Pain in the back of the head

Pain in the back of the head

Pain in the back of the head. Pain in the back of the head may be due to muscle tension, joint restriction or prolonged miscarriage. Back pain is a disorder that affects a larger proportion of the population and is often linked to dysfunction in muscles, neck, upper back or jaw. Quality of life and work function can be severely affected by the lack of measures or treatment.

 

Our clinic departments at Vondtklinikkene (click here for a complete overview of our clinics), including in Oslo (Lambert seats) and Viken (Eidsvoll Sound og Raw wood), has a distinctively high level of professional expertise in the investigation, treatment and rehabilitation of neck pain and headaches. Contact us if you want the help of therapists with expertise in these areas.

 

TIPS: Scroll below to see two great workout videos with exercises that can help with headaches in the back of the head.

 



VIDEO: 5 Clothes Exercises against Stiff Neck and Neck Headache

Tight and sore muscles in the neck - in combination with stiff joints - are the two most common causes of headaches in the back of the head. Muscle tension in the neck tends to build up over a longer period of time - until the malfunction becomes so strong that they begin to send pain signals to make you aware of the problem.

 

Below are five movement and stretching exercises that can help you resolve tight neck muscles and poor neck function. Click below to see the training program.


Join our family and subscribe to our YouTube channel for free exercise tips, exercise programs and health knowledge. Welcome!

 

Common Functional Causes of Back Pain

(Figure 1: Here you see the pain patterns from malfunctions and joint restrictions in the upper joints of the neck)

  • Upper Neck Joint (Joint Restrictions)
  • Muscle knots and neck tension

 

When the neck joints become stiff and painful

If you look at figure 1, you can see how reduced function and stiffness in the upper neck joints can cause pain and refer pain in the back of the head. Here, a quick anatomical overview of the neck structures may be fine before we proceed. The neck consists of seven cervical vertebrae - from the top cervical joint C1 (atlas) down to C7 (neck transition). It is the joint junctions C0-1 (the atlantooccipital junction – where the neck meets the back of the head), C1-2 (the atlantoaxial joint) and C2-3 (the second and third cervical vertebrae), which can provide a basis for referred pain towards the back of the head. A modern chiropractor can help you normalize mobility in the neck, including by using traction, joint mobilization and local muscular work.

 

Muscle knots that can give you pain in the back of your head

(Figure 2: Here you see an overview of referred muscle pain from various muscles in the neck and jaw)

When we are on the topic of muscles that can refer pain to the back of the head, it is particularly worth taking a closer look at the following muscles:

  • Semispinalis Capitus
  • Sternocleidomastoid
  • Suboccipitalis
  • Upper trapezius

 

- Often a composite and multifactorial pain picture

Chiropractor Alexander Andorff from The pain clinics has, through its many years in the field of investigation and rehabilitation of neck pain, built up solid professional recognition. He states that it is important to remember that neck pain and neck-related headaches are usually complex.

 

"- This is an area I have always been very interested in. Here I have also had the pleasure of working with many complicated patient cases - including through close collaboration with ENT medical specialists. The usual thing is that there are several factors behind the pain and headache - but most often with a thorough functional examination we can locate the causes and the pain-sensitive areas. Almost always, both muscles and joints are involved. In certain cases it is discovered that the jaw plays a greater role - and in other cases it may be a particularly malfunctioning shoulder that gives rise to the malfunction further down the neck."

Alexander Andorff - authorized chiropractor at Vondtklinikkene, author and speaker

 

- The majority respond very positively to conservative treatment

Chiropractor Alexander Andorff, however, emphasizes the importance of a thorough, functional examination to map contributing factors.

 

"- As I mentioned earlier, there are several factors that come into play when it comes to neck pain and cervicogenic headaches. And sometimes those factors are not the most traditional. It is precisely for this reason to examine holistically and also look at nearby structures, which either have an indirect or direct influence further towards the neck. In the same way that there can be many causes - there can also be several approaches when it comes to treatment and rehabilitation. But in the vast majority of cases it will consist of muscular work, joint mobilization (possibly joint traction) and adapted rehabilitation exercises. I also have very good experiences and results using intramuscular acupuncture for both stress headaches and neck headaches."

