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Published on: 8/20/2026

What are effective methods to relieve a headache in the back of the head?

Headaches at the back of the head can often be relieved with simple, at-home strategies. Effective options include:

  • Stretching exercises to ease tension in the neck and upper back
  • Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or guided meditation
  • Biofeedback therapy, a noninvasive method that helps you control physical responses to stress
  • Posture correction and short breaks from screens

Because headaches at the back of the head can stem from many causes—tension, poor posture, or something more serious—it's important to identify the underlying trigger before treating symptoms. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you better understand what's causing your pain and guide your next steps with confidence.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

Headaches at the back of the head can be uncomfortable, but there are several ways to help relieve them.

Physical Treatments:

  • Stretching exercises and relaxation can help reduce tension in the muscles of the neck and shoulders. These methods aim to ease the physical stress that might be causing the headache.

Noninvasive Treatments:

  • Techniques such as biofeedback and relaxation exercises can also be effective. Biofeedback helps you become more aware of how your body responds to stress, allowing you to learn how to control these responses. Relaxation techniques, like deep breathing and meditation, can help calm the mind and body.

These methods are safe and can be used alone or together to help manage headaches. If headaches persist, you can use Ubie's free symptom checker to better understand your symptoms and determine whether further medical evaluation may be needed.

(References)

  • Biondi DM. (2005). Physical treatments for headache: a structured review. Headache, 15953306.

  • Biondi DM. (2005). Noninvasive treatments for headache. Expert review of neurotherapeutics, 15938668.

  • Fernández-de-Las-Peñas C, & Cuadrado ML. (2016). Physical therapy for headaches. Cephalalgia : an international journal of headache, 26660851.

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