What is an occipital nerve block?
The occipital nerve is located at the back of the head just above the neck. An occipital nerve block is an injection of a steroid or other medication around the greater and lesser occipital nerve. The occipital nerve block helps reduce pain and other symptoms caused by irritation of the nerves and surrounding structures. This can be beneficial to people who experience migraines, cluster and tension headaches.
How does the occipital nerve block work?
The steroid or other medication is injected to reduce the swelling and inflammation of the tissue around the occipital nerves. This helps reduce pain and other symptoms caused by irritation of the nerves and surrounding structures. This can be beneficial to people who experience migraines, cluster and tension headaches.
How is an occipital nerve block performed?
An experienced pain physician will locate the exact position of the target nerves using x-ray or fluoroscopic guidance to ensure treatment accuracy. Once the exact area of nerve pain has been located, the physician will inject an anesthetic solution. The anesthetic solution reduces the swelling and inflammation of the tissue around the occipital nerves. The procedure typically takes less than 30 minutes, and patients can leave shortly after their procedure is complete.
How long will the relief last for?
Most patients start to feel pain relief in 3-5 days and report the effects have lasted for several months.
