Sharp, aching, or shooting pain that travels from the upper neck toward the scalp may involve the occipital nerves. When these nerves become irritated, even simple activities can become uncomfortable. The orthopedic specialists at Anchor Spine & Joint provide occipital injections at locations in Tampa, Riverview, Odessa, Pinellas Park, and Lutz, Florida, to address certain forms of nerve-related head and neck pain. Call or book online to schedule an evaluation.
What causes occipital nerve pain?
The occipital nerves begin near the upper neck and travel across the back of your head and scalp. Irritation or inflammation along these nerves can produce pain that may feel aching, burning, throbbing, or shock-like.
For some people, the scalp also becomes unusually sensitive or tender. Pain may occur on one or both sides of the head and can sometimes worsen with neck movement or pressure near the affected nerve. These symptoms may make everyday activities, including sleeping, exercising, or working at a computer, more uncomfortable.
Because head and neck pain can have many causes, an accurate diagnosis is important before beginning treatment.
Anchor Spine & Joint evaluates the location and pattern of your symptoms to determine whether the occipital nerves may be involved.
How can an occipital injection relieve pain?
An occipital injection, or occipital nerve block, places medication near an affected occipital nerve. The injection typically includes a local anesthetic and may also contain a corticosteroid.
The anesthetic temporarily interrupts pain signals traveling through the nerve, while a corticosteroid can help decrease inflammation when appropriate.
Occipital injections may be recommended for occipital neuralgia and certain other headache or upper-neck pain conditions. In addition to providing relief, your response to the injection may give your provider useful information about whether an occipital nerve is contributing to your symptoms.
What does an occipital nerve block feel like?
Occipital injections are relatively quick outpatient procedures. Your provider identifies the appropriate treatment area at the back of your head or upper neck and cleans the skin.
They carefully administer the medication near the targeted nerve. You might notice a brief pinch or pressure during the injection, followed by temporary numbness around the treatment area.
Afterward, the team monitors you and provides instructions for the remainder of the day. Most patients can return home shortly after the procedure, although your provider may recommend temporarily limiting certain activities.
When can I expect relief?
The anesthetic used during an occipital injection can begin working quickly, although its effects are temporary. If your injection includes a corticosteroid, its effects may take longer to develop.
Some tenderness or numbness around the injection site can occur afterward. The degree and duration of pain relief differ for every patient. Your provider may monitor how your symptoms respond to determine whether additional injections or other pain management options are appropriate.
If recurring pain at the back of your head or upper neck is disrupting your life, call Anchor Spine & Joint or book an appointment online to discuss whether an occipital injection may help.