A headache in back of head can feel sharp, tight, or heavy. Many people describe pressure at the base of the skull. Some feel aching around the neck. Others notice discomfort that spreads from behind the ears toward the top of the head. These symptoms can vary from mild to severe. Because of this, patients especially in Dallas often feel unsure about the cause. 

They may also worry about how serious the pain is. Many are unsure which treatment approach is best. Patients want clear explanations. They want practical relief options. They look for specialists who understand complex headache patterns.

Causes of Headaches in the Back of the Head and Neck

Dallas patients often search online when they feel pain starting at the back of the skull. Many describe this as a headache in the back of the head. Others report recurring headaches in back of head that come and go throughout the day. Some patients also experience a headache in back of head and neck, especially when posture or muscle tension is involved.

At Premier Pain Centers, Dr. Rao K. Ali and the Dallas team review these patterns carefully. As one of the best headache pain doctor in Dallas for complex headache issues, he helps patients understand whether the pain is linked to muscle tightness, nerve irritation, posture strain, inflammation, or another underlying cause. Early evaluation can prevent long-term problems. It also leads to better, longer-lasting relief.

Why a Headache in the Back of the Head Happens

Pain in the back of the head can come from several structures, including the cervical spine, neck muscles, nerves, and joints. Understanding these causes helps patients take the right steps for treatment.

1. Tension Headaches

One of the most common reasons for headache in back of head, tension headaches develop when neck and shoulder muscles tighten. Stress, long hours at the computer, phone posture, or poor sleep can worsen symptoms. Patients may feel:

• Pressure at the base of the skull

• Tightness in the neck

• Aching across the back of the head

This is also the most common cause of headache in back left part of head or right-side pain when one side of the neck is strained more than the other.

2. Cervicogenic Headaches

These headaches start in the neck but radiate upward, creating pain at the back of the head. Causes may include:

• Arthritis in the cervical spine

• Pinched nerves

• Poor posture

• Disc problems

People often feel headache in back of head and neck together because the pain originates from the joints or nerves near the top of the spine.

3. Occipital Neuralgia

This condition occurs when the occipital nerves become irritated or compressed. Symptoms include:

• Sharp, shooting pain

• Burning at the back of the head

• Sensitivity around the scalp

Patients often describe this as headache pain in back of head that comes and goes unexpectedly.

4. Posture-Related Strain

Extended screen time, looking down at a phone, or sitting without back support can strain the neck muscles. Over time, this leads to chronic headache in the back of the head and upper neck.

5. Migraines

Though commonly felt around the temples, migraines can also create deep, throbbing pain in the back of the head especially when triggered by stress, sleep changes, or certain foods.

6. High Blood Pressure

Some patients with elevated blood pressure experience headaches that start behind the head. If symptoms come with dizziness, chest discomfort, or vision changes, emergency care is necessary.

7. Whiplash or Previous Injury

Even old injuries can trigger delayed symptoms, causing headaches in the back of head months or years later.

Common Symptoms Patients Experience

A headache in back of head may present with:

• Pain that worsens with neck movement

• Pressure at the base of the skull

• Stiffness in the neck and shoulders

• Sharp or shooting pain

• Tingling or sensitivity in the scalp

• Headache starting on one side, such as headache in back left part of head

• Pain spreading toward the forehead

When these symptoms repeatedly interfere with daily activities, Dallas patients often seek headache treatment in Dallas to stop the cycle early.

How Premier Pain Centers Dallas Evaluates Back-of-Head Headaches

At Premier Pain Centers, Dr. Rao K. Ali uses a detailed evaluation to understand the underlying cause. The assessment may include:

• Neck and spine examination

• Review of posture, habits, and stress factors

• Testing for nerve or joint involvement

• Imaging such as X-ray or MRI if needed

• Identifying muscle trigger points or nerve sensitivity

Effective Treatment Options for Headaches in the Back of the Head

Treatment depends on the specific cause. In Dallas, patients benefit from multiple minimally invasive and supportive approaches.

