Adults only (18+)

How to Relieve Pain at the Base of the Skull

Pain at the base of the skull, also known as occipital pain, can be uncomfortable and sometimes persistent. It can affect your ability to move your head, focus or sleep. Understanding the causes and ways to relieve pain at the base of the skull can help you find effective relief and improve your quality of life.

What Causes Pain at the Base of the Skull?

Pain in this area can be caused by muscle tension or strain, often related to poor posture, stress, or overuse of neck muscles. Conditions such as tension headaches, occipital neuralgia (irritation of the occipital nerves), arthritis of the neck, or injury can also cause pain at the base of the skull.

Poor ergonomics, sleeping in an awkward position, or prolonged use of screens can contribute to muscle tightness in this region.

How Does Pain at the Base of the Skull Feel?

The pain may feel like a dull ache, sharp stabbing, burning or throbbing sensation. It can be constant or intermittent and sometimes radiates to the scalp, forehead or behind the eyes. You might also experience stiffness or reduced range of motion in your neck.

Gentle neck stretches and movements can reduce muscle tension. Slowly tilt your head from side to side, rotate gently and nod up and down within a comfortable range.

Applying heat using a warm compress, heat pack or warm shower helps relax tight muscles and increase blood flow.

Massage can ease muscle knots and improve circulation. You can use your fingertips or a massage tool to gently press around the base of your skull and upper neck.

Over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen may help reduce pain and inflammation. Always follow dosage instructions.

Improving posture during sitting, standing and working can prevent further strain. Use ergonomic chairs, keep screens at eye level and take regular breaks to move and stretch.

Managing stress through relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness or gentle yoga can reduce muscle tension.

When to See a GP

If pain is severe, persistent beyond a few weeks, or accompanied by other symptoms such as numbness, weakness, visual changes or difficulty moving your neck, you should see a GP. Sudden, severe pain after an injury requires urgent medical attention.

Chronic pain at the base of the skull can affect your mood, sleep and daily life. Support from healthcare professionals and loved ones, along with stress management, can improve your overall wellbeing. Avoid NSAIDs and Aspirin
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and aspirin can irritate the stomach lining and worsen ulcers. If you need pain relief, it’s important to talk to your doctor about safer alternatives.

Stay Hydrated & Incorporate Soothing Foods

Drinking plenty of water helps dilute stomach acid and supports digestion. It is best to avoid carbonated drinks as they can increase bloating and discomfort.
Certain foods may help soothe the stomach lining, such as bananas, oatmeal, honey and yoghurt containing probiotics. These can aid digestion and reduce irritation.
Fatty or fried foods can slow digestion and increase acid production, which may worsen ulcer symptoms.
Taking time to chew your food well reduces the workload on your stomach and may lessen discomfort.
Eating slowly in a relaxed environment can reduce stress-related acid production and help manage symptoms.

Elevate Your Head When Sleeping

If you experience acid reflux along with your ulcer, elevating the head of your bed can prevent stomach acid from flowing back into the oesophagus, reducing pain and discomfort, especially at night.

Consider Herbal Remedies with Caution

Some people find relief with herbal teas such as chamomile or licorice root, which may soothe the digestive tract. However, always consult your healthcare provider before trying any herbal supplements, as some can interact with medications or worsen symptoms.
Maintaining regular contact with your healthcare provider to monitor healing and manage any complications is important. Occasionally, a follow-up endoscopy may be recommended to check on the ulcer’s progress.

When to Seek Immediate Help

If you experience sudden, severe stomach pain, vomiting blood, or passing black stools, these could indicate ulcer bleeding or perforation and require urgent medical attention

Final Thoughts

Pain at the base of the skull is often caused by muscle tension and can be relieved with gentle movement, heat, massage and posture improvements. If symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical advice to rule out underlying conditions and get tailored treatment.