Headache is familiar to almost every adult. However, it is very different. When you go to the doctor, you need to describe the symptoms very carefully, otherwise it will be almost impossible to make the correct diagnosis. Pressing sensations in the frontal lobe may indicate migraines, acute pain in the temples - problems with the vessels, and why does the heaviness appear in the back of the head? An unpleasant feeling, like a skull filled with lead, thoughts lose their clarity, and performance decreases to almost zero. Let's figure out together what can become the reason and how to deal with this phenomenon.
We deal with sensations
What does the doctor ask first? Where it hurts and how it hurts. The answers to these questions should be as accurate as possible, the whole further process of diagnosis and subsequent treatment depends on this. Heaviness in the back of the head is not all that can be said about her character. Most often, the doctor will try to find out that it still hurts, the head or neck.
The fact is that this area is characterized by a huge number of nerve endings, and therefore the pain that occurs in the upper spine is easily given to the head. It can be vice versa, therefore, only a specialist can make a diagnosis, based on the results of the diagnosis, as well as his own examination. The only thing you can do at home is to try to localize the pain. To do this, ask someone close to give you an acupressure of the head, neck and shoulder girdle. So you understand exactly where the source of pain is, and you can orient the doctor. Heaviness in the back of the head is a very blurred symptom, and until we find out what exactly is the reason, we will not go further.
If the neck hurts
Most often, a preliminary diagnosis in this case is cervical osteochondrosis. If it is not confirmed during the diagnosis, then it is possible that the vector was chosen incorrectly, and the cause must be sought precisely inside the head. In modern life, osteochondrosis is confirmed in almost every second. The reason for this is a sedentary lifestyle and a busy work schedule. As a result, first appears heaviness in the back of the head, and then unpleasant and quite severe pains.
If you are on duty for hours in one position, and the work schedule exceeds acceptable standards, then this problem may affect you. At risk are programmers and cashiers, office workers and drivers. Unpleasant sensations will intensify when moving your head. To make a diagnosis it is extremely important to visit a neurologist or vertebrologist and do therapeutic exercises.
Spondylosis and myogelosis
You need to carefully examine the upper parts of the spine if you regularly experience heaviness in the back of the head. The reasons can be very different, but the sooner the doctor gets to them, the more effective the therapy will be. Let's look at the most common options:
- Cervical spondylosis is a chronic disease in which cracks and tears appear in the cartilage discs. Progression will gradually lead to the development of intervertebral hernia. Usually in this case, the person is haunted by acute pain that pierces the shoulders, back of the head and neck. A sedentary lifestyle can be a catalyst for the development of the disease.
- Myogelosis or muscle tightening. The frantic working rhythm of today makes many people abandon their morning exercises and visit the training room in the evenings. As a result, the muscles just petrify, there is pain in the neck, which gives to the head, stiffness of movements and dizziness. If at the workplace you are sitting in an uncomfortable position, the air conditioner is constantly working nearby or an open window is located, and in addition, you regularly experience stress, do not be surprised that after a while there will be heaviness in the back of the head. The reasons may be different, but all these factors cannot be discounted.
Cervical migraine
This disease is very insidious. It is quite difficult to diagnose, because it does not have specific symptoms (it does not cause changes that can be tracked by analysis). Usually, such a diagnosis is made according to the residual principle, when no other reasons are found. But today new methods for examining the spine have become available, during which it is possible to identify the condition of the arteries. If pathological changes in the bone cartilage structures cause its compression, then the blood supply to the occipital lobes is disturbed. As a result, a person experiences heaviness in the back of the head and neck.
This disease manifests itself quite brightly, causing sharp pain, hearing loss and dizziness. To treat this disease, it is recommended to consult a neurologist. It usually includes medication and massage.
Muscle contraction
If you regularly exercise, this does not mean that you will never visit the heaviness in the back of the head and neck. Yes, these problems are most often associated with physical inactivity, but improper exercise can cause excessive muscle tension. The result is pain, dizziness, and a foreign body sensation. If you feel worse precisely after a workout, then try to fix the neck with a special collar. Limiting mobility for a while should bring relief.
Physical or mental strain
In our century, the need to set records does not surprise anyone. The pace is increasing, and we need to keep up. As a result, one person has a bias towards physical activity, as a result of which there is no time even to read a book, while others cannot afford to walk on foot from work to home, because it is faster to do this by car. Not surprising, because you need to sit down to finish a new project.
As a result, one fine morning there is pain and heaviness in the back of the head. This is not a disease yet, but simply a signal that you should be more attentive to your health. Go to the doctor in time, go through the examination and slightly loosen the grip of the rhythm of your life.
Mental stress and stress
Also a common phenomenon. Everything seems to be in order, and some protracted situation haunts you. The more you worry about this (especially when it comes to significant events, the development of which you are not able to exert any influence on), the brighter the manifestation of symptoms such as heaviness in the back of the head and nausea. The likelihood of developing such symptoms amid a stressful situation increases by the age of 30, and in women it is higher than in men. What to do if the cause cannot be removed? It remains to change their attitude towards her. This will require the help of a psychologist or psychotherapist. Do not be surprised, in some cases, two or three professional consultations allow you to solve more problems than all painkillers that you probably take every day.
