What Causes Burning Headaches & Dealing with Burning Head Pain

Headaches are described in many different ways, including dull pain, sharp pain, throbbing pain, and burning pain. The sensation of burning is very unique and closely linked to cluster headaches. However, sinus headaches are also known to cause burning pain in some people. Burning can be felt at the back of the head, behind the eyes, around the sinuses, and in other parts of the head as well. The focus of this article is burning pain, including what causes the burning feeling and what the elements of this pain are. It will also address treatment strategies for burning headache and back of head pain and how to cope with this burning pain in daily life.

What Causes Burning Headaches?

Cluster headaches are a very severe form of headaches that occur on one side of the head and come and go in cycles. Individuals who suffer from cluster headaches frequently describe the pain they feel as an intense burning. This type of burning sensation is localized on one side of the head and behind one eye.^2,4,5 Sinus pressure caused by a sinus infection may cause a burning feeling as well. Also, a condition known as occipital neuralgia affect the nerves that extend from the spinal cord to the scalp and can create sensations of burning in the head. Nerve problems are often to blame for burning sensations that are distinct from aching, stabbing, and dull head pains.¹

The Elements of Burning Head Pain

Although nothing in the head is literally burning, the sensation can come from inflammation in the sinus passages, which exist behind the cheeks, forehead, and nose. “Burning” isn’t a medical term, but it is the best way to describe the type of pain that feels like one’s head is on fire. Burning sensations are often constant and do not go away quickly on their own without proper treatment. Burning sensations may also be a sign of a more serious medical condition, such as a tumor.

Burning Headache Prevention Tips

While not every headache can be prevented, many of them can be by avoiding well-known triggers and maintaining good overall health. If an individual is diagnosed with cluster headaches, it is advised to avoid drinking alcohol during an attack.² To prevent burning pain associated with sinus headaches, it is necessary to prevent sinus infections that lead to this type of head pain. This may include washing the hands frequently, getting a flu shot, using a humidifier, and quitting smoking.

Treatments for Burning Head Pain

As with the prevention strategies, treatments for burning head pain vary based on what is causing them to occur. It may also help to massage the head and neck to relieve tension and apply a heating pad to these regions as well. Anti-inflammatory drugs may also be recommended to reduce burning pain. Burning headache pain can feel incredibly unbearable, but a combination of these remedies may bring relief without prescriptions or invasive procedures. Regular exercise and sleep may help prevent cluster headaches, as well as avoiding smoking and nicotine products. If these methods aren’t enough, talk to your doctor about medication options for prevention.³

References for What Causes Burning Headaches & Dealing with Burning Head Pain