How Do You Get Rid Of A Headache In The Back Of Your Head And Neck?

Headache is a common problem. It may originate due to a variety of reasons such as stress, eye problems, neck problems, etc. Neck pain and headache are often common that can affect us at the same time. The headaches that develop due to neck discomfort or neck injury are named as cervicogenic headaches. This headache is a tension headache that starts from the nape of the neck to the head. This pain is dull, persistent. Some people feel this headache as stabbing or sharp shooting pain. It may also radiate to the spine.

How Do You Get Rid Of A Headache In The Back Of Your Head And Neck?

Headache may occur due to a stiff neck characterized by pain in the muscles located at the base of the skull. It is usually felt in the back of the head and neck. This type of headache is a tension headache. Tension headache is normally triggered by anxiety, lack of sleep and constant exposure to stress. It is represented by symptoms like difficulty in sleeping, fatigue feeling, increased sensitivity to light and increased irritability.⁽¹⁾

The ways to treat a headache that is felt at the base of the skull are-

Heat Pack- when heat packs are kept on the nape of the neck, it reduces the stiffness of the muscle and irritation in the affected joints. Heat is considered the best remedy to ease arthritic pain and improve the range of motion. According to research studies by Cleveland Clinic, heat wraps relieve headache induced by spasms in the neck. In osteoarthritis, it relieves the pain quickly.⁽¹⁾

Use Of A Tennis Ball- a tennis ball can be used to relieve nerve pain. It is also helpful to reduce headache whose pain begins from the back of the neck. The tennis ball is kept in a sock and tied. It is kept on the place where the head is joined by the neck and rolled over gently up and down or sidewise. It can release pain in the head.⁽¹⁾

Gentle Massage- gentle massage can be helpful to release headache originating from the nape of the neck. It releases the pressure from a pinched nerve and relaxes the muscles of the neck, thereby relieving headache. It can also increase the blood circulation in the affected area, that reduces pain in the neck.⁽¹⁾

Essential Oils like lavender oil, peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil or olive oil or almond oil can relieve severe tension headaches.⁽¹⁾

Stretching Exercises- headache caused by stiff neck can reduce headaches and neck pain. According to the doctors of Cleveland Clinic, stretching exercises can release the tension headache by reducing stress on the neck muscles and ligaments. They also help in strengthening the neck. IT is helpful to prevent injuries in this area. These exercises also strengthen upper back that relieves back and neck pain. The charm of these exercises is that it can be done anywhere whether you are sitting in a car or chair.⁽¹⁾

Chiropractor- chronic neck pain can cause frequent episodes of headache. It can be reduced by a physical therapist or chiropractor. In a study published in the Journal of Prolotherapy, it is explained that physical therapy or spinal manipulation can relieve the pain in the neck and prevent its radiation to the head. Chiropractors can reduce pressure on the cervical nerves that eradicates pain. It also relieves the other associated symptoms of the neck region for example neck pain, headache, tingling sensation or burning sensation felt at the shoulders.⁽¹⁾

Conclusion

Headache may arise due to chronic pain at the nape of the neck. You can get rid of this type of headache can be relieved by heat packs, gentle exercises, use of a tennis ball and others discussed above.

References:

https://www.healthyandnaturalworld.com/neck-pain-headache/

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How Do You Get Rid Of A Headache In The Back Of Your Head And Neck?