Occipital Neuralgia Treatment

What is occipital neuralgia?

Occipital neuralgia is a very common type of headache. It occurs when your occipital nerves, which are sensory nerves that extend throughout the back of your head and upper neck, become irritated or inflamed. While occipital neuralgia isn’t well understood, medical experts believe that it’s often linked to:

• Whiplash
• Injury to the back of your head
• Arthritis of your cervical spine
• Recurrent muscle stiffness and tightness

When occipital neuralgia flares up, you may experience severe pain in the area where the back of your head meets your skull. This pain, which can radiate throughout your neck and the back of your head, may occur on one or both sides. Thanks to advancements in occipital neuralgia treatment, though, this agonizing headache isn’t something you have to learn to live with. 

How does occipital neuralgia treatment work?

Advanced Pain Management provides the most advanced occipital neuralgia treatments available. After spending time examining you, your doctor counsels you about which occipital neuralgia treatments may be most effective. 

They design a plan that minimizes occipital neuralgia pain and reduces the incidence of ongoing headaches. Your treatment plan may include:

• Pain relievers 
• Muscle relaxants 
• Antidepressants or anti-seizure drugs
• Ultrasound-guided occipital nerve block 

Your doctor also teaches you home remedies that may help with your headaches. For instance, applying heat to the back of your neck and learning to massage tight muscles can minimize the pain you experience with occipital neuralgia. 

When can I expect relief with occipital neuralgia treatment?

If you’re currently experiencing an occipital neuralgia flare-up, your doctor may recommend a nerve block to immediately give you relief. Nerve blocks also provide lasting relief and can prevent further occipital neuralgia issues. 

Part of your occipital neuralgia treatment plan may incorporate medications. Your doctor at Advanced Pain Management can prescribe medications to provide fast-acting relief when you feel a headache approaching, as well as medications you take regularly to prevent or lessen the intensity of flare-ups. Rest assured, your physician can help you get the relief you deserve. 

Get started on your occipital neuralgia treatment by booking an exam at Advanced Pain Management today. Book either online or over the phone.