HOW CAN OCCIPITAL NERVE BLOCKS PROVIDE HEADACHE RELIEF?

Chronic headaches plague up to 5% of the global population and can cause a number of symptoms. For those who suffer from severe headaches, they may lose the ability to function, which can leave them struggling to keep up with work, school, and other activities. An occipital nerve block is a minimally invasive treatment that can bring relief for a number of headache conditions.

Conditions treated by occipital nerve blocks include:

• Chronic migraine
• Episodic migraine
• Chronic cluster headaches
• Episodic cluster headaches
• Tension-type headaches
• Occipital neuralgia

What Is an Occipital Nerve Block?

The greater occipital nerve runs from the top of your spinal cord up through your scalp. It also travels through your spine and neck, beginning at the second and third cervical nerve roots. It plays a significant role in many types of headaches, due to its wide coverage of the head.

An occipital nerve block uses an injection of steroids near the nerve are used to reduce inflammation and block the transmission of pain signals to the brain. By blocking these signals, doctors can inhibit the sensation of headache pain. The procedure is quick and relatively painless, though it can take a few days for patients to notice effects of the treatment. The treatment should last for at least a month, though some patients require a second injection shortly after the first to reach optimal effect.

An occipital nerve block is not a permanent form of pain relief, but it can last for several weeks before further treatment is needed. Occipital nerve blocks are not suitable for those who are allergic to any of the medications used in the procedure, as well as those who are on blood thinning medication. It is also not advised for patients with an active infection or those who have poorly controlled heart disease or diabetes.

Find Relief with Our Orlando Chronic Headache Treatment Center – (888) 832-3597

You don’t have to continue living with the pain and inconvenience of chronic headaches. At Pain Medicine Group, we are dedicated to helping patients find pain relief through cutting-edge treatments. Our Orlando pain management center and extensively trained staff are dedicated to helping our patients lead pain-free lives. Learn how we can help you today.

Contact our offices online or call (888) 832-3597.