Headache in Back of Head Causes Symptoms and Treatment Across Texas


A headache in back of head can be frustrating, painful, and disruptive to everyday life. For many patients in Dallas and across Texas, these headaches can interfere with work, sleep, and overall quality of life. The pain may feel sharp, dull, or throbbing, and it can sometimes extend into the neck or shoulders.

At Premier Pain Centers, under the care of Rao K. Ali, MD, a board-certified pain doctor in Dallas, patients receive expert diagnosis and targeted treatment. Whether headaches come from tension, migraines, or underlying nerve issues, advanced interventional options and psychiatric support are available to help Texans find lasting relief.

Common Causes of Headache in Back of Head

When patients experience headache pain in back of head, it is often linked to specific medical conditions. Understanding these causes helps guide treatment.

1. Tension Headaches

The most common cause of headaches in back of head is muscle tension. Stress, poor posture, and long hours at the computer can tighten neck and shoulder muscles, leading to pressure at the base of the skull.

2. Migraines

Migraines are more than just regular headaches. They can cause severe pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light. For some patients, migraines present as headache in back of head and neck, making diagnosis tricky.

3. Cervicogenic Headaches

These headaches start in the cervical spine (neck area) and radiate to the back of the head. Arthritis, disc problems, or nerve compression in the neck often contribute.

4. Occipital Neuralgia

This condition occurs when the occipital nerves at the base of the skull become irritated or inflamed. The pain is often sharp, shooting, and localized to the headache in the back of the head region.

5. Psychiatric and Stress-Related Factors

Emotional stress, anxiety, and psychiatric conditions can intensify headaches. At Premier Pain Centers in Dallas, Dr Ali collaborates with psychiatric professionals when needed to address both the physical and emotional aspects of chronic pain.

Recognizing Symptoms of Headache in Back of Head

Symptoms vary depending on the cause but often include:

  • Dull or throbbing ache at the base of the skull

  • Pain spreading to the neck and shoulders

  • Sharp, stabbing pain with movement (common in occipital neuralgia)

  • Sensitivity to light or sound (common in migraines)

  • Stiffness or restricted motion in the neck

  • Headache episodes that worsen with stress or fatigue

When symptoms persist or interfere with daily life, it’s time to seek professional care at a headache pain clinic in Dallas like Premier Pain Centers.

Treatment Options for Headache in Back of Head

At Premier Pain Centers, treatment goes beyond temporary relief. Dr. Rao K. Ali, an experienced pain doctor in Texas, provides both interventional and supportive therapies designed for long-term improvement.

Nerve Blocks

Nerve blocks involve injecting medication near the occipital nerves at the back of the head to interrupt pain signals. They are highly effective for patients with occipital neuralgia or tension-related headaches.

Epidural Steroid Injections

These injections deliver anti-inflammatory medication into the cervical spine to reduce swelling and irritation around spinal nerves. They provide relief for patients with cervicogenic headaches or neck-related head pain.

Radiofrequency Ablation

This minimally invasive procedure uses heat generated by radio waves to disable pain-transmitting nerve fibers. It offers long-term relief for patients with chronic headaches in the back of the head and neck.

Medication Management in Dallas

For some patients, carefully supervised medication helps reduce headache frequency and severity. At Premier Pain Centers, our specialists provide medication management in Dallas, which may include anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, or migraine-specific medications tailored to each patient’s condition.

Physical Therapy

Strengthening neck muscles, improving posture, and practicing stretching exercises reduce tension headaches and cervicogenic pain.

Psychiatric Support in Dallas

Because stress, anxiety, and depression often make headaches worse, psychiatric care can be vital. At Premier Pain Centers, patients have access to psychiatric specialists in Dallas to support mental well-being alongside physical treatment.

Lifestyle Adjustments

Patients are encouraged to:

  • Stay hydrated

  • Practice relaxation techniques

  • Improve workstation ergonomics

  • Maintain a regular sleep routine

Advanced Treatments for Migraines

  • Botox injections for chronic migraines

  • CGRP inhibitors (a newer class of migraine medications)

  • Preventive therapy combined with lifestyle changes

These options provide hope for patients who have struggled for years with headache pain in back of head.

