A common complaint: headache can be felt in any part of the head, but in some cases it is felt specifically at the back of the head (i.e. the occipital area). Pain in the back of the head can have various causes. The first reason behind this is tension headaches. This type of headache is caused by tightening of the muscles of the neck and scalp and pain is felt in the lower part of the head. This pain can also extend to the neck and eyes. It may be accompanied by stiffness in the shoulders and upper back, and sensitivity to sound and light. Concentration can also become difficult with these complaints. The next cause may be occipital neuralgia. The pain starts in the neck and reaches the top of the head. It may be accompanied by other symptoms such as eye pain, vision changes, nasal congestion, ear noises, numbness and tingling. Occipital neuralgia usually occurs due to irritation of the occipital nerves, damaged pinched nerves, tense muscles, whiplash injury and degeneration of the intervertebral discs in the cervical spine.
Another cause may be cervicogenic headaches. The pain starts in the neck and radiates to the back of the head and forehead. In addition, other symptoms may occur, such as neck stiffness, nausea, scalp tenderness, sensitivity to light or sound, vision problems, and pain in the shoulder or arm on the same side as the headache. This type of headache results from a problem in the structures of the cervical spine in the neck. Pain in the back of the head can also result from poor posture. Migraine headaches can also be one of the reasons that cause one-sided headaches, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, sound and smell.
Another cause of pain in the back of the head is low-pressure headache, also called intracranial hypotension. It is caused by low pressure of the spinal fluid in the brain. This is the result of leakage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the brain and spinal cord due to a tear in the dura mater. This causes pain in the back of the head and other symptoms such as neck stiffness, dizziness, double vision, blurred vision and hearing noises in the ear. It can then occur with exertional headaches. Such types of headaches lead to pain during or shortly after physical activity. This may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting and light sensitivity.
Homeopathic treatment
Homeopathy can be very effective in treating pain in the back of the head. Homeopathic medicines help to gradually reduce the intensity and frequency of the complaint. Homeopathic medicines target the cause of pain in the back of the mind to bring relief. Homeopathic medicines are prescribed individually for each case based on the characteristic symptoms. It is therefore recommended to use a homeopathic medicine for this complaint under the supervision of a homeopathic doctor. Homeopathic medicines are advised for mild to moderate cases of pain in the back of the head. In severe cases and cases where a serious cause is related to the pain in the back of the head, emergency help through a conventional treatment method should be used.
Homeopathic medicines for pain in the back of the head
1. Gelsemium – Top recommended drug
Gelsemium is one of the best known homeopathic medicines for the treatment of pain in the back of the head. In cases where this is necessary, the pain may radiate from the back of the head to the shoulders. This may be accompanied by double vision. This medicine is also indicated for pain in the upper part of the neck and the back of the head. The pain can be pulling, tearing or cramping. The pain may extend from the back of the head further up and forward. There is relief from the headache by applying pressure. Together with the headache, the muscles of the neck and shoulders feel painful. A characteristic feature is the feeling of a band around the head.
2. Glonoine – For pain from the back of the head that extends to the entire head
This medicine is highly recommended if the pain starts in the back of the head and then spreads to the entire head. In addition to headache, there is nausea and vomiting. A heated sensation is felt in the face. This medication is also useful if the pain starts in the forehead and sides of the head and then spreads to the top and back of the head. It’s a throbbing kind of pain. The pain is made worse by noise and movement. There is relief by applying external pressure to the head.
3. Bryonia – For pain in the back of the head that radiates to the shoulders
This medicine may be considered if the pain in the back of the head radiates to the shoulders. It gets worse if you lie on your back. The pain may also extend to the neck. This medicine is also useful for treating pain in the forehead and back of the head. It gets worse with exercise. Pain in the forehead may extend to the back of the head. The nature of the pain here is of the attachment type. In cases where this is necessary, tying the head will make the headache better.
4. Sanguinaria Canadensis – For pain from the back of the head to the area above the right eye
This medicine is very important in the treatment of cases where the pain begins in the back of the head, moves upwards and finally descends over the right eye. The pain is sharp, throbbing. Vomiting may be accompanied by pain. When there is pain, sounds and smells are unbearable. The pain gets better after sleeping.
5. Spigelia – For pain from the back of the head to the area above the left eye
This medicine is of great help in treating pain that starts in the back of the head, goes up and finally settles over the left eye. The pain is made worse by bending over. It is also worse by movement of the eyes and by heat. It is relieved from pressure and also from rest.
6. Cocculus Indicus – For pain in the back of the head and neck
This medicine is well indicated for treating pain in the back of the head and neck. A feeling of weight is also felt in the head. A heated sensation is also felt. It is not possible to lie on the back of the head where this medicine is needed. One feels nauseous and there may be vomiting and headache. There is aggravation of the pain by noise, bright light and talking.
7. Lac Caninum – For pain in the back of the head that extends to the forehead
This medicine is effective when the pain starts in the back of the head and then spreads to the forehead. Headache may be accompanied by blurred vision. Nausea and vomiting may also occur with a headache. Headache can vary from right to left and vice versa. In cases where this medicine is required, the headache is aggravated by noise and also by talking.
8. Cimicifuga – For pain in the back of the head that radiates to the back of the neck
This medicine is useful when pain shoots from the back of the head to the back of the neck. In cases where this is necessary, a very characteristic feature is that headaches often occur at the same time of the day. The headache worsens when one is indoors. There is usually relief by going outside. In addition to the above, this medicine can also be considered if the pain starts above the eyes and then spreads to the back of the head.
9. Picric Acid – For pain in the back of the head that extends down the spine
Picric acid is primarily indicated for cases where the pain starts in the back of the head and then extends along the spine. Secondly, it is indicated for pain in the neck and back of the head that reaches to the eyes. The pain is made worse by movement of the eyes. Rest makes things better. Headache is also relieved by tying the head tightly. Another characteristic feature of the use of this medicine is the aggravation of pain due to excessive use of the mind, as in overstudy.