What causes a throbbing pain in the left back of the head?

Generally, a pulsating pain in the left back of the head may be caused by stress and tension, overexertion, poor posture, migraines, or high blood pressure. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. Stress and Tension

When a person is under stress or tension, muscles involuntarily tighten, especially those in the neck and head. This muscle tension can impair local blood circulation, leading to pain. It is advised to learn stress management techniques, engage in regular physical exercise, and ensure adequate rest and sleep.

2. Overexertion

Prolonged work, studying, or physical activity can increase the burden on various body systems, particularly the nervous and muscular systems, potentially causing pulsating pain in the left back of the head. It is important to get sufficient rest, manage work and rest time wisely, and engage in relaxing activities such as walking or yoga.

3. Poor Posture

Maintaining improper sitting or standing posture for extended periods—especially when using computers or mobile phones—can lead to muscle tension in the neck and shoulders, resulting in a throbbing pain in the left back of the head. Improving daily work and lifestyle habits, maintaining correct posture, and regularly stretching and moving the neck and shoulder muscles are essential.

4. Migraine

Migraines may be related to genetic factors, endocrine and metabolic changes, environmental triggers, and psychological factors. During a migraine attack, certain blood vessels in the brain may dilate and release inflammatory substances that stimulate surrounding nerve endings, causing the aforementioned symptoms. These may also include nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, and sensitivity to sound. Patients may take medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, flunarizine hydrochloride capsules, or Zhengtian pills under a doctor’s supervision.

5. High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is usually caused by genetic factors or unhealthy dietary habits. It increases pressure on the walls of cerebral blood vessels, leading to pain in the left back of the head. Other possible symptoms include dizziness, palpitations, and blurred vision. It is recommended to take antihypertensive medications such as amlodipine besylate tablets, losartan potassium tablets, or metoprolol tartrate tablets as prescribed by a doctor.

In daily life, it is important to reduce stress, avoid excessive fatigue, maintain proper posture, stay physically active, and pay attention to a healthy diet to prevent discomfort such as pain in the left back of the head.