Often when there is pain in the neck and back of the head, it is said to be a symptom of high blood pressure. But did you know that there are many possible causes of headaches in the back and neck pain?
Let’s find out the source of this type of pain, what is the best remedy or medicine for neck pain and back pain, and what is the proper first aid for neck pain.
Pain in the neck and back of the head
When you experience pain in the nape of your neck and the back of your head, you shouldn’t ignore it. It could be a symptom of a bigger problem that shouldn’t be ignored.
So it’s important to know the reason why your neck hurts, so you know what to do about it.
Pain in the neck and back of the head | Image from Freepik
Here are the possible causes of headaches in the back and neck:
1. Tired or sore neck muscles causing neck pain
One of the most common causes of neck and back pain is tired or sore neck muscles.
This is commonly experienced by those who work in offices, because they often sit in front of the computer, and their sitting or posture is often poor.
It is also possible for this to happen even to parents who are just at home, especially if they don’t monitor their posture.
Here are the signs that your neck pain is due to tired muscles:
Your neck hurts when you are in front of the computer, or when you are sitting.
You feel a tight feeling in your neck.
You have difficulty moving it because of the pain in your neck.
The simplest solution to this type of pain is to improve your posture, and stretch, stand, or walk around. Movement helps to reduce strain on the neck, and also to stretch your body. For immediate help, it is also important to know the correct first aid for neck pain and simple exercises that can help relieve the pain. Don’t forget the first aid for neck pain to keep your body comfortable.
2. Having a stiff neck
Another cause of neck and back pain is a stiff neck . This can happen when you sleep in a bad position, or your neck is left in an uncomfortable position for a long time. Stress and anxiety are also possible causes of a stiff neck.
Having a stiff neck is often experienced upon waking, and moving your neck becomes painful for you.
Stiff neck often goes away after 1-2 days. However, if it lasts for a week without any improvement, it’s a good idea to see a doctor.
Using an orthopedic pillow is also a great help to prevent this.
3. Neck pain caused by a pinched nerve
You will know that the pain is caused by a pinched nerve because the pain spreads to your shoulder. Sometimes you also experience numbness and weakness that extends all the way down to your hand.
If you are experiencing this, it is best to see a doctor for proper treatment. In cases where immediate relief is needed, proper first aid for neck pain can help before you can go to a specialist.
Pain in the neck and back of the head | Image from Freepik
4. Symptoms of high blood pressure
Another cause of neck and back pain is high blood pressure . This type of neck pain is often experienced when you eat fatty or greasy foods.
It is often accompanied by headaches, lightheadedness, and sometimes dizziness. If you experience these symptoms, it is possible that they are a symptom of high blood pressure.
In such cases, it is best to see your doctor for a proper diagnosis. If you have high blood pressure, it is best to avoid fatty and greasy foods, and exercise.
It’s also possible that you don’t experience any symptoms of high blood pressure , but you already have it. That’s why it’s important to have annual checkups and blood tests to know the status of your health.
You should not ignore the pain you are feeling. Even though it is possible that the cause of your neck and back pain is simply fatigue, it is still important for you to know the reasons behind it. This is so that you can take better care of your body and avoid diseases and illnesses.
5. Injured
One of the possible causes of a sore neck is an injury. The neck or nape of the neck is vulnerable to injury, according to Healthline.
Especially if you have experienced accidents such as slips, car accidents, or when playing sports. Where the muscles in the neck are forced to move outside their normal range.
If a bone in the neck has a fracture, there is a high possibility that a person’s spinal cord also has an injury.
6. Rheumatoid arthritis is a possible cause of neck pain
This causes neck pain, as well as inflammation of the joints and bones. When this occurs in the neck area, it results in neck pain.
Back pain | Image from Freepik
First aid for neck pain
Since there are many possible causes of neck pain, here is first aid for a sore neck. Remember that these are only initial remedies, it is still better to get checked to find out what your real condition is.
- Adjust your sitting or lying position. Poor posture may be the cause of neck pain.
- Another first aid for a sore neck is to use a cold compress. Simply apply it to the area that hurts to relieve it.
- Check your blood pressure if you have a device at home.
If you are still concerned and are not sure about the pain in the neck and back of your head, don’t hesitate to consult your doctor.
When should you go to the doctor?
