Suggest Treatment For Headache In Back Of Head On Right Side

Posted on Wed, 12 Aug 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 11 Aug 2015 Answered on

Tue, 1 Sep 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I am experiencing head aches in the back right side of my head. Sometimes it goes all the way to the both sides of the back of the head. Sometimes the pain starts in the neck and radiates up. Self massage helps. So does over the counter Ibuprofin or Tylenol. It has been happening almost every day for nearly four weeks. A few beers will also help... I find it a bit muscular and the pain is not deep in the head, but it is painful and restricts my range of motion when it is present. When not present I feel 100%. I can play basketball. I can bike.. In fact, activity seems to help. Sitting, driving... not so much.
Years ago I associated this with tension.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (-4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Vertebral column degenative disease.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.

I have read your question and understand your concerns.

Most probably your symptoms are caused by degenative cervical spine disease, or arthritis.

Headaches with that distribution are caused by compression of nerves that arise from upper cervical cord and supply neck together with back of the head.

Plain x-ray films of your cervical spine could help evaluate this possibility.

Physical therapy and locally applied warm procedures, besides Ibuprofen and Tylenol help improving symptoms.

Follow up with your primary care Doctor is needed for appropriate treatment and slowing progression.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Best regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T