Occipital Headache Treatment in Cincinnati - APSI Wellness
Expert occipital headache and occipital neuralgia treatment in Cincinnati. Targeted nerve blocks at APSI Wellness.
Occipital Headaches — Occipital headaches originate from the base of the skull and radiate over the top of the head, often caused by irritation of the occipital nerves — treatable with targeted nerve blocks.
What Are Occipital Headaches?
Occipital headaches (including occipital neuralgia) are headaches that originate from the greater and lesser occipital nerves at the base of the skull. These headaches typically present as sharp, shooting, or throbbing pain starting at the back of the head and radiating forward over the scalp, sometimes reaching behind the eye.
Occipital headaches can be confused with migraines or tension headaches, making accurate diagnosis important for effective treatment.
Symptoms
Sharp, shooting, or electric-shock-like pain at the base of the skull
Pain radiating from the back of the head to the top and sometimes behind the eye
Scalp tenderness
Pain on one or both sides
Light sensitivity
Pain triggered by neck movement or pressure on the back of the head
Causes
Cervical spine disorders affecting the upper cervical nerve roots
Muscle tightness or spasm in the neck and upper back
Trauma (whiplash, head injury)
Cervical facet joint arthritis
Nerve entrapment
Poor posture
Treatment Options at APSI Wellness
Occipital nerve blocks — anesthetic and steroid injected around the occipital nerves. Learn more on our sub occipital nerve injections page
Cervical medial branch blocks — for headaches from upper cervical facet joints
Cervical radiofrequency neurotomy — long-lasting relief for cervicogenic headaches
Trigger point injections — for muscle-related headache contribution
Medical management — preventive and acute headache medications
Frequently Asked Questions
How are occipital headaches diagnosed?
Diagnosis is based on your headache pattern and physical examination. A diagnostic occipital nerve block that provides significant relief confirms the diagnosis.
Can occipital nerve blocks cure my headaches?
While not a permanent cure, occipital nerve blocks can provide significant relief lasting weeks to months and can be repeated. For headaches originating from cervical facet joints, radiofrequency neurotomy may provide longer-lasting results.
Are occipital headaches the same as migraines?
No, though they can coexist. Occipital headaches originate from specific nerve irritation and respond to nerve blocks, while migraines involve complex brain mechanisms. Some patients have both conditions.
How often can I receive occipital nerve blocks?
Blocks can be repeated every 4-8 weeks as needed, with corticosteroid limited to 3-4 times per year.
APSI Wellness — Advanced Pain Solutions & Interventions
5405 DuPont Circle Suite A, Milford, OH 45150 | Phone: (513) 936-3050
https://apsiwellness.com/conditions/occipital-headaches