What Causes Pain At The Base Of The Skull While Having Sinus Infection?

Posted on Tue, 19 Jul 2016

Question: Hi I am experiencing pain in the back of my head, and neck. a soreness. And front of head just kinda of achy, feeling. Sinuses appear to be clear but this did start with a sinus infection, but head pain had subsided but returned a few days ago.

Answered by Dr. Harish Naik (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Muscle spasm - analgesics, sinusitis - symptomatic treatment

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome
I have gone through your query.

I would like to know since when you are having pain in back of the head and neck.
Is there any history of injury? Stretching?

Based on the information I feel pain might be due to muscle spasm and you are also suffering from sinusitis.

For muscle spasms - You should take NSAID like Aceclofenac with muscle relaxants like Chlorzoxazone/ Tizanidine twice daily for 3-5 days based on the response. You can ask your local doctor for prescription of this agent. Along with this hot compression and analgesic gel or spray will be beneficial. Also give rest and avoid any activities that aggravates the pain.

For sinusitis - I would suggest you to avoid cold food, smoking, oily food for few days.
Salt water gargling 3 to 4 times a day for few days.
Drink plenty of water especially warm water.
Early morning drink glass of warm water and tea spoon of honey.
Along with this suck cough lozenges for a few days.
Steam inhalation with few drops of eucalyptus oil in it, three to four times a day.
In case of nasal congestion, you can use nasal decongestant like otrivin. And oral antihistamine like levocetirizine in the night for three days.
You should be fine with these measures.
Hope this helps
Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Harish Naik (5 hours later)

Thank you very much for the quick response, I have started doing most of the sinus treatments you suggested and already i feel clearer. My nose is actually running a lot, which I guess is good for draining.

I did kind of hit the back of my head leaning back in the tub about 4 weeks ago and felt a really bad headache for about a minute or so. The back of my head hurts right at the center and the neck and shoulders. The headache pain went away for about a week but came back. Its currently just a heaviness in front of head but tenderness in the back and neck.

Answered by Dr. Harish Naik (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Follow measures suggested in earlier post

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Good to hear from you, good that you feeling better.
Kindly go for measures suggested in earlier post you should be fine.

Hope this helps
Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee