Occipital Nerve Pain Treatment in San Leandro
Sensations in the back of the head and up the scalp are usually transmitted to the brain through the occipital nerves. These two nerves emerge from the cervical spine (neck bones) and travel up either side of the head. When these nerves are inflamed, injured or compressed, they can cause occipital nerve pain, a type of headache. If you need occipital nerve pain treatment in San Leandro, CA, come see us at Allied Pain & Spine Institute.
Symptoms of Occipital Neuralgia
Occipital nerve pain, or occipital neuralgia, is a type of headache, but it is different than tension or migraine headaches. For one, these headaches are rare while the other two types are common. Irritation of the occipital nerve is usually the cause, which can be due to a cervical spine condition that pinches the nerve or an injury to the head or neck. Symptoms of occipital nerve pain include:
- Shooting pain up from the neck on one side of the back of the head
- Pain may feel tingling or electric
- Scalp may be extremely tender or sensitive to even light touch
- Some patients experience scalp numbness
There is not a specific test that can diagnose occipital nerve pain. Our doctors at Allied Pain & Spine Institute collect symptoms and may perform diagnostic treatments that can indicate occipital nerve pain. An occipital nerve block injection can be a temporary pain relief option that also helps diagnose this rare condition.
Long-term treatment to prevent occipital nerve pain depends on the cause. If the occipital nerve is affected by a cervical spine condition such as spinal stenosis, bone spurs or arthritis, treatment may be needed for the underlying condition. Our pain management specialists can devise a treatment plan to provide pain relief and prevent future episodes.
If you have symptoms of occipital nerve pain, you need a pain specialist for advanced diagnosis and treatment. Our team at Allied Pain & Spine Institute can provide accurate diagnosis for your head pain and determine whether you need occipital pain treatment. Contact our clinic in San Leandro, CA, to schedule your headache consultation.