Occipital Nerve Blocks

Occipital neuralgia is a common cause of chronic headaches that originate in the back of the head. This condition occurs when the occipital nerves—located near the base of the skull—become irritated or inflamed. It can cause sharp, shooting, aching, or burning pain that radiates from the upper neck and back of the head to the scalp, often affecting one or both sides. Some patients may also experience tenderness, sensitivity to light, or discomfort when moving the neck.

An occipital nerve block is a minimally invasive procedure designed to both diagnose and treat this type of headache. The procedure involves carefully injecting a small amount of local anesthetic, often combined with a steroid medication, around the occipital nerve at its origin in the posterior scalp. This helps to calm inflammation, interrupt pain signals, and provide significant relief that can last from several weeks to months.

In addition to reducing pain, the occipital nerve block can also help confirm that the occipital nerves are the source of your headaches, guiding further treatment options. Many patients report not only decreased pain intensity but also improved range of motion in the neck and better quality of life following the procedure.

At Origins Spine and Joint Physicians, our specialists perform occipital nerve blocks with precision and care, using image-guided techniques when appropriate to ensure accuracy and patient comfort. This targeted approach allows us to help patients return to their daily activities with fewer headaches and greater relief.