What Causes Pressure Feeling At The Base Of Skull?

Posted on Tue, 13 Oct 2015

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

Tue, 13 Oct 2015 Answered on

Tue, 3 Nov 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello, for several days now I have had tightness in the center base of my skull. It is not like a headache but feels like a straining or tightening. What causes this?.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (17 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Muscles related condition.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.

I have read your question and understand your concerns.

Symptoms you describe seem to be related most likely to muscles conditions.

These include muscles strain, bad neck and head position, trauma, head sudden movements.

Arthritis of the upper cervical spine could result in similar symptoms too.

If no other symptoms related to neck condition such pain in shoulders or arm(s) numbness, then you shouldn't worry more than necessary.

Your symptoms can be improved by NSAID drugs such ibuprofen and by local warm procedures.

If symptoms persist more than a week after these measures, further evaluation needed by your primary care Doctor and tests such x-rays of the neck as a start.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar