Occipital nerve blocks provide temporary pain relief for certain types of headaches or disorders that cause head pain like occipital neuralgia or cluster headaches. These injections may also provide relief for those suffering from neck or head pain related to injuries. Although results may vary, occipital nerve blocks can provide tremendous relief in certain individuals. Learn more about occipital nerve blocks offered by Midsouth Spine & Pain Associates (MSSP) and whether this treatment is right for you.
What is an occipital nerve block?
The occipital nerves are a group of nerves that travel from the cervical spine (starting with C2 and C3 vertebrae in the neck) and spread around the head into three branches. These branches are called the greater occipital nerve, third occipital nerve, and the lesser occipital nerve that provide sensation and sensory responses to the scalp, head, ears, and skin. When an occipital nerve is aggravated, inflamed, or injured, it may cause referred pain that results in headaches or neck pain. Occipital nerve pain may not respond to conservative treatments.
Occipital nerve blocks may help with pain associated with the following conditions:
- Occipital neuralgia
- Migraine headaches
- Post dural puncture headaches
- Cervicogenic headache
- Cluster headaches
- Tinnitus
- Ear pain
- Neck pain
- Pain from neck injuries such as whiplash
The Procedure
Occipital nerve blocks are an outpatient procedure, which means that you will go home shortly after your treatment. It takes only a few minutes to receive an occipital nerve block. The procedure begins by having you sit with your head tilted forward. The targeted area will be cleansed with an antiseptic solution to minimize the possibility of an infection. The pain management specialist will palpate your neck to locate the targeted area and use fluoroscopy to guide the needle into the precise location of the nerve and then deliver the nerve block to the targeted rea.
Before Your Procedure
It is likely that you do not need to do anything out of the ordinary to prepare for your occipital nerve block. However, during your consultation with our pain management specialist in Corinth, we will let you know if you need to stop any medications beforehand and if special pre-op instructions are necessary. Otherwise, consume your usual diet and take any medications as prescribed the night before and day of your appointment.
After Your Procedure
You may be placed in observation for about 20-30 minutes afterward to ensure the medication takes effect and that there are no serious or immediate complications. Once you are ready to be discharged, you can return home and should rest for the remainder of the day. You may feel tenderness or mild discomfort at the injection site and should plan on resting for the remainder of the day.
Risks and Complications
Side effects of an occipital nerve block are rare and when present, go away within a couple of days. However, some risks include dizziness or vertigo, numbness and lightheadedness. Additionally, since the injection includes steroid medication, some patients report temporary hair loss or alopecia and skin thinning around the injection site. More serious complications may include bleeding or infection at the injection site, nerve or arterial injury, headaches that worsen, fainting or dizziness, difficulty swallowing, and facial swelling. However, choose an experienced pain management specialist near Tupelo to minimize possible risks and complications associated with occipital nerve blocks.
Occipital Nerve Blocks in Southwest Tennessee and North Mississippi, including Tupelo, MS and Jackson, TN
If you experience frequent headaches or head pain that has not responded well to other more conservative treatments, then an occipital nerve block may be right for you. To learn more about this procedure or to find out if you are a candidate, contact Midsouth Spine & Pain Associates by calling (662) 284-8565.