Headache Treatment Dallas: Localized Care for Texas Patients

Texans don’t need to travel far for relief. At Premier Pain Centers, clinics are located in Uptown, Downtown, and surrounding cities including Richardson, Plano, Desoto, Hillsboro, Waxahachie, Ennis, and Kaufman.

Each location offers specialized headache treatment in Dallas and beyond. This geo-focused approach ensures patients across Texas can access the best available care close to home.

Dr. Rao K. Ali and his team treat a wide variety of headache conditions, including migraines, tension headaches, cervicogenic headaches, and occipital neuralgia, helping patients return to normal life without chronic pain.

How to Relieve Headache in Back of Head at Home

While professional care is essential for recurring headaches, patients can try simple strategies at home:

  • Apply a cold or warm compress to the back of the neck

  • Stretch gently to release neck tension

  • Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation

  • Stay well-hydrated throughout the day

  • Take breaks during long periods of sitting or screen use

If these methods don’t provide relief, it’s important to consult a physician. Pain doctors in Dallas such as Dr. Ali can provide advanced solutions when home remedies aren’t enough.

Why Choose Premier Pain Centers for Headache Pain?

Patients across Dallas and North Texas choose Premier Pain Centers because of the clinic’s comprehensive approach:

  • Board-Certified Specialist: Dr. Rao K. Ali is a trusted pain doctor in Dallas with extensive experience.

  • Advanced Interventional Options: From nerve blocks to radiofrequency ablation, patients receive cutting-edge treatments.

  • Integration with Psychiatry: Emotional and mental health support is available for patients whose headaches are stress-related.

  • Multiple Locations: Clinics across Dallas, Richardson, Plano, Desoto, Hillsboro, Waxahachie, Ennis, and Kaufman provide convenient care.

  • Patient-Centered Focus: Every treatment plan is personalized to the patient’s condition and lifestyle.

Conclusion

A headache in back of head can be caused by tension, migraines, or nerve-related conditions, and it often requires more than over-the-counter medication. At Premier Pain Centers, led by Dr. Rao K. Ali patients in Dallas and across Texas receive advanced headache treatment that targets both physical and emotional causes of pain.

With convenient clinics in Uptown, Downtown, Richardson, Plano, Desoto, Hillsboro, Waxahachie, Ennis, and Kaufman, relief is never far away. Whether you’re struggling with migraines, tension headaches, or stress-related pain, our team is here to help Texans find lasting solutions.

FAQs About Headache in Back of Head

Q1: What causes headaches in the back of the head?

Common causes include tension headaches, migraines, cervicogenic pain, and occipital neuralgia. Stress and psychiatric conditions may also play a role.

Q2: When should I see a doctor for a headache in back of head and neck?

If headaches are severe, frequent, or interfere with daily life, it’s time to see a pain doctor in Dallas like Dr. Rao K. Ali for evaluation.

Q3: What treatments are available at a headache pain clinic in Dallas?

Treatments include nerve blocks, epidural injections, radiofrequency ablation, physical therapy, and migraine-specific therapies such as Botox injections.

Q4: Can psychiatric care help with chronic headaches?

Yes. Anxiety, depression, and stress can worsen headache symptoms. Integrated psychiatric support often improves both emotional health and headache relief.

Q5: Is migraine treatment available in Dallas?

Yes. Premier Pain Centers provides advanced migraine therapies, including preventive medications, Botox, and interventional pain management.


Rao K. Ali M.D.

Dr. Rao Ali, a board-certified pain management physician, leads the clinic, which specializes in nonsurgical treatment. The physician has experience in the emergency room as well as training in pain management and rehabilitation. As a personal physician, he works with each patient to develop a treatment plan that will minimize or eliminate their pain. Providing expert diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of conditions, Pain Management In Dallas, PA provides a comprehensive range of services. These services include neck pain, back pain, hip and knee pain, fibromyalgia, neuropathy, complex regional pain syndrome, headaches, migraines, and many others.