From the Guidelines
Occipital headaches are primarily caused by tension in the neck muscles, occipital neuralgia, or cervical spine issues. The exact cause of an occipital headache can vary, but it is often related to referred pain from the cervical spine or tension in the suboccipital muscles 1.
Possible Causes
- Tension in neck muscles
- Occipital neuralgia (inflammation of occipital nerves)
- Cervical spine issues
- Poor posture
- Stress and tension
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis of occipital headaches typically involves a physical examination and medical history to rule out other potential causes of headache, such as migraine or cluster headaches 1. Treatment options may include:
- Over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen (400-600mg every 6 hours) or acetaminophen (500-1000mg every 6 hours) for mild to moderate pain
- Prescription medications like muscle relaxants or preventive medications for more severe or frequent headaches
- Physical therapy to address cervical spine issues or tension in the suboccipital muscles
- Lifestyle modifications, such as maintaining good posture, practicing stress reduction techniques, and ensuring adequate hydration and regular sleep patterns It is essential to seek medical attention if the headache is sudden and severe, accompanied by fever, vision changes, confusion, or follows head trauma, as these could indicate a more serious condition requiring urgent evaluation 1.
From the Research
Causes of Occipital Headache
The causes of an occipital headache can be attributed to various factors, including:
- Occipital neuralgia, a condition characterized by paroxysmal lancinating pain in the distribution of the greater, lesser, or third occipital nerves 2, 3, 4
- Cervicogenic headache, a type of headache disorder that originates from the cervical spine 2
- Migraine, a primary headache disorder that can cause occipital pain 2, 5, 6
- Postconcussive headache, a type of headache that occurs after a head injury 5
- Cluster headache, a rare and severe type of headache that can cause occipital pain 5
Pathophysiology
The pathophysiology of occipital headache is complex and involves the greater, lesser, and third occipital nerves, which can be irritated or compressed, leading to pain in the occipital region 3, 4. The pain can be sharp, stabbing, and intermittent, and can radiate to the front of the head, face, and ears 3, 4.
Triggers
Various triggers can contribute to the development of occipital headache, including: