Headaches are a near-daily frustration for many people around the world. And although there are many different reasons you might be experiencing regular headache symptoms, the location and type of headache pain can sometimes provide clues to the underlying cause. If you frequently deal with headaches at the base of your skull and neck, understanding the specifics of your symptoms could be the key to finding relief.
Cervicogenic headaches
One type of headache that commonly originates at the base of the skull and the neck is called a cervicogenic headache. Unlike other types of headaches that primarily stem from eye strain, vestibular disorders, or conditions affecting the blood flow in the brain, cervicogenic headaches originate from the neck that can refer pain to the back of your head.
Cervicogenic headaches can be challenging to identify, as their symptoms often overlap with other types of headaches. Common signs include:
- Pain centered at the base of the skull or back of the neck
- A dull, throbbing sensation that can radiate toward the head or temples
- Stiffness or tension in the neck
- Limited range of motion in the neck
- Pain that worsens with specific movements or postures
These headaches often have a trigger related to neck or spinal musculoskeletal issues that make them unique compared to other headache types.
What causes headaches in the back of the head?
The muscles, joints, and nerves in your neck and shoulders play a critical role in how your head and spine function. When these areas are tense, strained, or misaligned, they can lead to pain that starts in the neck and spreads to the back of the head.
Tension headaches
If you spend a significant portion of your day in tension-inducing postures, like hunching over a desk or craning your head forward to look at a screen, tension can build in the muscles at the base of your skull, neck, and shoulders. Even jaw clenching or grinding your teeth can contribute to frequent headaches.
Over time, this tension can compress nearby nerves, leading to persistent pain that manifests as headaches.
Dehydration
Dehydration, though often overlooked, is a surprisingly common contributor to headaches. When your body lacks sufficient water, blood volume decreases, leading to reduced oxygen and nutrient delivery to your brain. This can trigger pain, particularly in areas like the back of your head.
Similarly, conditions like chronic fatigue or poor sleep can increase the frequency and severity of headaches.
Other causes
Many different conditions, affecting the head or the entire body, can contribute to your experience of headaches on a regular basis. Something as simple as uncorrected vision can cause eye strain that leads to headaches, in addition to the following:
- Migraine symptoms that may start at the base of the skull
- Poor posture leading to misalignment and strain in the upper spine
- Arthritis causing pain in the neck that radiates to the head
- Occipital neuralgia, a condition where nerves running from your spinal cord to your scalp become inflamed
Treating cervicogenic headaches
The most effective way to treat headaches that occur at the base of the skull and neck is to address the underlying causes. As we’ve already mentioned, that will look different for everyone due to the number of widely varying causes of headaches.
If you’ve narrowed down your headache symptoms to tension in your jaw, neck, or shoulders, consider two things in addition to making an appointment with a physical therapist who can help you further:
- Posture improvement: Practice sitting and standing with good posture. Keep your head aligned with your neck and avoid prolonged screen time without breaks.
- Ergonomic adjustments: Optimize your workspace by adjusting monitor height and incorporating a supportive chair to reduce unnecessary strain on your shoulders and neck.
Physical therapy may be helpful to identify postures, habits, and other conditions that might be affecting your daily life. Physical therapy exercises can be used to reduce stress, improve flexibility, and strengthen weak muscles that other muscles overcompensate for.
Personalized headache treatment through physical therapy
Few things are as disruptive as recurring headaches, but the good news is that you don’t have to live with them forever. With the right care and guidance, most headaches at the base of the skull and neck can be effectively managed.
At Alves and Martinez Physical Therapy, we specialize in helping individuals pinpoint the root causes of their tension and develop tailored plans that bring lasting relief. If your headaches are holding you back, we’re here to help. Start a conversation with our team by calling one of our clinics or by requesting an appointment online today.