Vascular disease
Very often, a feeling of heaviness in the back of the head appears if the blood supply to the brain is disturbed. This is the most important organ of our body, which is extremely sensitive to malnutrition and oxygen metabolism. Any spasm of the cranial arteries leads to the appearance of throbbing pains. They are characterized by amplification at the slightest attempt to move their heads. But at rest, in the twilight, the state becomes more tolerant.
It is characteristic of this condition that starting from the back of the head, the pain gradually covers the frontal part. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor the development of symptoms. Neurologists highlight another point that needs to be considered. If the inflow of fresh blood is disrupted, then a similar process is observed with the outflow of venous blood. The patient experiences dull, bursting heaviness in the back of the head, pressure. Within a few hours, symptoms spread throughout the head, and intensify with coughing and lowering the head. Often the big one complains that he cannot lie, as the symptoms become even stronger. Often pain begins in the morning and is accompanied by swelling of the eyelids.
Increased intracranial pressure
This is the diagnosis most often given to young children. When we grow up, the problems do not go away, but the cranial box becomes larger, and if the excess pressure was associated with mechanical compression of the vessels (for example, ventricles filled with water), now there is enough space for both.
But not all problems are solved so simply, the reasons for the increase in intracranial pressure are also sufficient. Those who are diagnosed with this are well-known for bursting pain in the occipital region. Sensations are amplified by bright light and loud sounds, so at work it is much harder. Heaviness in the head is accompanied by pain in the eyeballs and vomiting. The latter does not bring relief.
Arterial hypertension
The diagnosis may sound differently, in more advanced cases, doctors talk about hypertension. However, the roots are the same, this is excessive blood pressure in the vessels. Hypertensive attacks are characterized by the appearance of bursting pains, which are accompanied by pulsation. They can grow during the day or appear immediately after a night's sleep. Heaviness of the head in the back of the head is not the only symptom. It is joined by general weakness, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, increased pain when trying to tilt your head. In this case, patients note that the pain goes away after vomiting, so if you feel nauseous, but do not restrain yourself.
The risk of developing this disease increases with age. In addition, hereditary predisposition, smoking and alcohol abuse, stress and overweight contribute to increased pressure. The disease can be controlled, but it is necessary to observe a healthy lifestyle and abandon bad habits. Equally important is proper nutrition. Eliminate salt, canned foods and convenience foods, eat as many fresh vegetables and fruits as possible.
Diagnostic measures
If heaviness in the back of the head and dizziness are frequent guests, then you must definitely go to the hospital and undergo an examination. There are too many reasons for a correct diagnosis to be made only on the basis of a description. In addition to collecting an anamnesis about the nature, time and intensity of pain, diagnosis may include a doctor’s examination, blood pressure measurement, ultrasound of the head, electroencephalography, MRI and an ocular fundus examination. In some cases, additional information may be required. This concerns the suspicion of the presence of a tumor. Then a person will need to visit a neurosurgeon.
Therapeutic measures
The heaviness in the back of the head lends itself well to correction using home methods. This does not exclude the need to visit a doctor or undergo the prescribed course of treatment, however, it may be one of the keys to solving the problem. First of all, ventilate the room, the influx of fresh air will immediately alleviate the condition. Lightly massage your neck and neck and lie down on the floor. Now you only need to relax. Try to get out of your head all the problems that haunted you throughout the day. In most cases, this is enough for the pain to recede a little.
To enhance the effect, it is recommended to beat the cabbage leaf and attach it to the head, wipe the temples, forehead and neck with a piece of ice, and also breathe deeply. If folk remedies do not lead to a relief, you can take painkillers. Do not forget that they should also be prescribed by the attending physician, because the range of drugs on the market is very large. A pharmacist can offer hundreds of different names, ranging from “Analgin” to “Summigrain”. Which one will help you?
Traditional medicine recipes
They can not replace a full-fledged treatment, but they have proven themselves well as additional funds. Essential oils are famous for their good analgesic properties. They perfectly increase immunity and have a positive effect on the respiratory system. Lavender, rosemary and peppermint oil can be rubbed into the temples and the base of the skull, accompanied by a light massage. Relief can bring aromatic baths. Basil and sage oil can be added to the water.
Corrective measures
All of the above, you can perform at home and on your own. However, in some cases, patients continue to pursue heaviness in the back of the head and dizziness. The reasons need to be found out at the doctor’s consultation, only in this way the treatment can become effective. A neurologist can choose an individual treatment plan that will be aimed at correcting the underlying disease, which causes pain symptoms. It includes:
- Physiotherapy, electrophoresis and magnetotherapy.
- Massage course.
- Exercise therapy, which allows you to activate blood flow and relieve muscle tension.
- Acupuncture.
- Diagnostic and therapeutic blockade.
- Drug therapy.
The spectrum can be expanded if the attending physician considers it necessary. If a brain tumor was detected during the examination, the patient is referred to the appropriate services that are involved in further examination and treatment. These are oncological dispensaries.
Instead of a conclusion
There are a lot of reasons for the appearance of a headache, while the symptoms can be both obvious and hidden. Therefore, if you regularly experience discomfort, then do not self-medicate. Timely diagnosis and adequate treatment will quickly restore health and prevent further development of the disease. Despite the fact that headaches are considered a common symptom, they can be a bell to the development of a formidable disease.