Occipital Neuralgia Treatment (Arnold’s Neuralgia)

What is Occipital Neuralgia?

Occipital neuralgia is a type of headache that causes chronic pain in the upper neck, back of the head, and behind the eyes.

Causes of Occipital Neuralgia

Occipital neuralgia usually occurs when one of the two nerve nodes (known as the nerves of the occipital branch) is pinching or irritated. This can occur due to trauma, strain, tumors, osteoarthritis, diabetes, infections, or congenital abnormalities.

When to See a Doctor

If you’re feeling sharp, stabbing, or burning pain in the back of your head or neck, it’s a good idea to see a doctor. You should also get checked out if your scalp feels tender, the pain gets worse when you move, or it starts to affect your daily routine.

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Symptoms of Occipital Neuralgia

One of the most common symptoms associated with this condition is a sudden, acute headache that bears little resemblance to the pain experienced with a migraine. The scalp becomes extremely sensitive to even the lightest touch, making normal daily activities such as brushing, washing, or combing your hair difficult.

Common symptoms of occipital neuralgia include:

• Sharp, shooting pain in the back of the head, neck, and behind the eyes.
• Pain that is aggravated by neck movement.
• Tenderness or sensitivity of the scalp.

Diagnosing occipital neuralgia requires a physical examination by a doctor to determine which nerve is the source of pain.

How is Occipital Neuralgia Diagnosed?

To diagnose occipital neuralgia, your doctor will start by talking to you about your symptoms and doing a physical exam. They might gently press on specific areas to pinpoint the pain. In some cases, they’ll recommend imaging tests like an MRI or CT scan to rule out other conditions.

Sometimes, a nerve block — where a local anesthetic is injected near the occipital nerve — is used. If your pain goes away temporarily, it helps confirm the diagnosis.

Occipital Neuralgia Treatment

An individualized treatment plan is selected for each patient, depending on the severity of the symptoms and the underlying causes of neuralgia.

Your doctor may suggest one or a combination of these approaches:

Non-invasive Treatments

These are often the first steps to manage discomfort and improve mobility:

• Warm compresses or heat therapy to relax tense muscles
• Gentle massage to reduce tightness in the neck and upper back
• Physical therapy focused on posture and relieving pressure on the nerves

Medications

To ease pain and inflammation, your provider might recommend:

• Anti-inflammatory medications (like ibuprofen)
• Prescription drugs for nerve-related pain
• Botox injections to help block pain signals

Minimally Invasive Options

If the pain persists, these targeted treatments might help:

• Occipital nerve blocks — an injection near the nerve to relieve pain
• Radiofrequency ablation — uses heat to interrupt pain signals coming from the nerve

Surgical Options

If nothing else helps, surgery may be considered:

• Nerve decompression — to relieve pressure on the affected nerve
• Occipital nerve stimulation — a small device is implanted to send mild electrical signals that reduce pain

It is important to remember that self-treatment can lead to a worsening of the condition, so it is necessary to consult a doctor at a pain clinic for proper diagnosis and treatment.

The Importance of Early Diagnosis and Treatment

Getting an early diagnosis gives you the best chance at managing occipital neuralgia before it turns into something more serious.

Prompt treatment can:

• Help you avoid chronic pain
• Improve your day-to-day comfort
• Open up more treatment options
• Lead to better long-term outcomes

If you are suffering from occipital neuralgia, be sure to make an appointment with the best pain management doctors at NYPC. After a detailed physical examination, our neurologists will determine which treatment option best suits your needs.

New York Pain Care
20 Squadron Blvd, Suite 290
New City, NY 10956
(212) 242-8160