Occipital Neuralgia

Imaging and Occipital Nerve Blocks

Imaging is not automatically required for every patient. When the history or examination suggests an injury, structural problem, or another underlying condition, further testing may be appropriate. X-rays can assess certain bony structures, but they do not directly show occipital nerve irritation or rule out every serious cause of a headache. MRI may be considered when a more detailed assessment of underlying structures is needed. An occipital nerve block involves injecting medication near the nerve. It can provide temporary relief and help support a suspected diagnosis, but the response must be interpreted alongside the rest of the evaluation. These procedures are performed by medical providers, not in our chiropractic office. Learn about medical evaluation and nerve-block treatment.

A Patient Experience With Occipital Neuralgia

A longtime patient came to our office after experiencing severe pain at the back of her head for approximately a month. The pain had prompted an emergency-room visit, where she was diagnosed with occipital neuralgia. She told us that she continued to hurt despite taking the prescribed medication. She was unsure whether chiropractic care was an option because her neck and the back of her head were so sensitive. After reviewing her history and performing an examination, we provided a manual cervical adjustment and some muscle work. She later reported that her pain became more intense that evening, but was gone when she woke the following morning. A month or two later, she experienced another episode that was less severe. Following similar care, she again reported improvement by the next morning. We subsequently received an update through a family member that she remained well without further reported symptoms. This is one patient’s experience, not a prediction of how another person will respond. We cannot separate the effects of treatment from the natural course of her symptoms. Her temporary increase in pain also should not be interpreted as something patients need to experience for treatment to work. New, severe, or unusual symptoms after treatment should be assessed rather than assumed to be a normal response.

When to Seek Emergency Care

A sudden, extremely severe headache, or a headache with new weakness, trouble speaking, confusion, loss of vision, or fever with a stiff neck needs emergency medical evaluation. Do not wait for a chiropractic appointment. These headache warning signs require urgent attention.

Get Help Understanding Pain at the Back of Your Head

If recurring pain near the base of your skull has you wondering whether it is occipital neuralgia, a migraine, or another neck-related problem, an evaluation can help identify the next steps. At Cavanaugh Chiropractic in Lafayette, Louisiana, we discuss your symptoms, assess whether conservative care is appropriate, and refer for medical evaluation when needed. Contact Cavanaugh Chiropractic to schedule an evaluation.