Occipital Neuralgia
The occipital nerves run from the base of the skull to the scalp and top of the head. Occipital neuralgia is characterized by chronic pain in the upper neck, base of the skull, and back of the head, with occasional radiation to the top of the head and behind the eyes. Generally caused by irritation, compression, or injury to the occipital nerves, it is sometimes triggered by the emergence of the upper cervical nerve roots that form the spine’s occipital nerve.
Unlike tension headaches, this condition stems from nerve-related issues that make its symptoms and treatments unique.
What causes Occipital Neuralgia?
Occipital neuralgia can result from various factors, including:
- Nerve compression or irritation: created by muscle tightness, myofascial tension, spinal-occipital misalignment, or degeneration in the upper cervical spine.
- Trauma: caused by whiplash, blunt trauma to the head and neck, aggressive massage or manual work, or excessive coughing or vomiting that stretches or torques the nerves repeatedly.
- Chronic conditions: created by conditions like arthritis or diabetes that impact nerve health.
- Unknown origins: in some cases, the cause is not easily identified (idiopathic).
Symptoms of Occipital Neuralgia
Occipital neuralgia symptoms include:
- Sharp, stabbing, burning, or electric shock-like pain in the back of the head and neck.
- Pain that can radiate to the scalp, behind the eyes, or toward the ears.
- Sensitivity to touch, light, or specific head movements.
- Occasional scalp tenderness or numbness.
- Episodes of pain that range from brief and intense to persistent and throbbing.
- Nausea and brain fog that may at times accompany the pain.
Diagnosing Occipital Neuralgia
Diagnosing occipital neuralgia requires a thorough clinical evaluation. This process includes:
- Medical history review: identify any prior injuries, conditions, or patterns of head and neck pain.
- Physical exam: apply pressure to specific areas of the scalp or neck to reveal tender points; and gently tap over the occipital nerve to replicate symptoms.
- Musculoskeletal ultrasound: sometimes fluid can be seen surrounding the nerves indicative of inflammation; or thickened fascia is evident in the vicinity of the nerves predisposing them to compression.
- Diagnostic tests: imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans can rule out structural abnormalities, and nerve block injections will confirm the diagnosis by temporarily relieving pain.
Nonsurgical Treatment for Occipital Neuralgia
The Orthohealing Center offers advanced, nonsurgical therapies to address occipital neuralgia and promote long-term healing. Our treatment options include:
- Platelet lysate therapy: components of the patient’s own blood are used to promote repair and reduce inflammation around irritated nerves.
- Prolotherapy: injects a mixture of natural ingredients into deeper cervical spine structures for the purpose of strengthening ligaments, stabilizing the neck, and alleviating nerve irritation.
- Stem cell therapy: mesenchymal stem cells are harnessed to treat damaged tissues and restore nerve function.
- Fascia hydrodissection and nerve hydrodissection: injections of D5W or biologics are administered to mechanically decompress nerve entrapments.
- Ultrasound-guided nerve blocks: precise injections of medication (including anesthetic) are delivered to reduce pain and inflammation.
Our innovative medical approaches are designed to manage symptoms and address their underlying causes for lasting recovery. To ensure optimal results, each treatment plan is personalized.
