Occipital Neuralgia: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

This disease manifests itself in the form of a headache. The symptoms of occipital neuralgia may consist of intense shooting pain in the back of the head and neck. Alternatively, it can be tenderness or hypersensitivity to touch in these areas. It also can be discomfort that may be intensified by head or neck movements. Pain can be debilitating, hindering one’s ability to carry out daily activities. Pain can be debilitating, hindering one’s ability to carry out daily activities.

Such a disorder can happen because of irritation or injury to the occipital nerves. These nerves run from the top of the spinal cord to the scalp. Common causes include physical trauma, nerve compression, and inflammation.

This condition is diagnosed through a patient’s complaints and a physical examination.  A cure can include some medication, physical therapy, or nerve blocks. In severe cases, it can be surgery. Surgery can help to alleviate pressure on the affected nerves.

In this article, we’ll talk about occipital neuralgia, its symptoms, and its causes. Also, we’ll talk to you about treatment for it.

What is Occipital Neuralgia?

Actually, it is a type of chronic pain. It affects the occipital nerves. Certain movements or activities, such as turning the head or lying down, can trigger this pain.

• Common complaints of patients include pain in the back of the head and upper neck. Also, it can be because of tenderness or sensitivity to touch in the affected area. Some people may face numbness or tingling in the scalp. They can also feel fullness or pressure in the head.
• Diagnosis of this disease begins with complaints of patients and physical examination. You can also have additional tests. It can be such as imaging studies or nerve conduction studies. 
• A cure will depend on the underlying cause of this condition. And also it depends on the severity and frequency of symptoms. Non-surgical ways of cure may include medication to control pain and inflammation, physical therapy, and nerve blocks. Surgery may sometimes be necessary to relieve compression on the affected nerves.

It’s vital to consult with a doctor if you have persistent head or neck pain. He will be able to find the reason for your problem and find the right cure.

Occipital Neuralgia Symptoms

The manifestation of this disease can vary among individuals. But common complaints of patients include:

• Sharp or aching pain in the back of the head and upper neck. The pain is frequently described as piercing, shooting, or stabbing and can be so severe as to cause headaches. 
• It often intensifies with specific movements or activities such as turning the head, lying down, or applying pressure to the affected region.
• Tenderness or sensitivity to touch in the affected area. Patients with occipital neuralgia may have pain during washing or touching a head.
• Numbness or tingling in the scalp. Some people feel numbness or tingling in the scalp. Because of it, people can feel pain.
• A feeling of fullness or pressure in the head. Some people with this disease may feel a sense of fullness or pressure in the head. It can cause pain.

Symptoms of this disease can be debilitating. It can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Patients with this condition can have bad sleep and low productivity in their work. It can also make it difficult to focus or concentrate. The symptoms may come and go, or they may be constant and severe.

What Causes Occipital Neuralgia?

The exact reason can vary. But some common triggers include:

• Trauma or injury to the head or neck: It can cause damage to the occipital nerves, leading to irritation and pain.
• Cervical spine disorders: Conditions such as degenerative disc disease and herniated discs. Osteoarthritis can put pressure on the occipital nerves, leading to pain.
• Tension headaches: Tension headaches are the most common type of headache. They can cause pain in the occipital region.
• Inflammation: Inflammation can occur due to a variety of causes. It can be an infection or a disease like rheumatoid arthritis.
• Blood vessel disorders: Conditions such as high blood pressure or atherosclerosis can cause blood vessels to constrict, leading to pain in the occipital region.
• Tumors: In rare cases, tumors may compress the occipital nerves, leading to pain.
• Genetics: Some people may have a genetic predisposition to developing this disorder.
• Other medical conditions: Certain conditions can increase the risk of developing this neurological disease. For example, it can be diabetes. 

Note that this disorder can be mistaken for other types of headaches. For example, it can be mistaken for migraines. See a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate cure.

Occipital Neuralgia Diagnosis

The diagnosis of this disease begins with a physical examination and a review of history. The doctor will ask about the patient’s complaints. It will include questions such as when the pain began, how often it occurs, and what makes it worse or better. 

• The provider will also examine the patient’s head, neck, and shoulders. It will help to look for signs of tenderness, swelling, or other abnormalities.
• Doctors can use imaging studies such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs. These studies can help to identify any underlying conditions. These conditions may be causing the patient’s symptoms, such as a herniated disc or a tumor.

There are a lot of underlying conditions which can cause this neurological disease. A thorough examination and investigation will help to correct diagnosis and treatment.

Non-surgical Treatments

While surgery is an option in some cases, there is also a non-surgical treatment that can effectively manage occipital neuralgia.

