Occipital nerve block is a technique used to treat chronic headaches and migraines that originate in the back of the head.
This procedure is an effective option for patients who have not responded to other conventional treatments.
At Clínica San Román’s Pain Management Unit, this procedure is performed with precision and under a personalized approach, providing pain relief quickly and safely.
What is the Occipital Nerve?
The occipital nerve is located at the back of the skull and extends from the top of the spinal cord to the scalp.
There are two main occipital nerves: the greater occipital nerve and the lesser occipital nerve.
These nerves are responsible for transmitting sensations from the back of the head to the brain.
When these nerves become irritated or inflamed, they can cause severe headaches, known as occipital neuralgia.
Occipital Nerve Block Indications
Occipital nerve block is recommended primarily for patients suffering from:
- Occipital neuralgia: sharp, stabbing pain originating in the back of the head and radiating to the scalp.
- Chronic migraines: Severe headache that persists for more than 15 days per month.
- Cervicogenic headache: Headache originating from a cervical condition, usually caused by problems in the spine or neck muscles.
- Tension headache: Headache caused by muscle tension in the neck and shoulders.
How Does Occipital Nerve Block Work?
Occipital nerve block is a minimally invasive procedure that involves the injection of a local anesthetic, often combined with a corticosteroid, around the greater and lesser occipital nerves.
This injection temporarily blocks the pain signals these nerves send to the brain, providing immediate and lasting pain relief.
The procedure is performed under ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance to ensure maximum precision.
This ensures that the injection is delivered directly into the affected nerve area, reducing potential complications and improving treatment results.
Benefits of Occipital Nerve Blocks
The occipital nerve block offers a number of advantages for patients suffering from chronic headaches or severe migraines:
- Rapid pain relief: The patient usually experiences almost immediate relief after the injection.
- Reduction in the frequency of pain episodes: In many cases, patients experience a significant decrease in the number of headache or migraine episodes.
- Minimally invasive procedure: The occipital nerve block is an alternative to more invasive treatments, such as surgery, and has few side effects.
- Improved quality of life: By reducing the intensity and frequency of headaches, patients can resume their daily activities with greater comfort and fewer interruptions.
Occipital Nerve Block Procedure
The procedure is simple and is usually performed in an outpatient setting.
Prior to the injection, a topical anesthetic is applied to the area to minimize any discomfort.
With the help of ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance, the physician injects a mixture of local anesthetic and corticosteroids near the occipital nerves.
This block reduces inflammation and relieves pain.
The duration of pain relief may vary from patient to patient, but many experience a significant reduction in pain for weeks or months.
In some cases, the procedure may need to be repeated to maintain long-term results.
Recovery and Aftercare
After the procedure, most patients can resume their daily activities immediately.
Mild discomfort may be experienced at the injection site, but this usually disappears within a few hours.
It is important to follow the physician’s instructions, such as avoiding strenuous physical exertion on the day of the procedure.
Some patients may require more than one blocking session to obtain prolonged relief.
The physician will evaluate the results of the first block and decide if it needs to be repeated based on the patient’s response.
When to Consider Occipital Nerve Block?
The occipital nerve block may be an excellent option for patients who have tried other treatments without success, such as oral medication, physical therapy or lifestyle changes.
This procedure is especially useful for those suffering from chronic migraines or occipital neuralgia who are looking for an effective, non-invasive solution.
At Clínica San Román, our specialists in the Pain Management Unit carefully evaluate each case and work together with the patient to develop a personalized treatment plan that maximizes the benefits of the nerve block.
Conclusion
Occipital nerve block is an effective and minimally invasive treatment option for patients suffering from chronic headache, migraine or occipital neuralgia.
At Clinica San Roman, our pain specialists use advanced techniques and a personalized approach to ensure that each patient receives the most appropriate treatment for their condition.
If you suffer from chronic head or neck pain, contact our clinic for a consultation and discover how occipital nerve block can improve your quality of life.
