Have you ever wondered why your base of the skull hurts?
It can be extremely frightening, especially if it spreads. We asked our expert team for their thoughts on the causes of pain and how to alleviate it.
 |
| What is the source of the ache at the base of my skull? |
Tension headaches
So you've Googled "pain at the base of my head" and are trying to figure out what's causing it... In a nutshell, a tension headache is the most common cause of pain.
Tension headaches are produced by muscle tension and trigger points that build up in the neck and head's surrounding muscles. All of the muscles in the neck that control movement are quite tiny. They're all in charge of the upper cervical spine and skull's fine movements. These muscles can become tense for a variety of reasons, including:
- Eyestrain
- Adopting a slouching posture
- Stress
- Trauma
Tension headaches, on the other hand, are most commonly caused by stress.
What is the nature of the pain?
This pain is described as a dull heaviness that begins at the base of the skull and travels across the eyes like a band. It can also travel up your neck, to the backs of your shoulders, and to the upper trapezius fibers. As a result, touching or stretching these muscles may be painful.
Various types of headaches
Tension headaches are divided into two categories: episodic and chronic. Periodic headaches might last anywhere from 30 minutes to a week. These are uncommon, occurring only once every 15 days over the course of a month. A chronic tension headache, on the other hand, might occur for more than 15 days in a month and linger for more than three months. If the pattern of your headache changes, the frequency increases to more than twice a week, or you are concerned that the headache has become chronic, contact your physiotherapist or GP for medical advice.
What is the source of the ache at the base of my skull?
Occipital Neuralgia is a type of pain that develops at the base of the skull. Tension headaches are frequently confused with this pain. There are, however, a few distinctions between the two. Occipital Neuralgia causes piercing, throbbing, or electric shock symptoms in the upper neck, base of the skull, and back of the ears. It's possible that the skull is sensitive to touch, making looking into light painful.
Irritation or damage to the greater and lesser occipital nerves can cause these symptoms. This might be sudden, as a result of a trauma, or gradual, as a result of the muscles surrounding the neck tightening and compressing the nerves. The good news is that it isn't life-threatening and may be treated effectively with heat, rest, anti-inflammatories, and a physiotherapy treatment plan.
How to Get Rid of a Tension Headache
Make sure your eye examinations are up to date.
Whether you're getting your first eye exam or scheduling a review if it's been more than two years since your last one.
Examine your work area!
Slouching into your chair or bending forward to access the screen is not recommended. Your feet should be flat on the ground and your hips and knees should be at a 90-degree angle. Your elbows should be resting on the armrests or table, and your back should be straight and supported. If you're unsure, request a desk evaluation from your boss.
Maintain as much mobility as possible in your neck and head.
Breaks should be taken on a frequent basis to allow your head and spine to move naturally. This also keeps muscles from contracting.
Introduce yoga or meditation to the group.
These activities might help you get rid of any tension headaches that you may be experiencing as a result of being stressed.
Furthermore, live a healthy lifestyle. This includes getting adequate sleep, quitting smoking, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy, balanced diet. Finally, drink plenty of water and keep your alcohol, caffeine, and sugar intake to a minimum.
Comments
Post a Comment