Well, what a week it’s been!
As a Bournemouth fan, I don’t think I could have asked for a much better half term! We’ve beaten AC Milan 3–0 in Europe, followed that up with a 3–0 win against Manchester United at Old Trafford and now we’ve got Manchester City coming to the Vitality Stadium.
It’s been an absolutely cracking run and I’m certainly making the most of it while it lasts. Long may it continue!
On the family front, we’ve just survived another Halloween, with a huge amount of trick or treating on our road in Guildford last night.
It’s absolute carnage every year but in the best possible way. The kids absolutely love it, the whole road gets involved and by the end of the evening everyone has consumed enough sugar to keep them going until Christmas! I’m not sure the parents are quite as enthusiastic about the aftermath but it’s always great fun.
Back in the clinic, we’ve got another StimPod and Nerve Pain Workshop coming up on Tuesday at 6pm at Silvermere Golf Club. Click here to register https://westchiropractic.co.uk/back-pain-talk/.
If you’ve been struggling with neuropathy, nerve pain, tingling, numbness or other ongoing nerve related symptoms, we’d love you to come along. We’ll be talking about some of the different approaches available, explaining how StimPod works and helping people understand whether it could be suitable for them.
It’s a fantastic opportunity to ask questions and meet the team, so if you’d like to join us, just reply to this email and we’ll get you booked in.
And finally, there’s definitely no denying that winter is on its way now, is there?
The mornings are getting colder, the evenings are drawing in and we’re starting to see more people coming into the clinics with those familiar winter aches and pains.
If you’re struggling with stiff joints, back pain, pain in the back of head or arthritis symptoms that seem to be bothering you more as the weather changes, don’t just put up with them. Come and have a chat with the team and we’ll see what we can do to help keep you moving comfortably through the colder months.
Have a fantastic weekend, enjoy the football and hopefully we’ll see some of you at Silvermere on Tuesday!
You know that moment when you’re halfway through your working day, minding your own business and suddenly there’s an annoying ache at the back of your head?
At first, you ignore it.
“Probably just tired.”
An hour later, you’re rubbing the back of your neck.
By lunchtime, you’ve had three cups of coffee, stretched your neck in every direction imaginable and started wondering whether your pillow has secretly been plotting against you.
Sound familiar?
Pain in the back of head can be incredibly frustrating, especially when it keeps returning like that one uninvited guest who never knows when to leave.
But here’s something interesting: sometimes the problem isn’t actually in your head. It could be coming from your neck.
Let’s explore why this happens, what your body might be trying to tell you and what you can do about it.
What Causes Pain in the Back of Head?
Your head weighs roughly as much as a bowling ball. Thankfully, you don’t have to carry an actual bowling ball around all day.
Or do you?
Your neck supports your head through hours of working, driving, scrolling, reading and occasionally falling asleep in ridiculous positions on the sofa.
It’s a pretty demanding job!
The muscles, joints and nerves around your upper neck all contribute to how comfortably your head moves.
When something in this area becomes irritated or uncomfortable, you may experience pain around the base of your skull.
However, not every headache comes from the neck. Migraines, tension type headaches and other medical conditions can also cause pain in this region.
Here are a few possibilities worth understanding.
1. Tension Headaches: When Stress Comes Knocking
Ever noticed that your shoulders seem to creep towards your ears when you’re stressed?
Deadlines, traffic, endless emails, family responsibilities…
Before you know it, your whole upper body feels like it’s preparing for battle.
Tension type headaches commonly cause a dull, pressing or tightening sensation. The discomfort can affect the back of your head as well as other areas.
Stress, sleep difficulties and muscle tenderness may play a role.
The takeaway? Your body and your stress levels are more connected than you might realise.
2. Cervicogenic Headaches: When Your Neck Causes a Headache
Now, this is where things get interesting.
A cervicogenic headache is a headache that originates from a problem in the neck.
Imagine your neck sending a complaint but your brain registering it as pain in your head.
Rather confusing, isn’t it?
This is called referred pain. When discomfort is felt somewhere other than its actual source.
You might notice:
- Pain beginning at the base of your skull.
- Discomfort travelling towards your forehead or behind one eye.
- Neck stiffness or reduced movement.
- Headaches that become worse with certain neck movements.
These symptoms don’t automatically mean you have a cervicogenic headache but they’re worth discussing with a qualified healthcare professional.
3. Occipital Neuralgia: The Nerves Getting Grumpy
Here’s a name you probably haven’t heard over your morning coffee.
Occipital neuralgia.
Don’t worry, it’s easier to understand than it is to pronounce!
The occipital nerves travel from your upper neck towards your scalp.
When these nerves become irritated, they can produce sharp, shooting, burning or electric-shock-like pain around the back of the head.
Some people also experience scalp tenderness, making something as simple as brushing their hair uncomfortable.
Because these symptoms can overlap with other headache conditions, a proper assessment matters.
Could Your Everyday Habits Be Making Things Worse?
Let’s play a quick game.
How many of these sound familiar?
The Laptop Lean
You’re sitting at your desk, completely focused. Three hours later, your chin is practically introducing itself to your computer screen.
The Phone Scroll
You opened Instagram for five minutes.
Forty-five minutes later, you’re still looking down.
The Pillow Experiment
You’ve tried soft pillows, firm pillows, expensive pillows and even that suspiciously shaped one someone recommended online.
Still uncomfortable!
