Is cervical spondylosis related to pain in the back of the head?

Cervical spondylosis is associated with pain in the posterior region of the head and neck.

Cervical spondylosis refers to degenerative changes in the cervical spine structure, including disc degeneration, bone spurs, and ligament thickening. These changes may lead to compression of the nerve roots or involvement of the vertebral artery, thereby causing a series of clinical symptoms. If the pillow is too high, it can exacerbate this strain and worsen cervical pain. Therefore, patients with cervical pain are advised to avoid using excessively high pillows to reduce pressure on the cervical spine.

Pain in the posterior region of the head and neck, known as occipital pain, is a common symptom among patients with cervical spondylosis. When cervical spine disorders affect the cervical facet joints, muscles, ligaments, or nerve roots, they may cause local inflammatory reactions, resulting in pain. Particularly when cervical lesions involve nerve roots from C6 to C2 or the vertebral artery, the pain may radiate to the occipital region, manifesting as occipital pain. In addition, cervical instability or abnormal cervical curvature can increase the burden on the suboccipital muscles, causing muscle tension and pain.

Occipital pain caused by cervical spondylosis can be treated using either conservative treatment or surgical intervention.