Back Of The Head Pain Relief Toronto | Why Does The Back Of My Head Hurt

If you are seeking back of the head pain relief in Toronto , make sure you see someone who is going to find the Core Problem! We specialize in Corrective Chiropractic – restoring the normal function of the spine, nervous system and associated musculoskeletal tissues so that the root cause of symptoms is relieved. If you are suffering from occipital pain (the back of the head), it is important to figure out the underlying cause of the location of the pain is usually not where the problem is. In this article, we will break down the potential sources of occipital pain and discuss how to address them. We think we provide the best back-of-the-head pain treatment in Toronto because of the comprehensive approach we take through our NeuroStructural Restoration process.

Understanding Causes and How To Find The Best Back of the Head Pain Relief in Toronto

Back-of-the-head pain, often characterized by a dull, aching sensation or sharp, stabbing pain, can significantly impact your daily life. As a healthcare professional deeply engaged in understanding and correcting the root causes of musculoskeletal pain, I’m here to shed light on the mechanical causes of this discomfort. By comprehending the underlying factors, we can better manage and potentially alleviate this pain.

Cervicogenic Headaches | Back of the Head Pain Treatment Toronto

One of the most common mechanical causes of back of the head pain is cervicogenic headaches. These headaches originate from the cervical spine – the upper part of your spine that constitutes your neck. The pain is typically referred from the neck to the

back of the head, and it can be triggered by various factors:

1. Poor Posture: Modern lifestyles often involve prolonged periods of sitting, whether at a desk, in a car, or on a couch. Poor posture, especially forward head posture, places excessive strain on the cervical spine. Over time, this strain can lead to cervicogenic headaches by affecting the muscles and joints of the neck (below)
2. Muscle Tension and Spasm: The muscles in your neck and upper back can become tense or spasm due to stress, overuse, or injury. This tension can refer pain to the back of your head. This referral happens in the same way that a heart attack can refer pain to areas of the body not directly associated with the nerves of the heart.
3. Joint Dysfunction: Dysfunction in the joints of the cervical spine, particularly the upper cervical joints (C1-C2), can lead to referred pain in the back of the head. This dysfunction can result from trauma, such as whiplash, or degenerative changes due to aging.

With all of the aforementioned causes, it is important to understand that if you are having a cervicogenic headache and are looking for back of the head back relief in Toronto, examining and if necessary, correcting, the tissues of the neck might be essential to getting relief. Rubbing on the back of the head alone will typically be a waste of time.

Occipital Neuralgia – Back of the Head Pain Treatment Toronto

Occipital neuralgia is a very rare but significant mechanical cause of pain at the back of the head. This condition arises from irritation or injury to the occipital nerves, which run from the top of the spinal cord to the scalp. Symptoms often include:

1. Sharp, Jabbing Pain: This pain is typically described as a stabbing or electric shock-like sensation, which can be triggered by movements of the neck or pressure on the occipital nerves.
2. Tenderness and Sensitivity: The scalp may become tender to the touch, and even minor contact, such as brushing your hair, can provoke pain.
3. Muscle Tightness: Tightness in the muscles around the occipital nerves, often resulting from poor posture, trauma, or repetitive strain, can contribute to occipital neuralgia.

Tension-Type Headaches – Back of the Head Relief Treatment Toronto

While tension-type headaches are often associated with a band-like sensation around the head, they can also present as pain at the back of the head. These headaches are usually caused by:

1. Muscle Strain: Chronic tension in the muscles of the neck and upper back can refer pain to the back of the head. This muscle strain is frequently due to prolonged poor posture, stress, or overuse.
2. Trigger Points: Myofascial trigger points, or “knots” in the muscles, can refer pain to the back of the head. These points often develop in response to muscle overuse or injury.

We have seen and helped hundreds of cases of headaches. For immediate relief from headaches and to find quick back of the head pain relief in Toronto check out our Headache Survival Guide

Degenerative Joint Disease

As we age, the discs in our cervical spine can degenerate, leading to conditions such as degenerative disc disease. This degeneration can result in:

1. Disc Degeneration and Herniation: When a disc in the cervical spine herniates, it can compress nearby nerves, leading to pain that radiates to the back of the head. This is very rare.
2. Facet Joint Arthritis: Degeneration of the facet joints, which are the small joints between the vertebrae, can cause pain that is referred to the back of the head. This is much more common. If you are looking for back of the head pain treatment then this issue must be ruled-out or addressed. The upper cervical spine facet joints can refer pain to the back of the head.

Cervical Spondylosis

Cervical spondylosis, commonly known as cervical osteoarthritis, is another age-related condition that can lead to back of the head pain. It involves the wear and tear of the cervical spine and can result in:

1. Bone Spurs: The formation of bone spurs can compress nerves and cause pain that radiates to the back of the head.
2. Stiffness and Reduced Mobility: Decreased flexibility and range of motion in the cervical spine can lead to muscle strain and referred pain.

Whiplash Injury

Whiplash is a neck injury caused by a sudden, forceful back-and-forth movement of the head, often resulting from car accidents. This injury can lead to:

1. Soft Tissue Damage: Damage to the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the neck can cause pain that radiates to the back of the head.
2. Joint Dysfunction: Injury to the joints in the cervical spine can result in referred pain.

Muscle Imbalance

Muscle imbalances, particularly in the neck and upper back, can contribute to back of the head pain. These imbalances often result from:

1. Prolonged Poor Posture: Slouching, forward head posture, and other poor postural habits can lead to muscle imbalances, with some muscles becoming overactive and tight, while others become weak and overstretched.
2. Repetitive Strain: Repetitive movements or prolonged static positions can create imbalances in muscle strength and flexibility, contributing to pain.