Prolonged positions, reduced movement and unsuitable sleeping arrangements can contribute to neck discomfort in some people.
And although there isn’t one perfect posture everyone must maintain, regularly changing positions can make a difference.
Remember: your best posture is often your next posture.
How to Relieve Pain in the Back of Head Naturally
So, what can you actually do when that annoying ache starts creeping in?
Here are some simple habits worth trying.
1. Give Your Neck a Movement Break
You don’t need a complicated exercise programme.
Try gently turning your head from side to side within a comfortable range or taking a short walk after sitting for a while.
The aim isn’t to force a stretch. It’s simply to avoid staying in the same position for too long.
2. Rethink Your Screen Setup
If your laptop is sitting somewhere near your belly button while your neck bends forward, it might be time for a small adjustment.
Try raising your screen closer to eye level, relaxing your shoulders and taking regular movement breaks.
Small changes can make working more comfortable.
3. Make Friends With Your Pillow
Your pillow doesn’t need to cost a fortune.
What matters is finding one that comfortably supports your neck without forcing your head into an awkward position.
Side and back sleepers may need different pillow heights, so comfort and alignment are useful guides.
4. Try Gentle Heat
A warm compress over tense neck muscles may help some people feel more comfortable.
Keep the temperature gentle, protect your skin and avoid applying heat directly to an area with reduced sensation.
5. Don’t Forget Stress and Sleep
Sometimes the simplest habits get overlooked.
Regular physical activity, adequate sleep, hydration and stress-management techniques can support overall headache management.
It’s not always about finding one magical stretch or buying another pillow.
Often, it’s about looking at the bigger picture.
Can Chiropractic Care Help With Pain in the Back of Head?
This is a question I often encourage patients to explore when headaches seem connected to neck discomfort.
Chiropractic care may be helpful for some people with neck related headaches, particularly when combined with appropriate exercises and practical lifestyle advice.
In my clinic, the starting point is understanding your symptoms, your medical history and how your neck moves.
Depending on the findings, care might include gentle manual treatment, spinal adjustments where appropriate, rehabilitation exercises and advice about everyday habits.
Not every headache is suitable for chiropractic treatment and there are times when a medical assessment or referral is the most important next step.
The goal is never simply to chase the pain. It’s to understand what may be contributing to it and help you make informed decisions about your care.
When Should You Worry About Pain in the Back of Head?
Most headaches are not caused by a dangerous condition but some symptoms should never be ignored.
Seek emergency medical care if you experience a sudden, extremely severe headache or a headache accompanied by weakness, confusion, difficulty speaking, loss of vision or fever with significant neck stiffness.
Headaches following an injury can also require urgent assessment.
If your headaches keep returning, become progressively worse or start interfering with daily life, arrange a medical evaluation rather than repeatedly trying to manage them yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pain in the Back of Head
Why does the back of my head hurt when I wake up?
Morning headaches can have several causes, including sleep difficulties, neck discomfort, migraines and other medical conditions. Your sleeping position may contribute but persistent morning headaches deserve assessment.
Can neck tension cause pain in the back of head?
Yes. Neck muscle tenderness can accompany tension type headaches, while some headaches originate from structures in the upper neck. However, muscle tightness alone doesn’t establish the cause.
Why do I feel pain at the base of my skull?
Pain at the base of the skull can occur with neck-related headaches, occipital neuralgia and other headache disorders. The pattern of symptoms and a clinical examination help distinguish between them.
Can poor posture cause headaches?
Prolonged or uncomfortable positions may aggravate neck discomfort and certain headaches. Rather than trying to sit perfectly all day, focus on comfortable positioning and regular movement.
Your Head Deserves a Break (And So Does Your Neck!)
Pain in the back of head might start as a minor irritation but when it begins affecting your concentration, sleep or enjoyment of everyday life, it’s worth paying attention.
Your body isn’t necessarily asking for a dramatic lifestyle overhaul.
Sometimes it needs better movement habits, more comfortable working conditions, improved rest or a professional assessment.
And remember, you don’t have to figure everything out on your own.
If you’ve been experiencing recurring pain at the back of your head and wondering whether your neck could be involved, I’d be happy to help you explore what’s going on.
Book a discovery visit with us today, here. We’ll talk through your concerns, discuss whether chiropractic care may be appropriate and help you understand the sensible next steps.
Because life is complicated enough without a headache joining the conversation!
References
- Blanpied, P. R., Gross, A. R., Elliott, J. M., Devaney, L. L., Clewley, D., Walton, D. M., Sparks, C., & Robertson, E. K. (2017). Neck pain: Revision 2017. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 47(7), A1–A83.
- Djavaherian, D. M., & Guthmiller, K. B. (2023). Occipital neuralgia. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing.
- Headache Classification Committee of the International Headache Society (IHS). (2018). The international classification of headache disorders, 3rd edition. Cephalalgia, 38(1), 1–211.
- Núñez-Cabaleiro, P., & Leirós-Rodríguez, R. (2022). Effectiveness of manual therapy in the treatment of cervicogenic headache: A systematic review. Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain, 62(3), 271–28.
- Demont, A., Lafrance, S., Gaska, C., Kechichian, A., Bourmaud, A., & Desmeules, F. (2023). Efficacy of physiotherapy interventions for the management of adults with cervicogenic headache: A systematic review and meta-analyses. PM&R, 15(5), 613–628.
