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!

[osirisz]

I am experiencing the same thing, I too sit at a computer and just started working out as well. I'm really freaked out by this, has anyone else had any suggestions?
Thanks

[taubebecker]

My husband was recently diagnosed with an AV fistula which is an abnormal connection between ann artery and a vein in his head.     He has stroke in his family so when he got the same type headache you describe, we kept going until we found a doctor who could help us.

You probably don't have this,  but I read alot of posts on this site while we were searching for the answer.  
He had migraines ( 1 or 2  a month) for years, but 4 mos ago he got bad, pounding headaches, felt and heard his pulse over his ear.  
He hears it at night when he tries to sleep.    
This sound is called a BRUIT (pronounced bru-wee)  which is NOT normal.  

He had bloodwork and mri's - all normal.    

He went through at least 5 docs.  1st neurologist diagnosed something called occipital neuralgia, and prescribed PT for his neck.
This may well be what you have.    The PT actually helps ---  when he holds his head a certain way, the pain lessens.    

This doctor never even put a stethoscope to his head. He would have heard the bruit.

The radiologist at the mri center told me said my husband should have an MRA (MRI of arteries) so our family doctor ordered it.  
This is a non-invasive, 15 min test...painless.   Came back normal according to the report.
We went to another neurologist who read the CD and FOUND the fistula.    He is surprised the radiologist did not see it on the films.  
We are now in the process of getting this fixed.  

Good luck to you.  Get it checked out.  I don't want to scare you but my husband is very very fit and healthy looking..  
Even very young, fit people can have vascular problems which can be corrected, so do not put off getting it checked out.   Read Ann's story:
http://www.brain-aneurysm.com/lifebap.html

[snofox]

What kind of doctor diagnosed the AV fistula?  My daughter is 40 and is having the same symptoms your husband and MsFitness215 are having.  She is also on a computer all day every day and has alot of stress rides train to work, four children and family problems.  

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

This could be a tension headache although tension headache is a dull pain and not a throbbing one.
Migraine characteristically causes throbbing headache. In some cases monosodium glutamate which is found in abundance in Chinese food also causes a throbbing headache. Bad posture like sitting for prolonged period like you mentioned in front of the computer also causes headache. What medications are you taking for the headache?
I would suggest you to schedule an appointment with a physician and undergo a complete physical examination.

[deputyrm]

i also have pain to the back right side of my head about 1 inch above and behind my ear.  flashes on and off every 30 seconds or so..could this be serious?

[jlopez426]

I just recently started having a sharp, throbbing pain by my occipital on the lower left side on the back of my head. I have noticed that in that same area it is a more swollen than on the right side. When I lift weights or something I feel more pressure on the spot and it throbs until my heart rate slows.... I shake my head & i feel the sharp pain really quick but then I keep shaking my head & i don't feel it anymore. It also hurts a little bit with certain neck & head movements. What can this be?

[skaterdude13]

I have throbbing pains in the back of my head and neck area.  I was mistook for migraines but these affect the sides of the head not necessarily the back.  The symptoms come from sitting in front of a computer with poor posture.  I work or I am at home in front of a computer or TV all day.  I found the headaches and my vision was affected from time to time because of this.  The combination will only accelerate with stress due to fluctuations in blood pressure.  It is impossible to really quell without limiting bad habits.  Pain pills will work with minimal effect on such a horrible pain.  I have never gone to doctor but have reasonably deduced the cause since I had never had symptoms until taking a job with lots of hours and most in front of a computer screen.

[hurting09]

I just started having this sharp pain a couple of days ago. it feels like i'm being jabbed in the back of the head with a pen. The pain is consistent and is not really going away. It only seems to stop when i eat a meal. I'm not over weight or anything, but thats the only time it seems to stop. I just want to no if it's normal or should I have it looked at. I'm a 19 yr old female.

[blue504]

this happens to me when i mop or scrub the floor. besides that  i never have the problem. when i rest it goes away in minutes.

