Occipital Neuralgia Treatment Madison, WI

Occipital neuralgia is also known as occipital neuritis or occipital neuropathy. Because of the nature of this condition, it is often mistaken for other types of headaches or migraines. The pain associated with occipital neuralgia stems from inflammation of the third, greater, and lesser occipital nerves, or a combination of them. The pain is often sudden and intense, lasting from seconds to minutes, and may present as sharp or shooting sensations. It is typically concentrated in the upper neck and the back of the head, sometimes extending towards the forehead.

The occipital nerves are located at the back of the head, stemming from the upper cervical spine (neck) and branching out towards the scalp. They are primarily responsible for providing sensory information to the skin and muscles of the scalp, as well as certain regions of the back of the head. These nerves play a role in various functions, including sensation, motor control, and autonomic functions. Occipital neuralgia can result from pinched nerves or when they otherwise become inflamed or irritated, characterized by severe pain in the back of the head and neck.

It’s crucial to seek an accurate diagnosis of this condition, as the treatment approach may vary significantly from that of other types of headaches or migraines. The expert Wisconsin pain doctors at Pro Spine & Pain can ensure that appropriate treatment strategies are prepared to effectively manage your occipital neuralgia symptoms and improve your overall quality of life. Contact one of our five pain clinics today at Kenosha, Waukesha, Layton, Franklin, or Madison.

Causes of Occipital Neuralgia

Occipital neuralgia can develop without warning and have a significant impact on daily life.

It can stem from various causes, such as:

Trauma: Head or neck injuries, like falls or car accidents, can damage occipital nerves.
Nerve Compression: Muscular tension or whiplash may compress nerves or nerve roots.
Disc Herniation: Damaged discs pressing on nerves due to aging or injuries.
Inflammation or Infection: Conditions like arthritis or viral infections can inflame nerves.
Tumors: Rarely, tumors near nerve pathways in the skull may compress occipital nerves.

Symptoms of Occipital Neuralgia

Occipital neuralgia patients often endure intense pain resembling sharp or electric sensations in the back of the head or neck. The irritation of the occipital nerves that causes this discomfort is triggered by factors like injury, inflammation, or some other, unknown, causes. Even light contact with the scalp can provoke this pain, while tense muscles may exacerbate nerve irritation. Frequently, the pressure on the occipital nerves arises without a discernible cause, complicating diagnosis and treatment.

The pain experienced with occipital neuralgia can be severe and debilitating. Here are some common symptoms associated with this condition:

Headaches: Occipital neuralgia often manifests as intense headaches that start at the base of your skull or in the back of your head. These headaches may radiate towards your temples or behind your eyes.
Neck Pain: You may experience tight neck muscles and persistent pain in your neck, especially on one side.
Scalp Tenderness: Many individuals with occipital neuralgia report feeling sensitivity or tenderness on their scalp, particularly overlying the affected nerve areas.
Shooting or Stabbing Pain: The characteristic symptom of occipital neuralgia is an electric shock-like sensation shooting through the back of your head into one side of your scalp.
Pain Triggered by Movement: Certain movements such as turning your head or even brushing your hair can worsen the pain caused by occipital neuralgia.
Painful Sensitivity to Light: Also known as photophobia, this phenomenon results in increased discomfort from bright lights or exposure to sunlight.
Pain Behind the Eye: Some people with occipital neuralgia experience a deep ache behind the eye on one side of the head.
Tingling or Numbness: In addition to pain, you might also feel tingling sensations or numbness along parts of your scalp due to affected nerves.
Limited Range of Motion: Occipital neuralgia can cause stiffness and limited mobility in your neck due to muscle tension and guarding against further pain.
Tension Headaches: Individuals who suffer from occipital neuralgia often experience tension headaches, which can be mistaken for migraines or other types of headaches.

It is important to note that these symptoms may vary from person to person, and not everyone with occipital neuralgia will experience all of them. If you suspect you have occipital neuralgia or are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough neurological exam in order to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.

Occipital Neuralgia Treatment

Common treatment options for occipital neuralgia include medication-based remedies and physical therapy. Medications like over-the-counter pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, prescription analgesics, anticonvulsants, and occipital nerve blocks are often utilized to reduce pain and inflammation associated with nerve irritation. Physical therapy can also play a crucial role in improving muscle strength and flexibility, alleviating tension, and enhancing overall neck and head function. These treatments aim to provide relief and enhance the quality of life for individuals experiencing this condition.

In certain cases where conservative approaches are ineffective, more invasive remedies may be considered to achieve pain relief. Surgical treatments include occipital release surgery, involving decompression of the greater occipital nerves and spinal cord stimulation or occipital nerve stimulation, which have proven to be effective procedures for treating neuralgia disorders.

While a diagnosis of occipital neuralgia is not life-threatening, it can still lead to substantial discomfort. Reach out to Pro Spine & Pain today to schedule a consultation with a pain management specialist. Our team will swiftly diagnose the source of your problem and present a variety of treatment options tailored to alleviate symptoms of occipital neuralgia or any other painful issues you may be experiencing.