Throbbing pain in the back of the head

A throbbing pain in the back of the head can be a sign of fatigue and overwork, as well as the first symptom of serious illnesses. In such cases, you should not limit yourself to taking painkillers - you need medical help.

[ 1 ]

Causes of throbbing pain in the back of the head

The most common causes of throbbing pain in the back of the head are fatigue, physical overload, constant nervous tension and external factors (for example, constant presence in a noisy place, bright light).

However, there are also more serious reasons for the appearance of unpleasant sensations, these are:

• Accumulation of blood as a result of metabolic disorders.
• Tumors.
• Occipital neuralgia.
• Hypertension.
• Vegetative-vascular dystonia.
• Osteochondrosis.
• Cervical migraine.
• Injuries and dislocations of the cervical spine.
• Cold processes.

[ 2 ], [ 3 ]

Symptoms of a throbbing pain in the back of the head

You should be wary if the throbbing pain in the back of your head is constant. You should definitely see a doctor if it:

• It intensifies with exertion, does not subside for several hours, and the painful sensations persist for several more days.
• It "shoots" in the morning, even if you don't move.

Associated symptoms:

• There is a noise in my head, my ears are blocked and it gets dark before my eyes.
• The throbbing pain is accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
• My legs and arms go numb.
• Poor coordination and concentration.

The nature of pulsating pain and disease

Depending on the nature of the pain and accompanying syndromes, it is possible to determine what exactly is the cause of the excruciating pulsating sensations in the back of the head.

• Constant pulsating pain is typical for such a disease as vegetative-vascular dystonia. They are often accompanied by dizziness, nausea and sometimes vomiting. Pulsating pain on the right or left, which radiates to the temples, also indicates VSD.
• If the pain intensifies with movement and spreads throughout the entire back of the head, this indicates a pathology of the cervical spine, which is caused by insufficient physical activity.
• When the pain in the back of the head is strong with minimal contractions, radiating to the lower jaw and ear, this may indicate neurological diseases. As a rule, this disease is a side effect of diseases (for example, a cold or osteoporosis) or the result of hypothermia.
• Sharp attacks of severe pain on one side of the back of the head, accompanied by double vision and flashes of light are signs of cervical migraine.
• A throbbing pain that knocks in the temples and the general condition can be described as “broken” indicates a pinched, dilated or spasmed vascular system.
• Throbbing pain in the morning, accompanied by nausea and vomiting, drowsiness and severe fatigue are signs of intracranial tumors and hematomas.
• If the pain is severe and accompanied by loss of coordination, tinnitus and darkening of the eyes, then you are dealing with advanced osteochondrosis.

Diagnosis of throbbing pain in the back of the head

If you suffer from a throbbing pain in the back of your head, then first of all you need to see a doctor - a neurologist and a therapist (family doctor).

The specialist will conduct an anamnesis (find out the characteristics of the pain), measure the pressure and send you for an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) to examine the cervical spine, REG (rheoencephalography) if there is a suspicion of diseases of the brain and blood vessels, CT (computer tomography) if a tumor is suspected.

Diagnosis of pulsating pain in the back of the head is a painless procedure that will take no more than half an hour.

Treatment for throbbing pain in the back of the head

In order to cope with a throbbing pain in the back of the head, it is necessary to establish its root cause. Only a doctor can do this.

As a rule, surgical intervention is not indicated for pulsating pain; drug treatment is sufficient (unless we are talking about tumors).

To reduce unpleasant pain, take a painkiller:

• Nurofen (0.2-0.8 grams 3-4 times a day).
• Yes (no more than 2.5 tablets per day, can be divided in half).
• Panadol (500-1000 mg 3-4 times a day).

Electrophoresis and warming are also shown.

Traditional methods are effective in treating throbbing pain:

• A compress on the forehead with a decoction of nettle, mint, oregano, burdock leaves and currants, lilac (soak a bandage in a warm decoction and apply to the forehead).
• Place a crushed leaf of fresh cabbage on the back of your head.
• If the cause of the throbbing pain is a nervous disorder, it is recommended to take honey with fresh viburnum juice (one tablespoon before meals four times a day for a month).
• Hot foot baths with a decoction of any herb have a beneficial effect.

Prevention of throbbing pain in the back of the head

Once you have identified the cause of the throbbing pain in the back of your head and sought medical help, you know how to escape from the unpleasant sensations. In addition to drug treatment, follow simple rules that will help you resort to taking medications less often in the future:

• Avoid hypothermia and drafts.
• Be careful when doing sports: both physical overexertion and a passive lifestyle are dangerous. Yoga classes are recommended.
• Maintain a sleep and rest regime: sleep at least 8 hours a day, be as nervous as possible and avoid stressful situations.
• Sleep on a hard bed with a hard pillow.
• Do not try to relieve the pain with medication and consult a doctor immediately.
• Don't neglect massage.
• Limit your consumption of fatty and fried foods, coffee and alcohol.

The modern pace of life often leaves us no time to focus on our illnesses. However, we must realize that neglected throbbing pain in the back of the head can lead to serious problems, so be attentive to yourself and be healthy!