Headache at the back of the head on the right side

Tight neck and shoulder muscles can refer pain toward one side of the back of the skull, particularly after sustained posture or a different pillow. Migraine may cause one-sided throbbing or pressure with nausea or sensitivity to light. Sharp, tender, or shock-like pain can occur when nerves at the back of the head are irritated. Fever, congestion, cough, vomiting, heat exposure, or inadequate drinking can accompany an illness or fluid loss. Information about [Heat Exhaustion](/conditions/heat-exhaustion/) and [COVID-19](/conditions/covid-19/) may help with associated symptoms. A right-sided location does not by itself establish a diagnosis.

Write down the start time, duration, intensity, exact area, and any recent stress, poor sleep, exercise, screen work, illness, or injury. Take a break from close visual work, relax your shoulders, drink water, and try a gentle warm or cool compress. Avoid forceful neck manipulation. If you use a non-prescription pain reliever, follow the package directions and ask a pharmacist about interactions or precautions. Book a clinical review if this is a new headache, a frequent problem, or a pattern that is changing.

Call emergency services for an abrupt severe headache or one accompanied by weakness, numbness, confusion, difficulty speaking, collapse, seizure, vision loss, a stiff neck with fever, or persistent vomiting. Seek prompt assessment after a head injury, or when pain steadily worsens, repeatedly wakes you, or is paired with fever. A symptom’s right-sided location does not make it safer or more dangerous; the accompanying features determine urgency.

Could posture, neck muscles, migraine, or a medication be involved? What examination might be useful? Which symptoms mean I should seek urgent help, and what headache diary details would help you?