 

Cervicogenic headache: When the headache originates in the neck

Cervicogenic headache is thus the diagnostic term when the muscles and joints of the neck give rise to headaches. It is also called neck headache. This type of headache is more common than most people think - and it is the case that tension headaches and cervicogenic headaches often overlapped a good deal. In such an overlap, the correct diagnosis is made combination headache.

 

What Can Exacerbate Headaches in the Back of the Head?

It is known that stress, both physical and psychological, can give rise to increased tension and reduced neck function. Other factors that can play a role in worsening headaches are diet, alcohol, dehydration, previous neck trauma (including whiplash) and static working positions. To mention a few.

 

– Upper Trapezius: A Common Contributing Cause

This type of pain can often feel like a pressing pain in the back of the head at the top of the neck - often worse on one side than the other, and when it worsens it can feel as if it goes forward on the head towards the temple and further in behind the eye. This aforementioned pain presentation is often due to a upper trapezius myalgia, which simply means an overtension in the upper trapezius muscle, i.e. the one responsible for lifting the shoulders upwards. It is therefore this muscle that 'lifts shoulders up to the ears'which is a common expression if one is stressed. So there is a good portion of truth in this expression.

 



 

Relief and relaxation for neck tension and neck headaches

As you have understood from what we have written earlier in the article, neck tension is very often involved in pain in the back of the head. And this can often involve both the neck joints and the local neck muscles - and especially the upper part. Precisely for this reason, it is recommended that, in the case of such ailments, you introduce time for relaxation. And what could be better than combining relaxation with stretching for the areas involved in pain?

 

For pain in the back of the head, clinicians will often recommend the use of 'neck stretchers' such as this one the neck hammock we show in the link below. The shape of the neck hammock follows a natural neck curvature - and gently pulls the neck vertebrae and neck muscles apart. Which provides the basis for an opening between the neck joint attachments and less joint pain. Also suitable for you with tight conditions and osteoarthritis in the neck. Other good relaxation measures can be the use of acupressure mat or reusable heat pack (to regularly dissolve tense muscles).

Tips: Neck hammock (The link opens in a new window)

Click on the image or link to read more about the neck hammock and how it can help your neck.

 

 

Exercises and Training against Pain in the Back of the Head

As mentioned earlier, it is very important to locate the pain-producing structures with a functional examination. This will also provide a basis for your clinician to provide you with a specific rehabilitation training programme. But, on a more generalized level, we still know that there are certain muscle groups that are most often involved in this type of pain. In particular, there has been a good effect of strengthening the "foundation wall" of the neck - namely the shoulder blades, shoulders and upper back. Many people can also benefit from training the deep neck muscles.

 

VIDEO: Strength Exercises for the Shoulders with Elastic

Well-functioning shoulder blade and shoulder muscles can relieve the neck's joints and muscles. Several studies have shown that specific shoulder training can lead to less neck pain and neck problems. After all, the shoulders are the platform on which all neck movements are based. In the video below we use elastic flat band (often called pilates band) - you can click on the link here to read more about them.

Did you enjoy the videos? If you took advantage of them, we would really appreciate you subscribing to our YouTube channel and giving us a thumbs up on social media. It means a lot to us. Thank you very much!

 

- Can I Do Exercises to Prevent Neck Headaches and Pain in the Back of the Head?

Yes, several research studies have shown that both regular cardio training and strength training can work preventively. Remember that it does not always have to be 'specific exercises', but that in the majority of cases it will also be very positive to increase the extent of general movement in everyday life (walking etc.). We can also recommend the knitting exercises we show in the video above - and that you try to do these approximately 3 times a week for good effect. In addition to this, good sleep routines, a varied diet and mobility are very important factors.

