problems and can provide detailed consultations. However, a final diagnosis can only be made after a complete diagnosis.
Diseases associated with the symptom
The reason why the back of the head hurts may be pathology. Diseases characterized by symptoms:
- neuralgia;
- cardiopsychoneurosis;
- hypertension;
- cervical osteochondrosis;
- migraine;
- cervical spondylosis;
- myositis - inflammation of the neck muscles;
- myogelosis;
- malocclusion;
- lymphadenitis is inflammation of the lymph nodes near the neck.
They can be detected using diagnostic tests, some tests and examinations.
What to do if you have a headache in the back of your head
As you can see, there is a reason why you have a headache in the back of your head. And if you can deal with the cause of overwork or stress on your own, then other diseases are an urgent reason to consult a doctor. Timely diagnosis of the disease and adequate treatment will not only relieve you of pain, but also keep you healthy and active for many years.
It is better to start the examination with a visit to a therapist. Book a consultation with a doctor right now by calling our clinics' multi-line number 8 or using the online appointment form.
Administrators will select a convenient time and day for your appointment. You don’t need to take anything with you, we will give you everything disposable both for your appointment and for undergoing additional studies, such as tests or ultrasound of blood vessels. #Doctor therapist headache neurology
Diagnostics
You can get rid of occipital pain in the head only after discovering the cause of its occurrence. For this purpose the following is carried out:
- inspection and palpation;
- general blood analysis;
- ECG;
- Ultrasound of the heart;
- Ultrasound of head and neck vessels;
- EEG;
- X-ray of the cervical spine.
If infection is suspected due to lymphadenitis, additional tests and examinations are prescribed in specialized institutions (anti-tuberculosis dispensary, dermatovenerological dispensary, infectious diseases hospital or department).
Why does the back of the head and neck burn?
Problems with a burning sensation in the back of the head are often associated with diseases of the cervical spine. Increased sensitivity of the skin provokes increased local capillary circulation. This leads to the fact that a person feels that the back of his head is burning, and additional unpleasant sensations may arise.
If the burning sensation is accompanied by the following symptoms:
- dizziness and severe muscle weakness;
- feeling of lack of air when taking a deep breath;
- nausea and vomiting;
- muscle cramps;
- weakness in arms and legs;
- Strong headache,
then you should immediately call an ambulance team. This condition can be triggered by a sharp increase in blood pressure and, as a consequence, the threat of ischemic or hemorrhagic cerebrovascular accident.
If the back of the head and neck burn strongly, then it is necessary to rule out, first of all, compression of the radicular nerves. Usually this condition accompanies long-term cervical osteochondrosis. Patients experience regular pain in the neck and collar area. There may be tingling in the upper extremities, weakening of muscle strength, etc. A sudden burning sensation may indicate that disc protrusion has developed to such an extent that compression of the radicular nerve responsible for the innervation of the occipital part of the head has occurred.
Only an experienced vertebrologist or neurologist can answer the question of why the back of the head burns and how to cope with this negative symptom. In our manual therapy clinic you can get a free initial consultation with a vertebrologist and neurologist. To do this, just call us and make an appointment at a time convenient for you.
Treatment
Once the diagnosis is established, adequate treatment is selected. It is aimed at eliminating the cause of the headache. Treatment options:
- rest and painkillers for pathologies of the nervous system;
- drugs that lower blood pressure and cardioprotectors for heart diseases;
- ointments and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for myositis;
- physiotherapy, physical therapy and massage for osteochondrosis;
- antispasmodics for neurocirculatory dystonia;
- antibiotics for tuberculous lymphadenopathy;
- antiretroviral therapy for lymphadenitis initiated by HIV infection.
In some cases, nootropics are prescribed to improve blood circulation in the brain. But their effectiveness has not been clinically proven, so taking these drugs remains at the discretion of the doctor and the patient.
Often headaches go away after visiting a chiropractor. This is not a massage, but rather a treatment of pathologies of the spine and muscles. Sessions may be painful, but after them there is a noticeable relief of the condition, and unpleasant sensations occur much less frequently.
A headache cannot be tolerated - at this time brain cells are damaged. It is worth taking an analgesic and consulting a doctor to find the cause of poor health.
Read also: Why do you feel dizzy?
Dear patients! Remember that only a qualified doctor can make an accurate diagnosis, determine the causes and nature of the disease, and prescribe effective treatment. You can make an appointment with our specialists or call a doctor at home by calling 8-(4822)-33-00-33
Be healthy and happy!
How to treat a burning sensation in the back of the head and neck
Before treating a burning sensation in the back of the head and neck, you need to establish an accurate diagnosis. It is important to understand that this is just a symptom of trouble. A clinical sign may indicate the development of the disease. By curing the disease, we relieve the symptom.
Unfortunately, in most cases, doctors in official medicine try to stop the symptom without eliminating the cause of its occurrence. As a result, patients lose precious time, during which they could completely get rid of their illness without spending a huge amount of effort, money and time on it. Instead, patients receive symptomatic treatment that quickly returns them to work and causes the intervertebral discs to deteriorate at double the rate.
What needs to be done in order to identify the cause of the burning sensation in the back of the head and eliminate it effectively, and most importantly, safely. We offer a few simple tips that, if followed, will significantly improve the quality of your life:
- do not diagnose yourself, since your assessment will be subjective - contact an experienced doctor, especially since in our manual therapy clinic you can do this for free;
- do not use painkillers on a regular basis - they destroy bone marrow cells responsible for hematopoiesis, increasing the risk of developing leukemia;
- instead of painkillers, use the technique of traction of the spinal column - this will quickly relieve pressure from the radicular nerve and you will again feel freedom of movement without burning and pain in the back, neck and back of the head;
- devote at least 15 minutes daily to special exercises for the muscles of the neck and collar area - this will help restore damaged intervertebral discs, since their cartilage tissue can only receive fluid and nutrients during muscle work;
- drink as much clean drinking water as possible per day (at least 2 liters for an average-sized adult);
- treat osteochondrosis using the most effective methods, this will eliminate the development of dangerous complications of the disease.
If you periodically experience pain in the neck and collar area, or a burning sensation in the back of the head, then you need to consult a doctor as soon as possible and conduct a series of examinations. It is advisable to take an x-ray of the cervical spine. Please note that X-rays need to be taken in several projections to identify possible antelisthesis and retrolisthesis - these two types of displacement often occur in the neck area. Due to the displacement of the vertebral body, the surrounding nerve tissues are compressed and a strong burning sensation occurs in the back of the head. Therefore, it is important to take pictures in dynamics and from different projections.