What Causes Occipital Neuralgia?
Nerve pain occurs when nerves are injured, irritated, inflamed, or damaged due to trauma or disease. Several conditions can contribute to occipital neuralgia, including:
- Osteoarthritis of the upper cervical spine
- Trauma, especially from a motor vehicle accident
- Cervical disc degeneration
Identifying the underlying cause is essential for effective treatment.
If you have ongoing neck or scalp pain, OPS Surgery Center can help determine the cause and recommend the best treatment options.
This condition is a distinct type of headache caused by irritation or injury of the occipital nerves. These nerves travel from the base of the skull through the scalp. This condition can result in severe pain and muscle spasms.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Occipital Neuralgia
Occipital neuralgia pain is often intense, sharp, and stabbing in nature. Other symptoms may include:
- Electric-shock-like pain in the back of the head or neck
- Aching or burning sensation in the affected area
- Pain that radiates from the base of the skull forward, above the ears
- Sensitivity to light
- Scalp tenderness
- Pain that worsens with neck movement
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, OPS Surgery Center can provide expert diagnosis and treatment to help you find relief.
Diagnosis: Identifying Occipital Neuralgia
At OPS Surgery Center, our orthopedic and spine pain management specialists perform a comprehensive evaluation to diagnose occipital neuralgia. This may include:
- Detailed medical history and physical examination
- Advanced imaging tests, such as MRI, X-ray, or CT scan, to rule out underlying conditions
Once diagnosed, we create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Treatment Options for Occipital Neuralgia
Our expert team offers a range of non-surgical and minimally invasive treatments to relieve pain and improve nerve function.
Medication-Based Treatments
- Oral medications – Anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, or nerve pain medications may help manage symptoms.
Interventional Pain Management
- Occipital Nerve Blocks – A precise injection of anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication around the occipital nerves to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Botox Injections – FDA-approved Botox injections can help relieve chronic nerve pain by relaxing muscles and blocking pain signals.
Surgical Treatment Options
- For severe or treatment-resistant cases, surgical options may be considered to decompress or block the occipital nerves.
Find Relief from Occipital Neuralgia
If you are experiencing persistent, stabbing pain in the back of the head or neck, the OPS Surgery Center team is here to help. With expert diagnostics and state-of-the-art treatment options, we provide personalized care to reduce pain and restore quality of life.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward relief!