1. Medication Management

Doctors may use:

• Anti-inflammatory medications

• Muscle relaxants

• Nerve-stabilizing medications

• Targeted headache medicines

These help calm inflammation and reduce recurring symptoms.

2. Physical Therapy & Corrective Exercises

Therapeutic movement helps relieve headache in back of head and neck by:

• Improving posture

• Strengthening neck muscles

• Releasing tension

• Supporting spine alignment

3. Occipital Nerve Blocks

For occipital neuralgia or severe nerve-related pain, nerve blocks provide targeted relief by calming irritated nerves at the base of the skull.

4. Trigger Point Injections

Tight muscle knots around the neck and shoulders often contribute to headaches in back of head. Trigger point injections relax these muscles and reduce pain.

5. Cervical Spine Injections

If the cervical joints or discs are the cause, spine injections help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

6. Posture & Ergonomic Correction

Adjustments to workstations, sleep positions, and daily posture help prevent recurring headache in the back of the head.

7. Stress Reduction Techniques

Stress is a major trigger for headache in back of head. Deep breathing, relaxation, and mindfulness reduce tension in the neck and scalp muscles.

8. Lifestyle Changes

Dallas patients often experience improvement by:

• Staying hydrated

• Taking screen breaks

• Improving sleep habits

• Avoiding long hours in one position

When to See a Dallas Headache Specialist

Seek medical care if you notice:

• Persistent pain lasting more than a week

• Headaches that worsen daily

• Neck stiffness with severe headache

• Sudden, sharp pain

• Pain after an accident

• Headache with dizziness or vision issues

Early treatment prevents chronic cycles and gives faster relief.

Why Dallas Patients Trust Premier Pain Centers

Premier Pain Centers is known for:

• Experienced specialists Dr. Rao K. Ali

• Personalized evaluations

• Advanced diagnostic tools

• Minimally invasive headache therapies

• A focus on identifying the true cause, not masking symptoms

Patients searching for migrainetreatment in Dallas appreciate the clinic’s patient-centered approach and long-term care strategies.

How to Relieve Headache in Back of Head at Home

Short-term relief methods include:

• Warm compress on the neck

• Light stretching

• Gentle massage

• Hydration

• Resting in a quiet environment

• Using proper neck support

However, if symptoms continue, professional evaluation is recommended.

Conclusion

A headache in back of head can come from many different sources, including muscle tension, nerve irritation, posture problems, or cervical spine issues. Because the symptoms can feel sharp, tight, or heavy, many patients in Dallas struggle to understand why the pain keeps returning. Early evaluation makes a major difference. It helps identify whether the headache is connected to neck strain, occipital nerves, or another treatable condition.

At Premier Pain Centers, Dr. Rao K. Ali and the Dallas pain management team focus on finding the true cause of each patient’s symptoms. Their goal is long-term relief, not temporary fixes. With the right assessment and treatment plan, most patients experience meaningful improvement and fewer flare-ups.

If you are dealing with a persistent headache in the back of the head, or symptoms that spread into the neck and shoulders, seeking professional care can make a major difference. A Dallas pain management doctor near me can help you feel better, regain comfort, and return to your normal routine with confidence.

FAQs

1. What causes a headache in the back of the head?

Common causes include tension headaches, poor posture, cervicogenic headaches, occipital neuralgia, migraines, and neck strain.

2. How do I relieve a headache in back of head at home?

Heat therapy, stretching, hydration, massage, better posture, and rest can help. Persistent pain should be assessed by a Dallas headache specialist.

3. When should I seek headache treatment in Dallas?

Seek help if the headache lasts more than a few days, worsens, spreads to the neck, or disrupts daily activity.

4. Can nerve problems cause headaches in the back of the head?

Yes. Irritated occipital nerves or cervical spine issues can cause nerve-related pain at the back of the head.

5. Who treats back-of-head headaches in Dallas?

Pain management specialists such as Dr. Rao K. Ali at Premier Pain Centers evaluate and treat chronic headache conditions.