Chiropractor Tilburg – headache in the back of the head, what does that mean?

Headaches at the back of the head are often caused by tension or irritation in the neck and upper spine. The neck muscles and cervical vertebrae are directly connected to the nerves that run toward the back of the head, which means problems in that area can manifest as headaches. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about this type of headache and what you can do about it.

What causes headaches at the back of the head?

Headaches at the back of the head are usually caused by tension, irritation, or pressure on the nerves and muscles around the neck and upper spine. The occipital nerves, which run from the cervical spine to the back of the head, play a central role in this. When these nerves become compressed or irritated, the pain radiates to the back of the head and sometimes to the sides of the head as well.

There are several common causes of this type of headache:

• Muscle tension in the neck: Sitting at a screen for extended periods, stress, or an improper sleeping position can overload the neck muscles.
• Joint irritation in the cervical spine: Minor misalignments or stiffness in the upper cervical vertebrae can put pressure on surrounding nerves.
• Occipital neuralgia: A specific condition in which the occipital nerves are inflamed or compressed, leading to shooting or throbbing pain at the back of the head.
• Posture and working position: A forward-leaning head position, such as when using a smartphone, significantly increases the load on the cervical vertebrae.

It is important to understand that headaches at the back of the head rarely occur in isolation. In most cases, they are a signal that something is not right in the structure or function of the neck and spine.

What is the difference between neck pain and headaches at the back of the head?

Neck pain and headaches at the back of the head are closely related but not the same thing. Neck pain is felt primarily in the neck itself, while headaches at the back of the head describe pain that radiates from the neck into the rear of the skull. They share the same origin but have different patterns of radiation.

In practice, the two complaints often go hand in hand. Someone with neck pain frequently notices the pain traveling upward toward the back of the head — sometimes all the way to the top of the head or behind the eyes. This phenomenon is known as cervicogenic headache: a headache that originates in the cervical spine, that is, in the neck.

The distinction is clinically relevant because the treatment differs from other forms of headache such as migraine or tension headaches that are unrelated to the neck. With cervicogenic headache, the approach focuses on the spine and nervous system, not just the head itself.

When is a headache at the back of the head a signal to take action?

A headache at the back of the head is a signal to take action when the symptoms recur regularly, persist for more than a few days, or are accompanied by other symptoms such as neck stiffness, tingling in the arms, or dizziness. An occasional headache after a poor night’s sleep or a stressful day is less concerning than persistent or worsening complaints.

Pay particular attention to the following warning signs:

• Headache that worsens with every neck movement
• Tingling or numbness in the arms or hands
• Dizziness or balance problems in combination with neck complaints
• Headache that is already present upon waking in the morning
• Symptoms that occur weekly or more frequently

A sudden, very severe headache that feels different from usual always requires immediate medical attention. In that case, it is advisable to consult a doctor first to rule out serious causes.

How does a chiropractor treat headaches at the back of the head?

A chiropractor treats headaches at the back of the head by restoring the function of the cervical spine. Through targeted manipulations and mobilizations of the cervical vertebrae, the chiropractor reduces pressure on the nerves that run to the back of the head. This addresses the root cause rather than simply suppressing the pain.

Treatment always begins with a thorough assessment of the symptoms, posture, and spine. Based on this, the chiropractor develops a treatment plan that may include:

• Chiropractic adjustments: Gentle corrections of the upper cervical vertebrae to improve mobility and reduce nerve pressure.
• Soft tissue therapy: Treatment of tense muscles around the neck and base of the skull.
• Postural advice: Practical recommendations for working posture, sleeping position, and daily habits that contribute to the complaints.
• Exercises and lifestyle guidance: Targeted exercises to strengthen the neck muscles and keep the spine stable.

Chiropractic care focuses on the nervous system as the connection between the brain and the body. By properly aligning the spine, communication through the nervous system improves and the body is given the opportunity to heal itself. This is a fundamentally different approach from painkillers, which do not resolve the underlying issue.

Do you need a referral from your doctor to see a chiropractor in Tilburg?

No, you do not need a referral from your doctor to visit a chiropractor. You can contact us directly and make an appointment, even if you have never seen a chiropractor before. This makes chiropractic care easily accessible, especially for acute complaints that require prompt attention.

Many people wait a long time before seeking help, partly because they think they need to see their doctor first. That is not the case. A chiropractor is an independent healthcare provider who makes their own diagnosis and develops a treatment plan. If there is any doubt about the cause of the complaints, or if there are signs that require medical attention, the chiropractor will refer you to the appropriate specialist.

How Ruggensteun helps with headaches at the back of the head

At Ruggensteun, we treat headaches at the back of the head by addressing the root cause in the spine and nervous system. We look beyond the pain itself and search for the structural cause, so that symptoms do not keep coming back. Here is what you can expect from us:

• A comprehensive intake appointment during which we thoroughly analyze your symptoms, posture, and spine
• Specialized chiropractic treatments, including advanced techniques such as Y-strap and CFR
• Personal attention and clear explanations of the cause of your complaints and the treatment plan
• No referral needed, with appointments available quickly — even for acute complaints
• Locations in Eindhoven and Valkenswaard, both with free parking

Are you suffering from recurring headaches at the back of the head and would you like to find out how we can help you? Book an appointment directly through our website or find more information at ruggensteun.com.