Sharp Throbbing pain in the back of my head

[MsFitness215]

I may think it's an occipital headaches but I could be wrong. I am 31 years old female who loves to exercise to the extreme. I am very into fitness and as a matter of fact I'm considering joining a fitness competition next year. However, early last week I was under a lot of stress and confusion on my life since my company is moving to another city and I am considering to move to the city instead of commuting to the new place for at least 1 /12 hours drive vs. to a 30minutes ride on the train . I’ve also has some issues with my friends and perhaps its adding stress for my part.

So one day, as I was doing dips for my warm-up when suddenly I felt like someone had punched me on the left lower back of my head...sharp pain exist followed by a throb with a scalp pain. I couldn't concentrate nor focus to my workout. I ignore the headache and thought it will go a way because I wanted to lift weights on a heavy set. A throbbing pain followed right after I lift a 40lbs. dumbbells and made my workout messed up really bad. The throb went a way after I rested for 5-10minutes, so I thought it was just temporary pain I again tempted to lift heavy but the ache came back which causes me to stop my workout. The pain disappears after 20minutes. However, in the evening I couldn't sleep due to the pain. The pain occurred in 3 consecutive days and lasted for about 10minutes again this happens when I try to lift weights.

I do not understand why I feel such pain. I made my research but I'm not sure if my assumption is right on the dot. Base on my research and the pain that targeting my head is on the occipital lobe area- it does consists of jabbing pain in the distribution of the greater of lesser occipital nerve. Today, the pain shoots up to the left upper back of my head. I don't understand and it's not very pleasant feeling knowing that exercising is my passion to do yet the pain preventing me to concentrate and lift heavy than I usually do. Please help! I am going to see my physicians but I am thinking to see my Optometrist first to see how she can determine and give me knowledge if I'm referring is Occipital part of the head.

According to my other research on this study, standing for a long period of time can cause this headache and as well as being on the computer for long period of time. Well my profession is to seat all day in front of the computer, however since I don't like to seat around I stand in front of my computer and type. I'm not sure if this has something to do with it or I'm assuming it too much. Please help and let me know what will be the close study of my matter.

Thank you and have a great day!

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
It is good to know that you are feeling better. It is alright to proceed with the scheduled physical instead of the neurology consult. This will help in providing a clear picture of what we have. If the cervical collar helps, posture or neck-related musculoskeletal issues may need to be evaluated further by your doctor. Imaging studies like neck x-ray or MRI may be indicated depending on the results. Do keep us posted. Warm regards.

[smb405]

Hi Rowena,
It's been a few days and while the pain is still there when I move my head, cough, etc, it has lessened in severity significantly (ie I was able to mow my lawn & go for a bike ride today). I did start wearing a soft cervical collar when watching TV & using my lap top (I notice more pain while using the laptop due to my head posture) & it seems to help. Anyway, because the pain has lessened, I am waiting until my previously scheduled physical for this Wednesday to talk to my Dr. I just turned 40 so it will be a full physical w/ blood work etc. I'll post anything I learn.  

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
How are you? Exertion Headaches may happen during or following physical exertion or passive exertion such as sneezing, coughing, moving one's bowels, etc. Majority of this is related to migraine or cluster headaches. But extensive testing is necessary to determine the headache cause and to rule out organic causes. I agree with you going to a neurologist to help confirm the underlying cause.  Take care and do keep us posted.

[smb405]

I began having what appeared to be a tension type headache in the back of my head about a week and a half ago.  I was overtired so that's what I attributed it to.  When  it subsided I tried to workout and the back of my head throbbed very badly, so I only made it half way through my workout.  I suffered what I would call migraine headaches for the next several days before going to the doctor. After a few physical tests he said it was Occipital Neuralgia and sent me on my way with advice to take 2 Aleve twice per day....that was it.  Since then (4 days since the doctor appt) I haven't really had a typical tension-type headache but a sharp jabbing pain in the back of my head right about the level of the protruburance of the skull. The pain usually only occurs if I am up and walking, bending over/looking down, brushing my teeth, cough, turning my head etc.  If I am sitting on the couch or lying on my back it seems to be fine.  The pain is so bad though that I must stop what I am doing and sit/lie down. I never get headaches and if I do they usually went away the same day, so needless to say I am very concerned. Tonight I feel a stiffness in the front/sides of my neck/throat. I plan to see my normal doctor and if he tells me the same thing (Occipital Neuralgia) I will insist on seeing a neurologist to confirm and hopefully rule out any other causes (ie tumor, clot etc).  

[Dr Santos]

HI,
It can be shingles because of the presence of neuralgia. This is often considered especially if there is a recent exposure to somebody with chicken pox or the immune system is not finctioning well such as during stress. The virus that is responsible for shingles is the same with chicken pox. And this virus stays in the nerves for a period of time until it becomes active. Take care and warm regards.

[mandynikky]

i had the same shooting pain in one spot on the back of my head 1 in above the neck and 1 inch away from the ear went to er after 4 days explained the constant pain and how it came in intervals founf out that it could be shingles with out the rash. most people get the pain first for a while then a rash. it is the secong stage of chicken pox and can be brought on by stress hope this helps