Occipital Neuralgia Explained

If you’ve ever experienced a stabbing or shock-like pain that starts at the base of your skull and radiates toward your scalp or behind your eyes, you may have had an episode of occipital neuralgia.

This condition is frequently misdiagnosed as a migraine or tension headache, but it has distinct causes and treatment options. At Spinal Diagnostics, we want to help you better understand this condition so you can find relief.

What is occipital neuralgia?

Occipital neuralgia is a form of headache that occurs when the occipital nerves — which run from the top of the spinal cord through the scalp — are inflamed, irritated, or compressed. This irritation causes pain in areas served by those nerves, including the back of the head, upper neck, and behind the eyes.

The pain is often described as piercing, throbbing, or electric-shock-like, and it can be episodic or chronic.

What causes it?

Occipital neuralgia can result from several factors, including:

Muscle tightness in the neck or upper back
Pinched nerves due to arthritis or disc disease
Trauma or injury to the back of the head
Compression from tight headwear or prolonged poor posture
Underlying conditions like diabetes or gout

In many cases, the exact cause may be difficult to determine. However, treating the inflammation or pressure on the nerve can help relieve the pain.

How is it different from a migraine?

Occipital neuralgia and migraines may share some symptoms, like sensitivity to light or throbbing pain. However, occipital neuralgia typically starts at the base of the skull and radiates upward, while migraines often affect one side of the head and come with nausea or visual disturbances.

A proper diagnosis is key to finding the most effective treatment plan.

How is occipital neuralgia treated?

At Spinal Diagnostics, our approach to treating occipital neuralgia includes both conservative and interventional options. These may include:

Anti-inflammatory medications or muscle relaxants
Physical therapy to improve posture and relieve tension
Occipital nerve blocks to interrupt the pain signals
Radiofrequency ablation for long-term relief in severe cases
Botox injections, which may help relax surrounding muscles

Most patients respond well to non-surgical treatments, especially if the condition is caught early.

Find relief today

Occipital neuralgia can be debilitating, but you don’t have to live with the pain. Our team at Spinal Diagnostics specializes in identifying the source of your pain and guiding you toward the most effective treatment options available.

If you’re experiencing persistent headaches that don’t respond to typical migraine treatments, contact us to schedule a consultation and find out whether occipital neuralgia may be the cause.

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