Persistent Pain in the Left Back of the Head: When to Seek Help

Recently, I have been experiencing pain in the left occipital region?

Hello, doctor.
Recently, I've been experiencing pain in the left back of my head.
At first, it didn't affect my daily life and I occasionally didn't feel it, but over the past few days, the pain has become almost constant.
The sensation feels like a sharp pain, and the intensity seems to be increasing.
I've tried gently massaging the area, but it hasn't helped.
I've also tried rotating my head and stretching it side to side.
I usually sleep 6-7 hours a night.
Could heavy phone usage be a factor? I would like to know which specialist I should see if the pain persists.
Thank you.

Wu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/06/23

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Dear Ms.
Wu,
You mentioned that "the pain feels like a sharp sensation, and the intensity is increasing.
I have tried gentle massage...
Does heavy smartphone usage have an impact?" It is important to first consider the possibility of myofascial inflammation around the cervical spine, as small muscles connecting to the head may become inflamed.
The larger superficial muscles in the shoulder and neck are engaged during significant movements.
Clinically, it is common to experience occipital headaches that are more pronounced than shoulder and neck pain.
I recommend the following:
1.
Change Positions: Change your posture every 15 minutes to allow the neck tissues to rest.
Maintaining any posture (including a normal one) for an extended period can lead to fatigue and inflammation of the tissues, so moving around briefly can reduce the risk of muscle inflammation.
2.
Rest: Rest is essential to allow the muscles to utilize their self-repair capabilities.
Avoid vigorous exercise during this time.
3.
Neck Heat Therapy: Apply heat for 15 to 20 minutes, ensuring the temperature is safe to avoid burns.
4.
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): If you do not have a history of gastric ulcers, allergies to NSAIDs, or impaired kidney function, you may consider using NSAIDs to alleviate inflammation and reduce pain when necessary.
5.
Neck Muscle Stretching Exercises: After the acute pain phase has passed, it is advisable to develop a habit of performing slow and gentle neck stretches every 15 to 20 minutes, ensuring that the movements do not cause discomfort.
These stretches should include movements up, down, left, and right.
I suggest consulting with a neurologist or a rehabilitation specialist for further evaluation and treatment.
Thank you for your inquiry.
If you have any related questions, feel free to discuss them further.
Wishing you good health and peace,
Dr.
Jiang Junyi
Department of Neurology
Taoyuan Hospital

Reply Date: 2022/06/23

More Info

Persistent pain in the back of the head, particularly on one side, can be concerning and warrants careful evaluation. Given your description of the pain as sharp and increasing in intensity, it is essential to consider various potential causes and when to seek medical help.

Firstly, the pain you are experiencing could be attributed to several factors. One common cause is tension-type headaches, which often result from muscle tension in the neck and scalp. This type of headache can be exacerbated by prolonged periods of poor posture, especially during activities like heavy smartphone usage or working at a computer. The strain on the neck and upper back can lead to muscle tightness, which may manifest as pain in the back of the head.

Another possibility is cervicogenic headache, which originates from issues in the cervical spine (the neck). Conditions such as cervical disc degeneration, herniated discs, or arthritis can irritate the nerves that supply the head, leading to pain that is often felt in the back of the head. Given that you mentioned the pain has become more persistent and is not relieved by gentle massage or stretching, this could be a consideration.

Additionally, if the pain is localized and sharp, it might be worth considering neuralgia, such as occipital neuralgia, which occurs when the occipital nerves at the back of the head become irritated or inflamed. This condition can cause sharp, shooting pain in the back of the head and may be accompanied by tenderness in the scalp.

In terms of lifestyle factors, excessive smartphone use can contribute to poor posture, leading to muscle strain and tension headaches. It is advisable to take regular breaks, practice good ergonomics, and engage in exercises that strengthen the neck and upper back muscles.

Given that your pain has intensified and is now affecting your daily life, it is crucial to seek medical attention. You should consider visiting a neurologist, who specializes in headaches and neurological disorders. They can conduct a thorough evaluation, which may include a physical examination, a review of your medical history, and possibly imaging studies such as an MRI or CT scan to rule out any serious underlying conditions.

If the neurologist determines that your symptoms are related to muscle tension or posture, they may recommend physical therapy, which can help alleviate pain through targeted exercises and stretches. Additionally, they may suggest lifestyle modifications, such as ergonomic adjustments to your workspace and techniques for managing stress.

In summary, persistent pain in the back of the head, especially if it is increasing in intensity, should not be ignored. Seeking evaluation from a neurologist is a prudent step to ensure that any underlying issues are addressed and to receive appropriate treatment. Meanwhile, consider implementing lifestyle changes to reduce strain on your neck and improve your overall posture.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Left Occipital Neuralgia: When to Seek Medical Attention

I have recently experienced nerve pain in the left posterior part of my head, which I have never had before. The pain lasts about three to four seconds each time, with variable intervals between episodes. It also hurts when I apply pressure. Should I seek medical attention immedi...

Dr. Lin Zijing reply Neurology
Pain that occurs from the back of the neck to the occipital region can feel like a tight band constricting the head, with dull pain radiating from the back of the neck to the back of the head, pulsating or throbbing pain, or a sensation of pressure as if the head is covered by a ...

Understanding Left-Sided Headaches and Shoulder Pain: Which Specialist to See?

If you are experiencing pain in the left back of your head along with shoulder pain and persistent discomfort, it is advisable to see a neurologist or a pain management specialist.

Dr. Xie Rongyuan reply Internal Medicine
If you experience persistent pain in the left posterior region of the head along with shoulder pain, you should first consult an orthopedic or rehabilitation specialist.

Understanding Persistent Sounds in the Left Back of the Head

Hello, Doctor. I have been experiencing sounds in the left back of my head for almost a year now. Recently, for the past two months, it has been occurring several times a day. Previously, it only happened occasionally, but now it sometimes comes with pain once or twice. What coul...

Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
If this sound can also be heard by others, or if it pulsates in sync with your heartbeat, it is advisable to see a neurologist as soon as possible. This could be due to turbulent sounds generated by vascular abnormalities in the intracranial area or the meninges, or other underly...

Understanding and Managing Pulsating Pain in the Left Back of the Head

The left posterior part of the brain has been experiencing intermittent pain (without any trauma or impact), which started just two days ago, resembling a sine wave pattern of pain.

Dr. Ye Boshou reply Neurology
Throbbing headaches may be vascular headaches (such as migraines) or tension-type headaches (such as those caused by cervical myofascial pain). There is also a very small possibility that they could be caused by a brain issue. It is recommended to consult a neurologist for evalua...