Is anyone waking up with a really bad headache at the back of head.

[EachandEveryone]

Myself and my lodger every morning lately. Really tender scalp and a pounding head right at the back. Is it anything to do with us having to wear masks for 12 hours do you think? Is it a sign of something?

Possibly the mask, do you have a carbon monoxide monitor in the house? Have you had the boiler checked / serviced lately? Are you drinking enough water in the warmer weather? And is it worth seeking a COVID test?

Same here. Head feels like it is about to burst. Took 20 mins on Monday morning to be able to sit up in bed. I think it is a mixture of hayfever and the humidity and airpressure.

It is most likely the mask but do get a carbon monoxide monitor. Always have one of those. I had a leak years ago and the main symptom was headaches and dizziness.

Regarding masks and headaches:

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16441251/

I was going to say dehydration or the heat at the moment but as it’s both of you I’d check carbon monoxide in the house. Do you have a detector? I think one of the signs is a headache

Yes- but I haven’t been wearing a mask.

Assuming you’re wearing a cloth mask or similar I doubt it’s that. If masks caused breathing problems no surgeon would survive a career wearing them for entire working days at a time!

I would definitely second the advice to check carbon monoxide levels in your house, and if that’s ok there are absolutely loads of things that can cause the headache you describe; dehydration, poor posture, stress, tiredness, sleeping for too long etc etc. Have a look at the nhs website: www.nhs.uk/conditions/headaches/

Yes it gets checked every year

Worth noting that the study posted above was looking at N95 masks, which are an entirely different kettle of fish than a simple surgical mask or the cloth masks we are being encouraged to wear. N95 masks have to be very tight-fitting in order to work effectively, and the general consensus is that any headaches are the result of the pressure of the mask.

Back of the head can very often be tension from your shoulders. Your trapezius muscles run up into the back of your head and can cause headaches not only at the front but all around the head like a headband.

If you're tired or stressed you unconsciously raise your shoulders which then causes muscle to tighten in your neck which can cause headaches.

Painkillers and a heat pack around your neck and shoulders, and if you can, get someone to to massage your shoulders firmly!

Me the last couple of nights. Pretty sure it's hayfever related.

Is your lodger also wearing a mask all day too OP? It's strange that you are both suffering this identical symptom, if not, and suggests there is something in your home that is causing the problem.

I tend to get a headache like that when I'm dehydrated and particularly if I've drunk alcohol. It is very hot at the moment, so are you both drinking enough water each day? 1.5 - 2 litres is recommended. Are you drinking alcohol in the evenings? If you can't find a logical explanation I'd call your GP for a chat.

I suffered headaches and sore neck and someone suggested to buy new pillows..guess what problem bloomin solved!!

Might be worth a try??

Its just really weird its right at the back shes been sent home early.

Could it be a tension headache OP? That feels like a vice around the back of your head.

Yep, mines shoulder tension and from clenching my teeth. Turns out that Covid is stressful

We're gearing up to have more storms over the next few days, could be that. I used to get terrible headaches when it was stormy/raining but not since going throught menopause, weirdly.

Me too. This morning. I don't wear a mask. I took 2 ibuprofen and still the pain didn't stop. I took 2 paracetamol 2 hours later and washed my hair and felt better.