[Timothyttz]

im a 19/M recently i also felt this kind of pain at the left back of the head. and sometimes difficulty or pain in turning my head. I have been working out for almost 3-4 years now, recently less im not overweight nor too skinny. the stabbing pain could last for the whole day and stop for an hour or so before returning.

pls help

[MrSurfer]

           The exact thing happened to me.  I was doing push ups and I pushed myself too hard and I pulled one of the two muscles in the back of my neck.  I couldn't work out for a week and 1/2 or else the pain would come back whenever it felt tension.  REST for about 2 weeks.  (I know that's a lot because I too am involved in fitness).  But I'm almost positive it'll go away.

[Borzoi]

I am 19 years old and having the same sharp, severe pains in the back of my head as well. Sometimes they are as some of you described, feeling as if someone is jabbing a pen in my head and sometimes it's just severe pressure that throbs and aches. It's mainly at the back of my head, but sometimes behind my ears or on the crown.

I'm not sure, but I think I started getting these pains when I got my laptop. I've always laid down on the bed on my stomach (like now....tsk tsk tsk) when working on my laptop and I think the position of my neck and shoulders is messing up the back of my head. I've been dealing with these pains for about 2 years now....and 2 years ago I got my lap top. I also do digital art on the desktop computer and sit for hours in slouched positions and neck hanging ways when drawing....

My worst fear is tumors....

[Buskieboy]

I too get this wicked headache.  Right in the back of my head near the base.  It ONLY happens in the morning when I walk to the car.  I am diabetic and overweight and have trouble walking. I also have a twitchy lower back and it gets VERY sore and tired.  I've noticed that while walking to the car I tend to hold my breath or at least breathe rather shallowly.  As soon as I sit down and try to catch my breath, the headache comes up my shoulders and POUNDS horribly in the base of my head.  I put my head back and grit my teeth and wait for either it to end or the deadly stroke I'm sure must be coming. :P
After 20-30 seconds the pain subsides and I am quite normal (to me haha) with NO residual effects whatsoever.  It is the ONLY time I experience this.  I think like most of us here, it is tension.  Mine caused by my stiffening my neck and shoulders, combined with my lack of oxygen/breathing.  What do others think?  Does this describe anyone else's symptoms?

[highschoolkid]

i am 17 and was at they gym using a  leg press machine and as soon as i got to 50 reps I got a throbbing pain in the back of my head , it went away after about an 1hr but a week has gone by and whenever i try to lift the pain returns and is almost unbearable, plz help!  

[KiLLrB]

I am 30 yrs old and I have been having this problem for 2 years.  Sharp throbbing pain in the lower left side on the back of my head.  I don't sit in front of a computer all day.  The pain only comes when I lay or sit a certain way and last for up 10 mins.  on and off fo about 2 weeks.  Going to the doctor today to find out what could cause this pain.  I will let everyone know what the verdict is so that it could help someone here.

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
How are you? Were you able to go to your doctor? If the pain occurs with a specific posture, this could be musculoskeletal in origin. Imaging techniques such as x-ray may be helpful in ruling this out. Take care and do keep us posted with your check-up. 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

[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.

[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,
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]

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,
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.

[migiros]

hi... lam 18/M and l started having this same pain in the left back of my head a week ago and it cames only when l exercise  and l started to think its cus of l was doing pull ups in my school ones but the bar was very far from ground and when l was done l just let go but when l landed in the ground l felt like my brain shaked inside my skull it was painfull and its exactly that day the first time l felt that pain and from that day on everytime l exercise l feel ur same pain any result on y and how to get rid of it?

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
How are you? Headaches associated with exercise may indeed be due to exertion headaches also. As mentioned earlier, majority of this is related to migraine or cluster headaches. However, extensive testing is necessary to determine the headache cause and to rule out organic causes.At this point, you can avoid physical exertion or take preventive medicines prescribed by your doctor. Have this evaluated further for proper management. Take care and hope to hear from you soon.