Occipital Neuralgia
Nerve-Related Head Pain at the Base of the Skull
Overview
Occipital neuralgia is a type of nerve pain that affects the occipital nerves, which run from the top of the spinal cord up through the scalp. When these nerves become irritated or inflamed, it can cause sharp, shooting, or throbbing pain that starts at the base of the skull and may radiate to the scalp or behind the eyes.
Common Symptoms
- Sharp or stabbing pain at the back of the head or upper neck
- Pain that radiates to the scalp or behind the eyes
- Tenderness over the base of the skull
- Sensitivity to light or scalp contact
- Episodes of sudden, electric-shock-like pain
Causes & Risk Factors
- Nerve compression from muscle tightness or arthritis
- Trauma or repetitive neck strain/poor posture
- Cervical spine degenerative changes
How We Can Help
At Restore Spine and Pain, we understand how debilitating head and neck pain can be. Our team focuses on identifying the root cause of your symptoms and delivering personalized care to improve function and quality of life.
Treatment Options Offered
- Conservative management such as physical therapy, postural correction, and muscle relaxation techniques
- Medications including anti-inflammatories and nerve-stabilizing agents
- Occipital nerve blocks for diagnostic and therapeutic relief
- Ultrasound-guided or fluoroscopic-guided occipital nerve injections
- Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) for patients with chronic, refractory occipital neuralgia
- Ongoing evaluation to guide long-term management
Schedule a Consultation
If you're experiencing persistent head or neck pain that radiates from the base of the skull, our team at Restore Spine and Pain can help. While these symptoms may be related to occipital neuralgia, a thorough evaluation is needed to determine the exact cause and best treatment plan. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and begin your journey toward lasting relief.