Occipital Neuralgia

Occasionally, either the C2 or C3 nerve root can get pinched as it leaves the cervical spine. These are mostly sensory nerve roots, and if they are pinched it can cause a chronic headache. Pain is generally felt in the back of the head or the occipital region.

The headache can usually be relieved through one or a combination of nonsurgical treatments, including:

• An injection of Lidocaine/steroid around the nerve root to relieve the inflammation and numb the area
• NSAID’s to relieve the inflammation
• Chiropractic manipulations of the upper spine.

In very severe cases (which are rare), a surgical decompression of the nerve root may be needed to relieve pressure on the nerve.

• Article written by:
• Peter F. Ullrich, Jr., MD

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