Why Do I Have Pain At The Base Of My Head At The Back?

Posted on Sat, 23 Jun 2018

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

Sat, 23 Jun 2018 Answered on

Fri, 4 Feb 2022 Last reviewed on

Question : I have pain at the base of my head by the neck but not the neck...second day..back of my head

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Please check your blood pressure first.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Episodes of high blood pressure may cause pain in the back of the head, so, measuring the blood pressure for a couple of days is necessary to evaluate correctly this possibility.

If no high blood pressure, then occipital neuralgia, a condition caused by the compression of the upper cervical nerves as they exit the cervical column, or during their pathway, should be considered.

In such case, simple painkillers may help alleviate the pain.

Please discuss with your primary care Doctor about these issues.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee