OpenHealth Q&A

Get answered by medical professionals

Seeking Thoughts on an Ongoing Concern

6/27/2025, 11:10:21 PMMale25-34

I’m a 32-year-old male, standing at 183 cm and weighing 58 kg, identifying as white British. For the past two months, I have been experiencing a recurring discomfort at the back of my head. There are no other significant medical conditions affecting me, and I’m not taking any medications at the moment. I’m reaching out to see if anyone has insights on what this issue might be. It's been quite bothersome and painful at times. Any feedback would be appreciated!

Multiple SclerosisCOPDInternal Medicine

Answers (1)

Cony

6/27/2025, 11:10:41 PM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you’ve been dealing with some persistent discomfort at the back of your head for the past couple of months, which can indeed be bothersome. Let’s explore potential causes and actionable steps you can take.

Key Points:

  1. Possible Causes: Recurring discomfort at the back of the head can result from tension headaches, muscle strain, poor posture, or stress. Less commonly, it might indicate issues like migraines or, in rare cases, neurological concerns.
  2. Symptom Management: There are practical strategies you can implement to alleviate your discomfort.

Explanation:

The back of the head is often a site for tension headaches, which can occur due to muscle tightness or stress. Factors like prolonged computer usage, poor ergonomics, and a lack of physical activity can contribute to this pain. It's also important to consider lifestyle factors such as sleep quality and stress levels.

Next Steps:

  1. Posture Check: Ensure that your workspace is set up ergonomically. Keep your computer screen at eye level and take regular breaks to stretch.
  2. Stress Management: Incorporate relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga into your routine to help manage stress, which can contribute to tension headaches.
  3. Regular Exercise: Engage in regular physical activity to promote overall well-being and reduce muscle tension. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days.
  4. Monitor Symptoms: Keep a diary of your headaches, noting their frequency, duration, and any triggers. This information can be valuable if you seek further advice later.
  5. Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help manage discomfort. Be sure to follow the recommended dosages.

If your symptoms worsen or do not improve with these strategies, it would be wise to seek medical advice to rule out any underlying concerns. Please remember that taking care of your overall health and well-being can also make a significant difference. Let me know if you have any further questions or need clarification on any point!

Related Questions

Concerns About Infection Following Tooth Extraction

Hello! I apologize for the lengthy explanation, but I wanted to provide some background. Approximately seven years ago, I had a root canal that unfortunately became severely infected. The initial indication was a nightly fever that would rise significantly. After consulting with my dentist, I was prescribed Azithromycin and managed to take three doses. Subsequently, my oral surgeon transitioned my treatment to Amoxicillin, which I also took for three days but discovered I cannot tolerate. There was a week-long interval between the onset of the fever and the actual extraction of the tooth. During my visit, the oral surgeon recognized the urgency and performed the extraction on the same day. I received Rocephin through an IV to assist with the infection. After the extraction, I returned to the Z-pack antibiotic the following day and completed the regimen. Fast forward to eight days post-extraction, I experienced a low-grade fever again. A visit to the orthodontist revealed that the extraction site appeared to be healing perfectly, but my throat was noticeably red, leading them to suspect a Covid infection. A subsequent visit to my doctor confirmed a positive Covid test. Interestingly, I haven't felt significantly ill beyond the persistent low-grade fever. There have been occasional burning sensations in my nose and a slight sore throat, but that's the extent of my symptoms. Typically, when I get sick, I experience severe symptoms rather than mild ones. Now, it has been 11 days since my extraction, and I took two at-home Covid tests today—48 hours after my initial positive result at the doctor's office—and both came back negative. Since last night, I have felt a profound exhaustion, accompanied by eye discomfort. The low-grade fever and chills persist intermittently, but my main concern lies in my overwhelming fatigue and the odd sensations in my head. My heart rate has been slightly elevated, and I've also experienced nausea and a diminished appetite. Thankfully, the extraction site looks good and is not painful apart from occasional mild discomfort and sensitivity. I can't shake the fear that the infection may have spread to other areas of my body, with the Covid diagnosis masking the actual problem, which I doubt I genuinely have. I am particularly anxious about the possibility of sepsis, as I have a rather weak immune system. Should I be worried about this situation? I sincerely appreciate anyone who takes the time to read and respond to my concerns.

Multiple SclerosisLupusInternal Medicine
Male25-34
35 minutes ago

Post-Exercise Headache After Hamstring Workout

Age update: I'm actually 34 years old, not 24. Apologies! I use a specific machine at my gym to focus on building strength in my hamstrings. While using this equipment, I lie flat on my back with my arms extended in front of me, positioning my head lower than my chest. As I curl my legs upwards towards my hamstrings, I complete three repetitions. However, as soon as I sit up after my workout, I experience an intense headache that feels as if my skull is under immense pressure, almost like it could burst. It reminds me of the sensation of a pressure cooker, with heavy weight compressing my head. I’m confident that my breathing technique is appropriate since I inhale when lowering the weight and exhale when lifting it. I suspect this might be related to postural syncope. I typically reserve this machine for the end of my workout since it leaves me feeling incapacitated for about half an hour after use. Do you have any suggestions for alleviating this issue?

COPDInternal MedicineEndocrinology
Male25-34
35 minutes ago

Interpreting My Vaginal Swab Results

Subject: Female, Age 31 A few months back, I was treated for bacterial vaginosis (BV) and, after completing the therapy, underwent a swab test that indicated normal findings. However, upon reviewing the results, I noticed the following details: - Genital microscopy, culture, and sensitivity testing revealed no pathogens detected. - There was an absence of fungal yeasts in the culture. - A note specified that a smeared slide should be submitted for microscopy regarding bacterial vaginosis. - Additionally, my specimen was not assessed for the presence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae; thus, if there's a concern over this particular infection, a cervical swab is recommended. I'm curious about the comment suggesting the submission of a smeared slide for bacterial vaginosis. Does this imply they still suspect that I may have it? I appreciate any insights!

DiabetesInternal MedicineRheumatology
Male25-34
45 minutes ago

Should I Rinse My Eyes After My Experience With a Nurse?

Age and gender: 19 years old, male; Medical history: none; Current medications: none; Vitamins taken: none. Greetings, everyone. I would appreciate your understanding as English is not my primary language. I want to describe an incident I experienced today and seek your advice on whether I should wash my eyes with water. Earlier today, I found myself with two eyelashes lodged in my eye, and despite my efforts, I couldn't remove them. Thus, I visited a nearby health center. Unfortunately, no doctors were available at the time, but a nurse was present to assist. He utilized a cotton swab (Q-tip) by placing it between my eyelid and eye. He positioned it on the cornea and subsequently maneuvered it to slide beneath the eyelid before also repeating this on the upper eyelid. My concern stems from the use of the Q-tip, as I’ve read it can pose risks. Moreover, when he donned his gloves, he initially grasped the glove fingers, which made me uneasy, as he had just eaten without washing his hands. To add to my worries, during the process of cleaning my eyes, he touched his neck, which, due to specific hygiene conditions, I haven't washed for a month and is likely contaminated. Following this, he resumed cleaning my eyes, and although he didn't touch the tip of the Q-tip, his hands were hovering above my face, raising my fears about germs potentially falling into my eye. In summary, I am concerned about three key issues: 1) the appropriateness of using Q-tips for this purpose, 2) the fact that he touched the gloves with unclean hands before donning them, and 3) touching a potentially germ-filled area (his neck) and then continuing the eye cleaning without changing gloves. Thank you for taking the time to read my lengthy account. I would greatly appreciate any guidance on what steps I should take next, if any are necessary.

Thyroid DisordersInternal MedicineRheumatology
Male25-34
55 minutes ago

Struggling After Colitis Diagnosis Post-Surgery

I am a 20-year-old female who underwent laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis and an appendectomy on June 5th. Since the procedure, I've encountered some significant challenges with my gastrointestinal health. My bowel movements have been irregular, and I have unfortunately developed colitis, leading to frequent hospital visits due to severe pain, diarrhea, loose stools with mucus, and occasional blood in my stool. To be candid, the pain has become unbearable. I’ve been discharged from the hospital twice after my condition seemed to improve, but my symptoms consistently return, prompting more hospital visits. Medical tests for various bacteria and norovirus were conducted, alongside multiple imaging scans; the diagnosis returned is colitis, which, according to the doctors, should resolve itself eventually. Thankfully, my stool tests have all come back negative for infections. Despite my attempts to manage the pain, I often feel overwhelmed. Friends and family advise me to relax and focus on recovery, but it's incredibly difficult. Due to my recent appendectomy, I cannot undergo a colonoscopy for another six weeks. The medical team indicated that there are no indicators of ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease in my case. My surgeon reported that everything appeared normal during the surgery, and imaging showed no signs of any surgical complications aside from the existing colitis inflammation. Am I in a hopeless situation? The thought of living with chronic pain is daunting, especially since I just had surgery aimed at alleviating chronic pain, only to face a new issue. Returning to the hospital seems futile, as the pattern repeats: I receive pain management, feel better for a short while, then return home only for the cycle to begin anew. Over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol, alongside probiotics and other medications, seem to exacerbate my discomfort. I am genuinely concerned that this surgery has worsened my situation, and I feel scared and lost. I desperately seek support and guidance.

Crohn's DiseaseThyroid DisordersInternal Medicine
Male25-34
55 minutes ago