Back headaches have become a common problem for many people. Understanding the causes, prevention, and treatment can be the key to a healthier life and reduce the risk of experiencing back headaches.
This article will help you learn more about the causes, how to prevent, and how to treat back headaches. With this information, you will be better prepared to deal with and manage back headaches that often interfere with daily activities.
Main Causes of Back Headache
Back headaches don't just appear without a cause. Learn about some of the main causes of back headaches below:
1. Migrain
Migraine is a type of headache that is based on disturbed brain nerves. Migraine usually appears with symptoms of throbbing in the back of the head. In some cases, migraine can also be marked by nausea and vomiting.
2. Uncontrolled lifestyle
An unhealthy and unkempt lifestyle is at high risk of causing back headaches. Smoking habits, lack of sleep, and excessive alcohol consumption can worsen this condition. It is important to maintain health to avoid this problem.
3. Excessive Stress
An unhealthy and unkempt lifestyle is at high risk of causing back headaches. Smoking habits, lack of sleep, and excessive alcohol consumption can worsen this condition. It is important to maintain health to avoid this problem.
4. Lack of drinking water
Water is a primary need for the human body. Lack of fluids in the body can clearly have an impact on health. Moreover, if dehydration has occurred, where the fluid in the brain will decrease. This causes the brain to respond in the form of sending pain signals, which are felt as a headache in the back.
5. Not exercising regularly
Going through days with a lack of activity can result in muscle weakness, which can cause muscle tension and cause pain in the back of the head.
6. Bad Body Posture
Poor posture, such as sitting or standing in the wrong position, can put pressure on the neck and shoulder muscles, causing muscle tension that ends up in a headache in the back.
7. Taking Too Much Headache Medicine
Taking painkillers occasionally is not harmful. However, if you take them more than three times a week and for a long period of time, it can make the pain in the back of your head worse.
The pain that arises from this habit is known as a rebound headache. This condition can occur repeatedly due to excessive use of a substance, such as painkillers.
8. Neck Muscle Spasms
Another neck disorder that often causes complaints of headaches in the back is neck muscle spasms. Headaches in the back area are usually caused by injury to the neck or improper head position for a long time.
9. Brain Tumor
Tumors in the brain will cause excessive headaches, especially in the back. Often striking when you wake up, back headaches caused by brain tumors can cause brain tissue and nerves to no longer function.
Back Headache Prevention
Back headaches can be a serious health problem. Therefore, it is important for you to know what to do to avoid back headaches. Here are some things that are recommended to do:
- Change your lifestyle to be healthier and more alert
- Hydrate the body with enough water
- Do physical activities such as exercising regularly
- Get enough sleep or rest
- Stop smoking or drinking alcohol
By doing these things, it can be ensured that the risk of getting a headache at the back of the head can be minimized.
Effective Treatment for Back Headache
If you or someone close to you has a headache at the back of your head, here are some treatments you can do:
- Taking Painkillers
One of the quickest solutions that can be done is to take painkillers. However, it should be noted that the use of painkillers must be in accordance with the instructions on the packaging or a doctor's prescription.
- Compress with Warm Water
Applying warm water to the back of the neck will relax tense muscles. So it can help relieve the pain felt.
- Massaging the Neck Area
To reduce the pain felt at the back of the head, gently massaging the back of the neck can also be a solution.
- Check with a Doctor
If the pain in the back of the head occurs frequently or the pain is severe, it is recommended that the sufferer immediately see a doctor to find out more about the right steps to take next.
Overcoming Back Headaches Correctly
Back headaches can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle, such as maintaining adequate sleep patterns, managing stress effectively, and exercising regularly. In addition, make sure your body is always well hydrated and avoid smoking or excessive alcohol consumption.
If symptoms persist, worsen, or interfere with daily activities, consult a doctor immediately to get a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment to maintain optimal health.
Article written by dr. Irawati, Sp. ENT – BKL (Ear, Nose, Throat Specialist – Head and Neck Surgery, EMC Hospital, Tangerang).