What Does Headache On Top Of The Head Mean and How To Treat It?

11 Feb

Experiencing a headache on the top of your head can be frustrating and concerning. Whether it's a dull ache, a sharp stabbing sensation, or a throbbing pain, discomfort in this area can disrupt your day. While headaches are common, the location and nature of the pain can provide clues about the underlying causes.

In this article, we’ll explore why you might feel pain in the head on top, potential triggers, and effective ways to treat headaches naturally.

What Are The Symptoms Of A Headache On Top Of The Head?

Headaches that occur at the crown of the head can manifest in different ways, depending on the cause. Common symptoms include:

Dull, aching pain that spreads across the top of the head.
Severe, sharp pain that comes in waves or occurs suddenly.
Pressure-like discomfort, as if a tight band is wrapped around your skull.
Throbbing pain, which may indicate a top of the head migraine.
Tenderness or soreness when touching the area.

Other accompanying symptoms can include nausea, dizziness, fatigue, or sensitivity to light and sound—especially if the headache is migraine-related.

What Causes Pain On The Top Of Your Head?

Several factors can contribute to a headache on the top of the head. Common causes include:

1. Tension Headaches

One of the most frequent culprits, tension headaches create a band-like pressure around the head, often affecting the top as well. They are triggered by:

Stress or anxiety
Poor posture
Eye strain from screens
Dehydration

2. Migraines

A top of the head migraine can cause severe, throbbing pain that lasts for hours or even days. Migraines are often accompanied by:

Nausea or vomiting
Sensitivity to light and sound
Aura (visual disturbances like flashing lights or zigzag lines)

3. Dehydration Headaches

Not drinking enough water can lead to a sore head on top due to a lack of fluid balance in the body. This type of headache often improves with hydration.

4. Cervicogenic Headaches

These originate from neck issues, such as muscle tension, poor posture, or cervical spine problems, and can cause pain on top of the head.

5. Exertion Headaches

If you experience a sharp headache after intense physical activity, such as weightlifting or running, it could be an exertion headache caused by increased blood flow to the brain.

6. Cluster Headaches

Though rare, cluster headaches are excruciating and typically occur on one side of the head. They can radiate to the top and are often accompanied by eye redness or nasal congestion.

Migraine Symptoms: How To Recognize And Manage An Attack

Migraines can be debilitating, and recognizing them early is key to effective management. Common migraine symptoms include:

Throbbing pain on one or both sides of the head
Aura (visual disturbances, tingling, or numbness)
Sensitivity to light, sound, or smells
Nausea or vomiting

Managing Migraines:

Stay hydrated and avoid dehydration headaches.
Limit caffeine and alcohol, which can trigger attacks.
Try relaxation techniques, such as hypnosis for chronic pain management.
Get adequate sleep—self-hypnosis can aid in better rest. Try the Reveri self-hypnosis app for guided relaxation.

Headache On Top Right Side Of Head Causes

If you feel pain on the top right side of your head, possible causes include:

Migraine (often affects one side more than the other)
Cluster headache (sharp, severe pain)
Tension headache (can be one-sided or across the head)
Neck strain (poor posture or sleeping position)

Headache On Top Left Side Of Head Causes

A headache on the top left side of the head may be due to:

Tension or stress headaches
Cervicogenic headaches (related to neck tension)
Migraines
Sinus pressure headaches

How To Treat Headache Naturally?

If you’re looking for natural ways to relieve headaches on top of your head, consider these approaches:

1. Hydration

Drinking enough water can prevent dehydration headaches.

2. Stress Reduction

Stress is a major headache trigger. Practices like meditation, deep breathing, and self-hypnosis can help.

3. Proper Posture

Slouching or craning your neck at a screen can strain muscles, leading to headaches.

4. Sleep Hygiene

Poor sleep can make headaches worse. If you struggle with insomnia, self-hypnosis for better sleep can help.

5. Hypnosis for Pain Relief

Studies show that hypnosis can help manage chronic pain conditions, including headaches and migraines. Reveri’s hypnosis app provides easy-to-use, clinically-backed self-hypnosis sessions that can help relieve pain without medication.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Migraines can occur anywhere in the head, but when felt at the top, it may be due to tension, dehydration, or triggers like bright lights, stress, or certain foods.
A stroke-related headache is typically sudden and severe, often described as the worst headache of your life. If you experience slurred speech, weakness, or confusion alongside the headache, seek emergency medical care immediately.
A headache in this area can be caused by tension, migraines, dehydration, or exertion headaches. Identifying patterns in your pain can help determine the cause.
Most headaches aren’t serious, but if the pain is sudden, severe, or persistent, or if it comes with neurological symptoms like weakness or confusion, consult a doctor.
Dehydration headaches often cause a dull ache, worsened by movement, and improve after drinking water.
1. Prodrome – Early warning signs (fatigue, mood changes).
2. Aura – Visual disturbances (not in all migraines).
3. Attack – Throbbing pain, nausea, sensitivity to light/sound.
4. Postdrome – Fatigue or brain fog after the migraine subsides.

Find Natural Relief with Reveri Hypnosis

If you're tired of dealing with chronic headaches and want a non-medication approach, try Reveri's hypnosis app. Hypnosis is a safe, effective way to manage pain naturally—without side effects.

Start your journey to headache relief today with Reveri!

Shelby Smith