What causes pain in the left posterior scalp?
Sep 13, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Guo Xiheng
Introduction
In general, pain in the left posterior scalp may be caused by factors such as tension or excessive stress, head injury, folliculitis, migraine, or cervical spondylosis. Prolonged tension and stress can lead to tightness in neck muscles, which may affect blood circulation in the scalp and result in scalp pain. Patients are advised to avoid excessive mental exertion, relieve stress, and ensure adequate sleep in daily life.
Generally, pain in the scalp at the left back of the head may be caused by factors such as tension or excessive stress, head injury, folliculitis, migraine, cervical spondylosis, etc. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Tension or Excessive Stress
Prolonged tension and stress can lead to muscle tightness in the neck, which affects blood circulation in the scalp and consequently causes scalp pain. It is recommended that patients avoid excessive mental exertion, relieve stress, and ensure adequate sleep in daily life.
2. Head Injury
If the scalp is injured due to external force, pain in the left posterior scalp area may occur. If symptoms are mild, no special treatment may be necessary, and rest over time can alleviate the discomfort. However, if symptoms are severe, timely medical evaluation and diagnosis are required, followed by targeted treatment under a doctor's guidance.
3. Folliculitis
This condition is usually caused by fungal or bacterial infections, low immunity, poor hygiene habits, etc. It presents with red papules accompanied by symptoms such as redness, swelling, heat, and pain, and may also cause pain in the left posterior scalp. Patients are advised to follow medical instructions and use medications such as mupirocin ointment or fusidic acid cream for treatment.
4. Migraine
Migraines are typically caused by disordered neuronal excitability, endocrine factors, genetic factors, etc., leading to pain in the left back of the head. Patients are advised to take medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules or acetaminophen tablets as directed by a physician. Additionally, getting proper rest and avoiding overexertion can help relieve symptoms.
5. Cervical Spondylosis
Spinal bone spurs or herniated cervical discs can cause contraction and spasms in neck and shoulder muscles, pulling on the scalp, nerves, and blood vessels at the left back of the head, resulting in a dull, persistent pain. Treatment should target cervical spondylosis, using conservative methods such as cervical traction, heat application, physical therapy devices (e.g., electrotherapy), moxibustion, or herbal iontophoresis to alleviate symptoms.
Besides the above, other potential causes of left posterior scalp pain may include vascular diseases. If the pain occurs frequently or persists for a long duration, it is best to consult a doctor to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