• One of the most common treatments is medication. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help to alleviate pain. At the same time, you can use prescription medications to target specific symptoms. It can be tricyclic antidepressants and anticonvulsants. You may also use corticosteroid injections to reduce pain in the affected area.
• Physical therapy is another effective non-surgical treatment for occipital neuralgia. Physical therapy can help to strengthen the muscles in the neck and shoulders. It can, in turn, reduce pressure on the occipital nerves. You can use stretching and massage to alleviate pain and improve your range of motion.
• A nerve block is another non-surgical treatment. You can use them to alleviate the pain. A nerve block involves injecting a local anesthetic into the affected area. It will help to numb the nerves temporarily. It can provide temporary relief of pain and help diagnose the condition.

Other non-surgical treatments for occipital neuralgia include:

• Acupuncture: This traditional Chinese medicine technique involves using thin needles. Doctors put them into specific points on the body. It helps to stimulate the nervous system and promote healing.
• Chiropractic care: Chiropractors use manual adjustments to the spine. It will help alleviate pain and improve the range of motion.
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS): This non-invasive treatment uses electrical impulses. It helps to stimulate the nerves and reduce pain.

The most effective treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the condition. You should consult with a healthcare provider. It will help to determine the best course of treatment.

Occipital Neuralgia Surgery

There are some variants of occipital neuralgia surgery:

• One surgical option is nerve decompression surgery. It involves releasing pressure on the occipital nerves by removing any structures. It may be compressing them, such as tumors or bony growths. 
• Another option is nerve stimulation. Doctors can implant electrodes near the occipital nerves to deliver electrical impulses. It helps to reduce pain.
• In some cases, doctors can use a combination of both nerve decompression. Also, it can be nerve stimulation. Be thoroughly evaluated by a neurosurgeon to determine the cause of occipital neuralgia and to determine if surgery is the best course of treatment. 

Recovery from surgery can vary. It can depend on the type of surgery and the individual patient’s health. In general, patients can expect to experience some pain and discomfort. They can feel it for several weeks after surgery and may need to limit their activity during this time.

Note that surgery is not always successful. It may not completely eliminate pain. In addition, there is always a risk of complications with surgery. It can be infection, bleeding, and nerve damage. Discuss the benefits and risks of surgery with a neurosurgeon before a decision.

Overall, doctors consider occipital neuralgia surgery as a last resort. To start, there can be other treatment options. It carries risks and may not be effective. So, patients should discuss their options with their doctors. Only after it should patients make an informed decision.

When Should You Visit a Doctor?

If you have chronic pain in the back of your head and neck, you should visit a doctor. He will help you to figure out the reason for the disorder and find the right cure. Here are some important signs of the development of this disorder:

• One of the first signs of occipital neuralgia is pain that you feel in the back of the head and neck. Often patients can describe it as a sharp or shooting pain. Certain activities or movements can trigger this pain. It may be constant. 
• Indeed, patients can face tenderness or sensitivity in the affected area. It can cause headaches and muscle spasms.

If you have some of these problems, it is important to visit a doctor as soon as possible. A doctor can perform a physical examination. Also, he may order imaging tests, such as an MRI or CT scan. It will help to determine the cause of the pain and to rule out other potential causes.

A neurosurgeon or neurologist specializes in diagnosing. They prescribe treatment for occipital neuralgia. They will do a physical examination and a review of your medical history. It will help to determine your pain’s cause and recommend an cure.

In addition to a visit to the doctor, it is also vital to keep a pain diary. It should include some vital information. So, it should be questioned when the pain occurs and how severe it is. Also, write what activities or movements can trigger it in your opinion. This information can help a doctor make the right diagnosis. Also, it helps to find an effective way of treatment.

In some cases, conservative ways of treatment may be effective. So, you can try physical therapy, nerve blocks, or some medications for treating occipital neuralgia. However, if these methods of treatment do not give a good result, a doctor can suggest surgery. But it is considered a last resort.

Bottom Line 

So, in this article, we have discussed occipital neuralgia, its causes, diagnosis, and treatment. This condition can significantly impact the patient’s quality of life. If you have chronic pain in the back of your neck or head, it’s vital to visit a doctor. You need to do it as soon as possible to determine the cause and to recommend the right cure.  

Lone Star Neurology clinic is a medical facility. We specialize in treating neurological conditions. We provide a wide range of services for patients. It includes diagnostics, treatment, and management of conditions. If you have some signs of neurological disease, our best specialists will make a full diagnosis testing and give you the best treatment! 

FAQs 

• Is there a cure for occipital neuralgia?

There is no specific cure for occipital neuralgia. But treatment options such as physical therapy, medication, nerve blocks, and surgery may provide relief from symptoms.

• Is occipital neuralgia dangerous?

Occipital neuralgia is not typically considered dangerous. But it can cause chronic pain and disability if left untreated. It’s important to seek medical attention if you experience symptoms.

• How long can occipital neuralgia symptoms last?

Symptoms of occipital neuralgia can last for varying lengths of time. It can be from a few days to weeks to months or even years if left untreated.

• What is the most common cause of occipital neuralgia?

Occipital neuralgia is often caused by injury or irritation of the occipital nerves. But can also be caused by tension headaches or cervical spine disorders.