Sub Occipital Nerve Injections in Cincinnati - APSI Wellness
Learn about sub occipital nerve injections for headaches and neck pain at APSI Wellness in Cincinnati.
Sub Occipital Nerve Injections — Sub occipital nerve injections target the greater and lesser occipital nerves at the base of the skull to treat occipital headaches, cervicogenic headaches, and occipital neuralgia.
What Are Sub Occipital Nerve Injections?
Sub occipital nerve injections (also called occipital nerve blocks) are minimally invasive procedures that deliver local anesthetic and corticosteroid to the occipital nerves at the base of the skull. The greater and lesser occipital nerves emerge from the upper cervical spine and travel upward through the muscles at the back of the head, providing sensation to the scalp.
When these nerves become irritated or inflamed, they cause pain that radiates from the base of the skull over the top of the head — a condition known as occipital neuralgia.
How Do They Work?
The occipital nerves can become compressed or irritated by tight muscles, cervical spine pathology, or trauma. The injection delivers:
Local anesthetic to immediately block pain signal transmission along the occipital nerves
Corticosteroid to reduce inflammation around the nerves
This combination provides both immediate diagnostic information and longer-lasting therapeutic benefit
Conditions Treated
Occipital neuralgia — sharp, shooting pain along the occipital nerves
Cervicogenic headaches — headaches originating from the cervical spine
Tension-type headaches — especially with occipital muscle tightness
Migraine — particularly those with occipital onset or posterior head pain
Cluster headaches — as adjunctive therapy
Post-concussion headaches — persistent headaches after head injury
Whiplash-associated headaches
What to Expect During the Procedure
Before: No special preparation is typically required. The procedure can be performed in the office.
During: You'll sit upright or lie face-down. The physician palpates the occipital nerves at the base of the skull and injects the medication alongside them using anatomical landmarks or ultrasound guidance. Two to four injection points may be used. The procedure takes 5-10 minutes.
After: Pain relief from the anesthetic occurs within minutes. You may notice scalp numbness over the back of the head — this is expected and temporary. There are no significant activity restrictions. The steroid component provides longer-lasting relief developing over several days.
Benefits
Quick, simple office procedure
Minimal discomfort and no recovery time
Immediate diagnostic value — rapid pain relief confirms the occipital nerves as the headache source
Can provide weeks to months of headache relief
Can reduce the frequency and severity of chronic headaches
No sedation required
Can be repeated as needed
Risks and Side Effects
Temporary scalp numbness (expected)
Injection site tenderness
Lightheadedness (brief)
Temporary increase in headache (rare)
Infection or bleeding at injection site (very rare)
Hair thinning at injection site with repeated steroid injections (rare)
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly will my headache improve?
The local anesthetic provides relief within minutes. If your headache is primarily driven by the occipital nerves, you should notice significant improvement almost immediately. The steroid provides sustained benefit developing over 3-7 days.
How long does the relief last?
Relief from a single injection may last from several weeks to several months. Some patients experience progressive improvement with a series of injections.
How often can I receive occipital nerve injections?
Injections can typically be repeated every 4-8 weeks if needed. Corticosteroid frequency should be limited (usually no more than 3-4 times per year) to avoid tissue effects.
Can this help with my migraines?
Yes. Research shows that occipital nerve blocks can reduce migraine frequency and severity, particularly in migraines with occipital involvement or aura originating from the posterior head.
Is this the same as Botox for headaches?
No. Occipital nerve blocks use anesthetic and steroid, while Botox injections use botulinum toxin to prevent muscle contraction and nerve signaling. Both can treat headaches but work through different mechanisms. Some patients benefit from both approaches.
APSI Wellness — Advanced Pain Solutions & Interventions
5405 DuPont Circle Suite A, Milford, OH 45150 | Phone: (513) 936-3050
https://apsiwellness.com/services/sub-occipital-nerve-injections