Occipital neuralgia is a type of headache. It starts in the upper neck or back of the head and can radiate behind the eyes and over the scalp. Show This is a specific type of headache, but it can have symptoms similar to those of other types. It often affects people with migraine. Occipital neuralgia results from irritation, inflammation, or injury to the occipital nerves, which run through the scalp. It involves sudden bursts of pain, with or without an ongoing headache. In this article, learn what causes occipital neuralgia, how to recognize it, and what to do if it happens. Occipital neuralgia differs from other types of headache in the:
It results from irritation or injury to the occipital nerves. There are three occipital nerves — the greater, the lesser, and the third — present in the second and third vertebrae of the neck. The nerves run from the spine to the scalp, up each side of the head. Sensitivity can develop anywhere along this route. Other causes of headache include:
Some of these types and causes overlap with occipital neuralgia. One expert points out that it is rare to experience only occipital head pain. Occipital neuralgia may also play a role in unremitting head and neck pain (UHNP), according to some researchers. A doctor may diagnose UHNP if a person experiences head and neck pain for 15 days or more per month. Learn more about different types of headache here. Headaches that occur due to occipital neuralgia can be very painful. The condition involves a sudden but intermittent piercing, shooting, or shock-like pain. This may last from a few seconds to several minutes. There may also be a persistent throbbing, burning, or aching pain that continues between the spasms. The pain often spreads or shoots up from where the neck meets the skull, and it may affect:
There may also be:
Small movements can trigger or worsen a burst of pain. These might include:
The pain can be intense. Some people say that it feels like a migraine or cluster headache, even though these are different types and require different treatments. Occipital neuralgia can develop when one or more of the occipital nerves becomes irritated, inflamed, or trapped. A number of factors can cause this. The sections below will outline these in more detail. InjuryInjuries to the neck area, such as whiplash, can damage the nerves and lead to occipital pain. Muscular problemsTight muscles in the neck and the back of the head can sometimes squeeze, pinch, or trap the occipital nerves, leading to occipital neuralgia. Other conditionsSecondary occipital neuralgia can develop as a complication of the following:
It may not be possible to identify a single factor to explain occipital head pain. It is not always easy to diagnose occipital neuralgia, as it can share symptoms with other types of headache, including migraine. A doctor will start by asking about the person’s symptoms. For example, they may ask how severe the pain is, how often the pain occurs, where the person feels it, and their possible triggers. They may also:
During a physical exam, the doctor may gently press on the areas where the occipital nerves run, to see if the pressure generates any pain. The doctor may also inject a nerve block to confirm the diagnosis. If the pain resolves after this, it may indicate that occipital neuralgia was the cause. The following options may help a person manage the pain and discomfort associated with occipital neuralgia:
These options can relieve pain or help relax and release the muscles that are putting pressure on the occipital nerves. Many people with occipital neuralgia also have migraine. In some cases, treating the migraine may improve the symptoms of occipital head pain. Prescription drugs and injectionsIf home remedies and OTC treatments do not help, a doctor may prescribe:
Injections may help reduce inflammation, pain, or both. Some examples of injectable drugs include:
However, injecting drugs into the vertebrae is a relatively invasive procedure. A doctor will usually recommend this treatment only if others have not worked. Also, these injections will not cure neuralgia, and the pain may return a few months later. SurgeryIf pain is severe and persistently affects a person’s quality of life, the doctor may suggest surgery. Types include:
In severe cases that have not responded to other treatments, a surgeon may cut the greater occipital nerve. However, this will lead to scalp numbness. Some exercises can help, especially if poor posture is contributing to occipital neuralgia. For example, chin tucks can help stretch and strengthen the neck muscles and other tissues. To do chin tucks:
When pulling the head back, keep the chin in a straight line, without lifting or tipping it. Do not continue if the exercise is painful. Home remedies that may help include:
A physical therapist can provide specific exercises to help manage pain or prevent a recurrence. There are a few options that may help prevent occipital neuralgia. These include anti-seizure medications and tricyclic antidepressants. Lifestyle remedies that may help include:
Occipital neuralgia is a type of nerve pain that can lead to headaches. It can occur when there is pressure or damage to the occipital nerves. These start in the neck and run up the sides of the head. In most cases, the pain will improve with home remedies or medication. If the problem persists or recurs, however, a doctor may recommend injections or possibly surgery. What does nerve pain in back of head feel like?Occipital neuralgia is a distinct type of headache characterized by piercing, throbbing, or electric-shock-like chronic pain in the upper neck, back of the head, and behind the ears, usually on one side of the head. Typically, the pain of occipital neuralgia begins in the neck and then spreads upwards.
What does occipital nerve damage feel like?Occipital Neuralgia is a condition in which the occipital nerves, the nerves that run through the scalp, are injured or inflamed. This causes headaches that feel like severe piercing, throbbing or shock-like pain in the upper neck, back of the head or behind the ears.
What triggers occipital neuralgia?What causes occipital neuralgia? Occipital neuralgia may occur spontaneously, or as the result of a pinched nerve root in the neck (from arthritis, for example), or because of prior injury or surgery to the scalp or skull. Sometimes "tight" muscles at the back of the head can entrap the nerves.
What helps nerve pain in back of head?Hot therapy, or using heating pads on the affected area. Massage therapy. Nerve blocks, an injection of numbing medication and steroids. Physical therapy.
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