Occipital Neuralgia
Symptoms of Occipital Neuralgia
Individuals suffering from occipital neuralgia may experience:
Intense, piercing pain in the upper neck, back of the head, or behind the ears
Pain that radiates to the scalp or forehead
Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
Tenderness in the scalp
Pain exacerbated by neck movement
Causes and Risk Factors
Occipital neuralgia can result from various factors, including:Wikipedia
Trauma or injury to the back of the head or neck
Tight neck muscles causing nerve compression
Inflammation of the occipital nerves
Underlying medical conditions such as osteoarthritis, cervical disc disease, or diabetes
Poor posture leading to muscle strain
Diagnosis
Diagnosing occipital neuralgia involves:
Comprehensive medical history and physical examination
Neurological assessments to evaluate nerve function
Imaging studies like MRI or CT scans to rule out other conditions
Diagnostic nerve blocks to confirm the source of pain
Treatment Options
Treatment for occipital neuralgia focuses on alleviating pain and addressing the underlying cause. Options include:
Conservative Therapies
Medications: NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, or anticonvulsants to manage pain.
Physical Therapy: Exercises to improve posture, strengthen neck muscles, and reduce nerve irritation.
Heat or Cold Therapy: Applying heat or cold packs to the affected area to relieve pain.
Interventional Procedures
Occipital Nerve Blocks: Injection of anesthetic and corticosteroid near the occipital nerves to reduce inflammation and pain.
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): Uses heat to disrupt nerve signals, providing longer-term pain relief.
Occipital Nerve Stimulation: Implantation of a device that sends electrical impulses to the occipital nerves to modulate pain signals.
Why Choose Kansas Pain Management?
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Our multidisciplinary team is dedicated to providing personalized care, utilizing the latest advancements in pain management to improve your quality of life. From diagnosis to treatment, we are committed to guiding you through every step of your journey toward relief.
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If you’re experiencing persistent head or neck pain that may be related to occipital neuralgia, contact Kansas Pain Management to schedule a comprehensive evaluation. Our experts are here to help you find effective relief and regain control of your life.
Kansas Pain Management offers a comprehensive pain treatment plan that is tailored to each patient’s specific needs. The first step is a thorough evaluation, which includes a medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic testing, if necessary.
Treatment options may include medications, physical therapy, injections, or surgery, depending on the underlying cause of the pain.
Kansas Pain Management also offers a range of minimally invasive procedures to help alleviate pain and restore function. With board-certified and fellowship-trained physicians, Kansas Pain Management is committed to providing the highest quality care for patients suffering from pain. We provide comprehensive and personalised treatment options for pain in Overland Park, Lawrence, Leavenworth/Lansing, Kansas City, Ottawa, Missouri, Topeka, Belton and surrounding areas. We also have a new location at Lee Summit Medical Center in Lee Summit, MO.
