What Cause Stiffness At Back Of The Head?

Posted on Mon, 29 Sep 2014

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

Mon, 29 Sep 2014 Answered on

Thu, 16 Oct 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have an extremely stiff feeling at the back of my head-not the neck. Is this caused by anxiety, or what could cause it?

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini Greca (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Oscillations in blood pressure...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

The stiff feeling at the back of your head (not the neck) might be caused by:

- oscillations in blood pressure: I advise to monitor your bp, record the results and pass them to your doctor.
- tensed muscles of your back's head
- cervical spondylitis (nerves passing by the cervical area are also passing in the head, including its back)
- neurological issues (anxiety): it might cause increased blood pressure

You can try to take an OTC pain killer. Please bare in mind that some of the pain killers can cause spikes in bp. Report this to your doctor and read the leaflet carefully.

Hope it helped!
Dr.Albana

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar