Occipital Nerve Block

Pain Management Treatments in Texas

An occipital nerve block is a procedure that involves injecting an anesthetic medication into the greater occipital nerve (GON), a large nerve that runs from the upper neck to the back of the head. The GON supplies sensation to the scalp and skin over the back of the head.

Occipital nerve blocks are used to treat pain caused by irritation or inflammation of the GON. This pain can be caused by a variety of conditions, including:

Occipital neuralgia: A chronic pain condition that causes severe, throbbing headaches in the back of the head and neck.
Cervicogenic headache: A headache that is caused by a problem in the neck, such as a pinched nerve or muscle strain.
Migraine: A type of headache that is characterized by severe, throbbing pain, often on one side of the head.
Tension headache: The most common type of headache, which is caused by muscle tension in the head and neck.
Post-traumatic headache: A headache that develops after a head injury.

How is an occipital nerve block performed?

An occipital nerve block is typically performed in an outpatient setting. The procedure takes about 15-30 minutes to complete.

Before the procedure, the patient is asked to lie on their stomach on an examination table. The back of the head and neck are cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic.

The doctor will then use a type of X-ray machine, called a "fluoroscope," to guide a thin needle to the GON. Once the needle is in place, the doctor injects a local anesthetic medication and/or a steroid medication.

The local anesthetic medication numbs the GON, which provides temporary pain relief. The steroid medication reduces inflammation and may provide longer-lasting pain relief.

What are the benefits of an occipital nerve block?

Occipital nerve blocks can offer a number of benefits, including:

Effective pain relief: Occipital nerve blocks can provide effective pain relief for people with occipital neuralgia, cervicogenic headache, migraine, tension headache, and post-traumatic headache.
Improved function: Occipital nerve blocks can help to improve function and mobility in people with chronic pain in the back of the head and neck.
Reduced need for medication: Occipital nerve blocks can reduce the need for oral pain medications, which can help to reduce side effects.
Improved quality of life: Occipital nerve blocks can help to improve quality of life by reducing pain and improving function.

What are the risks and side effects of an occipital nerve block?

Generally, occipital nerve blocks are safe procedures. However, there are some potential risks and side effects, such as:

Infection: There is a small risk of infection at the injection site.
Bleeding: There is a small risk of bleeding during or after the injection.
Nerve damage: There is a small risk of nerve damage if the needle is not placed correctly.
Temporary weakness or numbness: The local anesthetic medication may cause temporary weakness or numbness in the back of the head and neck.
Allergic reaction: There is a small risk of allergic reaction to the anesthetic medication or steroid medication.

Who is a good candidate for an occipital nerve block?

Occipital nerve blocks are typically considered for patients who have not responded to other treatments, such as physical therapy, medication, and injections.

Occipital nerve blocks are also not appropriate for patients with certain medical conditions, such as bleeding disorders or allergies to the anesthetic medication or steroid medication.

Conclusion

Occipital nerve blocks can be an effective treatment for pain caused by irritation or inflammation of the GON. They are generally safe procedures with few risks and side effects.

If you experience chronic pain and would like to know if an occipital nerve block is right for you, make an appointment with us. We'll perform a full evaluation and create a treatment program for your unique situation.