What causes sharp, stabbing pain in the back of the head?
Disease description:
Sometimes when I concentrate on thinking about problems while staring at the computer, after a prolonged period, I experience a pricking-like throbbing pain in the back of my head. What causes this?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Possible causes of sharp, stabbing pain in the back of the head include:
1. Tension and stress: Emotional tension and prolonged exposure to high-pressure states can lead to tightness in the head muscles, resulting in pain.
2. Migraine: Although migraines more commonly occur in the forehead or temple areas, they can sometimes affect the back of the head. This type of headache is often accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light and sound.
3. Occipital neuralgia: The occipital nerves are nerves that connect the neck and head. When these nerves are compressed or damaged, they may cause pain in the back of the head, which may feel like stabbing or electric shocks.
4. Neck problems: Poor posture of the cervical spine, neck muscle tension, or cervical spine disorders can cause sharp pain in the back of the head. Especially in vertebral artery-type cervical spondylosis, symptoms become more pronounced due to compression of the vertebrobasilar artery and nerves.
5. Eye fatigue: Prolonged screen time, overuse of the eyes, or vision problems such as myopia may cause headaches, including a stabbing sensation in the back of the head.
If this pain persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention at a hospital immediately.
