A headache may develop at various parts of the head and cause severe pain. They are a common pain complaint and can affect individuals at any age. Seven out of 10 people have at least one headache a year and 45 million Americans suffer from chronic headaches, explains the American College of Physicians. The type of pain experienced with headaches varies from dull to severe, and pain tends to localize to certain areas of the head. When headaches form in the back of the head, they usually have certain causes.
Tension Headaches
Tension headaches are the most common type of headache. They start at the back of the head and move forward with symptoms of tightness and pressure, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center. Those with tension headaches ordinarily experience the worse pain at the back of the neck and head, temples and scalp. They occur when scalp and neck muscles contract or tense up. The muscle contractions may result from stress and muscle tension, as well as from fatigue, overexertion, caffeine, illness, dental problems or alcohol use. Approximately 40 percent of people have experienced either episodic or chronic tension headaches at some point, according to Aetna InteliHealth.
Arthritis Headaches
Arthritis headaches regularly cause pain at the back of the head and neck. The connection between headaches and arthritis depend on location and type of arthritis. Headaches related to neck problems and vertebrae of the neck often result from arthritis in the neck and spine. The National Headache Foundation reports that bone changes in the structure of the neck and inflammation of the blood vessels of the head may cause arthritis headaches. Pain frequently results in the back of the head and worsens with movement.
Migraine
Migraines are a chronic headache that can be debilitating. They cause intense throbbing pain and neurological disturbances. Migraines may be accompanied by auras, which are sensory warnings that a migraine is about to happen. They last six to 48 hours and the pain regularly occurs behind the eyes and the back of the head and neck, according to MedlinePlus. Symptoms of migraines include moderate to severe pain, throbbing, nausea, and increased sensitivity to light, sounds and smells. The exact cause of migraines is unknown, but experts believe they trigger from abnormal brain activity, stress, environmental conditions and certain foods.
Rebound Headaches
Rebound headaches occur from frequent use of pain medications. Pain usually involves the entire head or localizes to certain areas of the head, including the back of the head. These headaches tend to occur every day and persist throughout the day. Both prescription and over-the-counter pain medications are culprits for rebound headaches. Those who take pain medications 10 or more times a month may develop rebound headaches, according to Mayo Clinic. Symptoms include pain and throbbing, restlessness, irritability, anxiety and difficulty concentrating.
