Sinus pressure at the back of the head

Sinus-related discomfort is more often felt around the forehead, cheeks, eyes, or nose. Pain or pressure near the back of the head can arise from tight neck and scalp muscles, posture, migraine, irritation of nerves, or pain referred from the upper neck. Migraine may shift location and can include facial pressure. A blocked nose, discharge, reduced smell, or fever would make sinus inflammation more relevant, but location alone cannot identify the cause.

Change position, relax your shoulders, take screen breaks, and use gentle neck movement if it does not increase pain. Rest, regular fluids, and a quiet environment may help. Note whether the pressure follows prolonged desk work, poor sleep, exercise, coughing, or head movement. Use a suitable pain reliever only as directed and check with a pharmacist if you take other medicines or have a chronic condition.

Seek urgent care for a sudden severe headache, weakness, numbness, confusion, fainting, speech difficulty, new vision change, seizure, or fever with a stiff neck. Get prompt assessment after head injury, or for worsening pain with repeated vomiting, facial swelling, or a new neurological symptom. Make an appointment if pressure persists, recurs often, or limits sleep and daily activity.

Ask whether the location and triggers fit tension headache, migraine, neck-related pain, or sinus disease. Discuss whether an examination is needed, which self-care measures are appropriate, and how to use pain relief without causing medication-overuse headaches.