What causes headaches at the back of the head?

Generally, headaches at the back of the head may be caused by insufficient sleep, mental stress, migraines, cervical spondylosis, hypertension, and other factors. Symptomatic treatments such as general therapy and medication may be needed. If symptoms are severe, prompt medical attention is recommended, following the doctor's instructions for treatment. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Insufficient Sleep

Long-term late nights or poor sleep quality can affect the normal functioning of brain nerves, leading to vascular congestion and muscle tension, which can cause pain, possibly accompanied by symptoms such as lethargy and difficulty concentrating. It is recommended to maintain a regular sleep schedule, create a comfortable sleeping environment, and avoid using electronic devices before bedtime.

2. High Mental Stress

Long-term mental tension, anxiety, or depression may affect the normal regulation of the nervous system, leading to vasoconstriction and muscle tension, which can cause pain. Accompanying symptoms may include palpitations, insomnia, irritability, etc. It is recommended to regulate emotions, release inner stress through meditation, listening to music, and other methods to alleviate symptoms.

3. Migraine

Migraine is a common neurological disorder that may be related to abnormal brain activity. This abnormal activity may cause vasodilation and inflammatory responses, stimulating surrounding nerve endings and causing severe headache. During a migraine attack, patients may feel pulsating pain at the back of the head. It is recommended to use medications such as ibuprofen tablets, indomethacin tablets, and nimodipine tablets under a doctor's guidance for treatment.

4. Cervical Spondylosis

With aging, cervical discs may gradually degenerate; disc protrusion or bone spurs may compress nerve roots, causing neck and back-of-the-head pain, possibly accompanied by symptoms such as neck stiffness, arm numbness, or weakness. It is recommended to follow medical advice to use medications such as aceclofenac tablets, Jingfukang granules, and mecobalamin tablets to alleviate symptoms.

5. Hypertension

Long-term high-salt diet, emotional fluctuations, genetic factors, and other reasons may cause hypertension. In a hypertensive state, the pressure on the blood vessel walls increases, making them prone to damage and hardening. Vascular hardening and narrowing restrict blood flow, reducing oxygen and nutrient supply to brain tissues, thus causing headaches, possibly accompanied by dizziness, blurred vision, palpitations, and other symptoms. It is recommended to follow medical advice to use medications such as nifedipine tablets, methyldopa tablets, captopril sustained-release tablets, and others to alleviate symptoms.

Daily moderate exercise, such as jogging, swimming, or cycling, is recommended to promote blood circulation and help enhance physical fitness.