Why Base of Skull Headaches (Occipital Headaches) Keep Returning in Omaha
If you’ve ever felt a sharp, throbbing pain at the base of your skull, you know how frustrating it can be. Many women in Omaha, Elkhorn, and Gretna experience headaches that just keep coming back, even after massages, painkillers, or other treatments. Understanding the real cause is the first step to lasting relief.
What Are Base of Skull / Occipital Headaches?
Base of skull headaches, also called occipital headaches, are often caused by irritation of the occipital nerves located at the back of your head and upper neck. Unlike tension headaches or migraines that start in the head, these headaches often originate in the neck.
The Most Common triggers include:
- Forward head posture
- Muscle tension in the upper neck and shoulders
- Misalignment of the top cervical vertebrae (C1 & C2)
Symptoms Omaha Patients Notice
Patients with base of skull headaches often report:
- Pain at the back of the head or upper neck
- Pressure or tightness that radiates to the temples or behind the eyes
- Headaches that worsen with prolonged sitting or computer work
- Sensitivity to light or noise in severe cases
- Temporary relief from massages or medications that quickly returns
How Posture and Neck Alignment Create Recurring Pain
Many recurring headaches are caused by forward head posture and upper cervical misalignment.
Here’s how it works:
- Your head drifts forward over time (from phones, computers, or desk work).
- The top two vertebrae (C1 and C2) lose proper alignment.
- Muscles in the neck tighten, irritating the occipital nerves.
- Blood flow and nerve communication to the brain are affected, triggering headaches.
Because the underlying posture and alignment issues aren’t addressed, the pain keeps returning.
Why Temporary Fixes Fail
Many people try:
- Over-the-counter painkillers
- Massages or heat therapy
- Cortisone or trigger point injections
While these can temporarily relieve pain, they don’t fix the root cause: nerve irritation from misaligned cervical vertebrae and postural stress. That’s why headaches keep coming back.
Green Chiropractic’s Approach
At Green Chiropractic in Omaha, we take a different approach:
Posture Correction – Helping your head and neck sit in the proper position
Neck Alignment – Restoring C1 & C2 alignment to reduce nerve irritation
Nervous System Support – Helping your brain and body communicate properly
By addressing the cause rather than just the symptoms, patients often experience lasting relief from occipital headaches.
Take the Next Step
If you’re dealing with base of skull headaches, occipital headaches, or neck tension headaches in Omaha, Elkhorn, or Gretna, it’s time to look deeper.
Learn more about why your headaches keep coming back and schedule a consultation at Green Chiropractic today.
Green Chiropractic also owns the Omaha Headache Clinic in West Omaha.