 

Investigation and Examination of Pain in the Back of the Head

  • Functional Examination
  • Image Diagnostic Investigation

Functional Examination: Neck Function and Mobility

After taking a history, where the clinician will, among other things, ask relevant questions and hear more about your symptoms, they will proceed to examine function. This may include your clinician looking at joint range of motion and range of motion in your neck, jaw, upper back and shoulders. In addition to this, he will usually also examine areas, including muscles and joints, for pressure sensitivity and reduced function - which can give rise to pain. Nerve tests can also be performed if nerve involvement is suspected.

 

Image Diagnostic Investigation

Chiropractors and doctors have the right to refer for diagnostic imaging if this is considered medically indicated. The best examination for the most comprehensive examination is an MRI examination, as this also shows how the soft tissue and intervertebral discs are doing. Here below you can see examples of how images from MRI of the head and X-ray of the head can look.

 

MRI image of the head

MR image of the head

Description of MR image: Here we see an MR image of the head and brain.

 

X-ray / examination of the skull

X-ray of the skull with anatomical landmarks - Photo Wikimedia Commons

Explanation of X-ray: Here we see an X-ray of a skull at a lateral angle (side view). In the picture we see a number of anatomical landmarks, including sinuses, ear canals, and the different bone regions.

 

Treatment of pain in the back of the head

  • Essential with Thorough Examination
  • Holistic and Modern Approach
  • Important with Correct Rehabilitation exercises

A good and effective course of treatment always starts with a clinical and functional examination. By uncovering which malfunctions and areas are involved, the clinician can then facilitate an individualized treatment plan with adapted rehabilitation exercises. Remember that you can contact one of our clinic departments if you need help with this type of aches and pains. We offer comprehensive treatment aimed at muscles, joints, nerves, tendons and connective tissue. Our clinics also have state-of-the-art pressure wave devices and laser therapy equipment.

 

 

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about Pain in the Back of the Head:

Causes of back pain?

Some of the most common causes of pain in the back of the head are muscle tension (also known as myalgias or miosis), joint restrictions or improper loading over a long period of time. Pain in the back of the head is a problem that affects a large proportion of the population and is often linked to dysfunction in the muscles, neck, upper back or jaw. Lack of measures or treatment can significantly affect quality of life and work function. Pain in the back of the head and headaches are often worsened by a lot of stress, a lot of caffeine, alcohol, dehydration, poor diet, tight neck muscles and are often experienced as a pressing pain in the back of the head at the top of the neck, often worse on one side than the other, and when it gets worse it can feels as if it goes forward on the head towards the temple and further in behind the eye (the latter is known as upper trapezius myosis pattern).

Related questions with the same answer: "Why do you get a pain in the back of your head ?," Why do you get pain in the back of your head? "," Why do I have pain when I move my neck? "," Why can you get discomfort in the back of my head? "

 

Are there muscles in the back of the head?

Yes, there are muscles in the back of the head. Especially in the attachment to the back of the head from the neck. That is, among other things suboccipital, splenius capitis og semispinalis capitis which attaches to the back of the head and nearby structures. They can all contribute to pain in the upper part of the neck and back of the head - as well as give so-called cervicogenic headache.

 

Why did I hurt both my neck and my head?

Several of the joints and muscles from the neck can refer pain to the head in so-called referred pain patterns. It can also be a combination due to malfunction in muscles, tendons or joints. Referred pain in neck and back of head can also come from the jaw.

Related questions with the same answer: 'Why do I have pain in the back of my head and neck?'

 

References and Sources:
  1. NAMF - Norwegian Occupational Medical Association
  2. NHI - Norwegian Health Informatics
  3. Bryans, R. et al. Evidence-based Guidelines for the Chiropractic Treatment of Adults with Headache. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2011 Jun; 34 (5): 274-89.

 

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1 answer
  1. Karl says:

    Hello. Have read their good article about back pain. Are there any doctors, physiotherapists or chiropractors in Bergen that you can recommend?

    SVAR

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