Experiencing pain when you press on your head can be unsettling and worrisome. This sensation can be due to various factors, ranging from minor to severe conditions. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common reasons why your head might hurt when you apply pressure to it.
1. Tension Headache
One of the most common types of headaches, tension headaches, often result from stress, anxiety, or muscular strain. These headaches typically produce a dull, aching sensation throughout the head, and the scalp, neck, and shoulder muscles might also feel tight or sore. In some cases, pressing on certain areas of the head can worsen the pain of a tension headache.
2. Sinus Headache
Your sinuses are air-filled cavities located within the bones around your nose, eyes, and forehead. An infection or inflammation in these cavities can cause a sinus headache. Sinus headaches usually cause a deep and constant pain in your cheekbones, forehead, or the bridge of your nose. The pain often intensifies with sudden head movements or straining, and pressing on the affected area can also cause discomfort.
3. Migraine
A migraine is a severe type of headache characterized by intense, throbbing pain usually on one side of the head. Some people with migraines may feel pain when touching their scalp, hair, or even when moving their neck. This is due to a phenomenon known as allodynia, which is when you feel pain from stimuli that don’t usually cause pain, such as touch or pressure.
4. Neuralgia
Neuralgia refers to severe, shooting or stabbing pain that occurs along the path of a nerve. If you’re experiencing pain when you press on your head, it could be due to a form of neuralgia, like occipital neuralgia. This condition involves inflammation or injury to the occipital nerves, which run through the scalp. The pain is often described as sharp, jabbing, and can be triggered by pressure or touch.
5. Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJ)
TMJ disorders are problems affecting the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement. This can cause pain in the temple region and the side of the head, which may be sensitive to touch or pressure.
When to See a Doctor
If you consistently feel pain when you press on your head, it’s essential to see a healthcare provider. While many causes are benign and treatable, head pain can sometimes indicate a more serious underlying condition that requires immediate medical attention.
If your head pain is accompanied by symptoms such as sudden, severe headache, fever, stiff neck, confusion, seizures, double vision, weakness, numbness, or speaking difficulties, seek immediate medical attention.
Conclusion
Head pain when pressing on the scalp or forehead can be due to various reasons, such as tension headaches, sinus headaches, migraines, neuralgia, or TMJ disorders. If you’re experiencing this type of pain, don’t ignore it. Reach out to a healthcare provider to get a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Always remember that maintaining regular check-ups and discussing any changes in your health with your healthcare provider can help identify and manage potential issues early.
