Tight headache at the back of the head

Pressure across the back of the head may come from tight neck and scalp muscles, a prolonged screen posture, jaw clenching, stress, or poor sleep. A Common Cold, Allergic Rhinitis, or Chronic Sinusitis can cause head pressure alongside nasal symptoms. Dehydration and Heat Exhaustion may cause headache with thirst, weakness, dizziness, or feeling overheated. COVID-19 and Dengue Fever can also present with headache, but a headache alone cannot identify an infection.

Describe whether the pain is a band, throbbing, stabbing, or burning sensation and whether movement, coughing, light, fever, or neck movement changes it. These details are more useful than location alone.

Take a break from screens, support your neck, drink fluids, and use a cool or warm pack according to what feels comfortable. Gentle shoulder movement may help if it does not increase pain. Follow the label for any over-the-counter medicine and avoid repeatedly taking painkillers without advice. Record timing, sleep, meals, heat exposure, illness symptoms, and what relieved the pain.

Seek emergency help for a sudden explosive headache, new weakness, numbness, trouble speaking, confusion, seizure, fainting, vision loss, or a stiff neck with fever. Get prompt assessment after head injury, during pregnancy, with repeated vomiting, or when headache is progressively worsening. Arrange a GP Consultation if headaches are new, frequent, changing, or interfering with daily activities.

Ask what headache pattern best fits your symptoms, whether your neck or medication use contributes, and which changes would require urgent review.