If you experience these symptoms along with neck and head pain, consult a doctor immediately:
- Severe pain in the back of the head or neck with no specific cause
- There is a lump on the neck or nape of the neck
- Feverish
- Headache
- Has swollen glands
- Numbness
- Weakness
- The pain goes to your arms and legs.
Therefore, if you are experiencing neck pain, it is best to consult a doctor immediately to resolve it. The treatment for neck and head pain depends on the condition you have.
Examination and diagnostic tests for neck pain
When experiencing neck pain, it is important to know the cause to determine the right treatment. Usually, doctors will perform several tests to find out what is causing the pain.
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X-rays
An X-ray is a quick and non-invasive diagnostic method. It can show possible problems related to the bones of the neck, such as injuries, fractures, or degenerative changes in the cervical spine. It cannot show soft tissues or nerves, but it can help eliminate serious conditions.
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MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
An MRI is a more detailed test that uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves. It shows soft tissues like ligaments, muscles, and nerves, making it more helpful in diagnosing conditions like herniated discs, nerve compression, or spinal cord problems.
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CT Scan (Computed Tomography)
A CT scan is a more advanced imaging technique that provides cross-sectional images of the body. It is usually used when the case is more complex and requires higher detail than an X-ray.
Through these tests, the doctor can determine the most appropriate treatment for neck pain.
Headache in the back
Like neck pain, back headaches have a variety of causes. Most types of back headaches also cause pain in other parts of the body.
Therefore, when seeing a doctor, it is important to identify all the parts of the body that are feeling pain along with the back of the head pain.
Here are the conditions that can cause headaches in the back and neck:
Poor posture
Like neck pain, poor posture when sitting or lying down can also be a possible cause of back pain and neck pain.
When you sit or lie down in an awkward position, it creates tension in your back, shoulders, and neck. This tension can lead to headaches.
Image from Pexels taken by Kindel Media
Occipital neuralgia
Occipital neuralgia is a condition that causes headaches in the back of the head. You can experience it when the nerves that run from your spinal cord to your scalp become inflamed. It is commonly experienced by people who have migraines.
Symptoms of occipital neuralgia are:
- Sharp, aching, throbbing pain that starts at the lower back of the head and travels towards the scalp.
- Sensitivity to light
- Sore scalp
- Feeling as if there is electricity running through the neck and back of the head
- Pain behind the eye
- Painful feeling when moving the neck
Cervicogenic headache
It is caused by herniated discs in the cervical spine in the neck. A person with a cervicogenic headache may experience neck pain and tension. The pain will be felt in the back of the head, in the forehead, and behind the eyes.
In addition, you may also feel pain in your shoulders and arms. The pain is worse when you lie down. Whenever you lie down, you will feel as if something is pressing on your head. Some people wake up because of this type of headache.
Low-pressure headache
This type of headache is caused by low spinal fluid pressure in the brain. It usually occurs when spinal fluids leak from the spine. It is also called intracranial hypotension.
Meanwhile, there are also specific causes for headaches on the right side of the back and headaches on the left side of the back. They are caused by different conditions.
Headache in the back right side
Headaches in the back and right side are caused by tension headaches. In addition to pain in the right back of the head, it is also possible to experience a feeling of tightness in the head without pain.
Headache in the back left side
Migraine condition is the cause of headache in the back left side. If you have migraine, it is possible to feel the headache on any side of the head. However, many people with migraine often experience the pain on the left side of the head.
It is also possible for the pain to start on the left side and gradually spread or move to other parts of the head and the back.
Photo from Pexels by Edward Jenner
Besides severe headaches, you may also feel the following if you have a migraine:
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Teary eyes
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Migraine aura
Migraine auras refer to temporary disturbances in vision, speech, and other sensations. They occur before other migraine symptoms begin to appear.
A person with this condition usually experiences auras about an hour before a migraine attack. It is also possible to experience a migraine aura without a headache. This is common in people aged 50 years and older.
Some of the migraine auras that may be experienced:
- Flashes of light in vision
- Vision changes or temporary loss of vision
- Presence of blind spots
- It seems like there are bright spots or stars visible.
- Seeing zigzag lines that gradually float across the field of vision
It is important to consult a doctor for headaches. Especially if they are recurring. The treatment for back pain and neck pain depends on the cause or source of the pain. Therefore, it is important to see a doctor to apply the right remedy that is suitable for your condition.
Republished with permission from theAsianParent Philippines
