Causes of a Headache at the Base of the Neck
Tension headaches, causing pain at the base of the neck, are the most common type of headache by a wide margin. The area between the upper cervical spine and the base of your skull is termed the sub-occipital region. This area is rich in nerve fibers, joints and small muscles -- all of which are capable of generating pain. Because this pain can indicate a life-threatening condition, see your doctor for an accurate diagnosis if you experience these symptoms.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Excessive Muscle Tension
Although not completely understood, tension headaches are assumed to be partly related to excessive muscle tension and contraction in the upper shoulders, neck, sub-occipital region and scalp. This tension is usually caused by sustained stress and poor posture, leading to inflammation and dull, achy pain. Tension headaches produce mild to moderate levels of diffuse pain distributed around the head in a band-like pattern that includes the back of the head and base of the neck.
Tension headaches may also result from changes among certain brain chemicals, such as serotonin and endorphins, which activate pain pathways and interfere with the brain's ability to suppress pain. In addition to stress and poor posture, jaw clenching, depression, dehydration and weak muscles could contribute to tension headaches and pain at the base of the neck.
- Although not completely understood, tension headaches are assumed to be partly related to excessive muscle tension and contraction in the upper shoulders, neck, sub-occipital region and scalp.
- In addition to stress and poor posture, jaw clenching, depression, dehydration and weak muscles could contribute to tension headaches and pain at the base of the neck.
Upper Neck Dysfunction
What Happens to the Brain When You Get a Headache?
Learn More
Cervicogenic headache pain is usually dull and localized near the base of the head, although it can become sharp with sudden neck movements, spreading up to the top of the head. Upper neck dysfunction can be caused by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, apophyseal joint impingement or dislocation, nerve root irritation, and bulging intervertebral discs.cause:
- Upper neck dysfunction can be caused by osteoarthritis
- rheumatoid arthritis
- apophyseal joint impingement or dislocation
- nerve root irritation,
- bulging intervertebral discs
Disease Processes
Disease processes can cause headaches at the base of your neck. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that both bacterial and viral meningitis often start with a headache and a stiff neck, but usually also include fever, nausea and sensitivity to light 2.
Related Articles
References
- The Journal of Headache and Pain: Manual Therapies for Cervicogenic Headache -- A Systematic Review
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Meningitis Symptoms
- Chiropractic Management of Spine Related Disorders; Meridel Gatterman D.C.
- Ahmed F, Khalil M, Parthasarathy R. Chronic daily headaches. Ann Indian Acad Neurol. 2012;15(5):40. doi:10.4103/0972-2327.100002
- Rizzoli P, Mullally W. Headache. Am J Med. 2018;131(1):17-24. doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2017.09.005
- Tension headache: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. Medlineplus.gov. Updated November 22, 2017.
- Mukamal K, Wellenius G, Suh H, Mittleman M. Weather and air pollution as triggers of severe headaches. Neurology. 2009;72(10):922-927. doi:10.1212/01.wnl.0000344152.56020.94
- Gauer RL. Early recognition and management of sepsis in adults: the first six hours. Am Fam Physician. 2013;88(1):44-53.
- Ferini-Strambi L, Galbiati A, Combi R. Sleep disorder-related headaches. Neurol Sci. 2019 May;40(Suppl 1):107-113. doi: 10.1007/s10072-019-03837-z.
- Headache Medications: Relief & Treatment | Cleveland Clinic. Cleveland Clinic. Updated July 8, 2014.
- Bougea A, Spantideas N, Chrousos GP. Stress management for headaches in children and adolescents: A review and practical recommendations for health promotion programs and well-being. J Child Health Care. 2018 Mar;22(1):19-33. doi: 10.1177/1367493517738123. Epub 2017 Nov 1.
- Georgoudis G, Felah B, Nikolaidis P, Damigos. The effect of myofascial release and microwave diathermy combined with acupuncture versus acupuncture therapy in tension-type headache patients: A pragmatic randomized controlled trial. Physiother Res Int. 2018 Apr;23(2):e1700. doi: 10.1002/pri.1700. Epub 2017 Dec 20.
- Bougea A, Spantideas N, Chrousos GP. Stress management for headaches in children and adolescents: A review and practical recommendations for health promotion programs and well-being. J Child Health Care. 2018 Mar;22(1):19-33. doi: 10.1177/1367493517738123. Epub 2017 Nov 1.
- Ferini-Strambi L, Galbiati A, Combi R. Sleep disorder-related headaches. Neurol Sci. 2019 May;40(Suppl 1):107-113. doi: 10.1007/s10072-019-03837-z.
- Georgoudis G, Felah B, Nikolaidis P, Damigos. The effect of myofascial release and microwave diathermy combined with acupuncture versus acupuncture therapy in tension-type headache patients: A pragmatic randomized controlled trial. Physiother Res Int. 2018 Apr;23(2):e1700. doi: 10.1002/pri.1700. Epub 2017 Dec 20.
Writer Bio
Aironius French has been writing professionally since 1999, when he became a clinical chiropractic physician. His health-related articles have appeared in the newspapers "Calgary Sun," "Calgary Herald," "Ajo Corridor Times" and "Rocky Point Times" and in "Penasco" magazine. French holds a Bachelor of Science in physical anthropology and human development from the University of Calgary and a doctorate from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College.