Published on: 7/4/2025
What are the causes of headaches in the back of my head and neck?
Headaches in the back of the head and neck can be caused by various health conditions, including one condition known as cervicogenic headaches.
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Explanation
Various different health conditions can cause headaches that occur in the back of the head and neck. One possibility is a heatlh condition called cervicogenic headaches.
Understanding Cervicogenic Headaches:
- These headaches start in the neck and can move to the head.
- The neck and head share nerves, so problems in one area can affect the other.
Other potential causes of these symptoms are tension in the muscles of the neck and back of the head, as well as a condition called occipital neuralgia (which tends to cause sharp pain). If you have frequent, severe, and/or worsening headaches, it is important to talk to a healthcare provider to find out the cause and get the right treatment.
(References)
- Vincent MB. (2011). Headache and neck. Current pain and headache reports, 21465114.
- Biondi DM. (2001). Cervicogenic headache: diagnostic evaluation and .... Current pain and headache reports, 11403740.
- Bogduk N. (2001). Cervicogenic headache: anatomic basis and .... Current pain and headache reports, 11403743.
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