Occipital Neuralgia Condition

What Occipital Neuralgia?

Occipital neuralgia is a chronic headache pain disorder typified by sharp, intense pain that runs from the upper part of the spinal cord to the patient’s scalp. The condition is relatively rare, afflicting about one out of every 33,000 people a year. Many of the patients who experience these headaches mistake them for tension headaches or even migraines, due to the similarity in symptoms. However, this headache condition rarely cause the dull aches or throbbing pain commonly experienced with most tension headaches.

While this head pain condition poses no serious danger, it is extremely painful and can negatively impact quality of life. Moreover, some cases may require surgery to reduce nerve compression and reduce pain. In most cases, however, pain can be managed and minimized with effective, noninvasive treatment. Osteopathic care is a proven option to help ease tension and other factors contributing to this condition, reduce pain and related symptoms, and help patients enjoy a more pain-free life.

What Causes this Condition?

In most instances, this condition is caused by compressed nerves in the neck or overly tense neck muscles. Other common causes can include:

• Osteoarthritis in the cervical spine that compresses nerves
• Inflammation in the blood vessels
• Infections, or gout
• Tumors near the nerve root
• Head and neck injuries
• Chronic tension in the neck
• Diabetes

Cranial pain can be difficult for patients to diagnose on their own. As a result, it is important to consult with medical professionals to ensure a proper diagnosis and prompt, effective treatment.

What Are the Symptoms of Occipital Neuralgia?

The most common symptom associated with this condition is a sudden sharp head pain, not unlike the pain experienced with migraine headaches. Other symptoms can include:

• Tenderness around the scalp area
• Pain that is experienced on one or even both sides of the head
• Pain that begins at the base of the head and extends all the way to the scalp. Unlike many headaches, this pain is typically sharp and intense, and may even feel like an electric shock.
• Increased pain when you move your neck, especially in cases where neck tension is a contributing factor
• Heightened sensitivity to bright lights
• Sharp pain behind the eyes

While doctors are not always able to identify the root causes for this condition, a proper diagnosis can still enable effective treatment and management of symptoms.

How We Can Help

Headache pain of any variety can be extremely disruptive. Thankfully, you don’t have to live with head pain. Leonid Tafler, D.O. can provide the effective osteopathic care you need to help manage pain symptoms, address the underlying cause of your discomfort, and enable you to improve your quality of life. Osteopathic techniques like manual manipulation, and recommended lifestyle changes can be an effective part of any headache treatment plan.