Pericranial pain is a condition characterized by discomfort and pain in the tissues surrounding the skull, including muscles, nerves and blood vessels.
It is commonly associated with problems such as muscle tension, cranial neuralgia and inflammation in the area.
At Clínica San Román, specifically in the Pain Treatment Unit, we use a multidisciplinary approach and advanced treatments to alleviate this pain, with the aim of improving the quality of life of patients.
What is Pericranial Pain?
Pericranial pain affects the structures surrounding the skull, mainly due to muscle tension, inflammation or neuralgia.
It should not be confused with classic headaches, as this pain involves the peripheral areas of the head, such as the muscles of the neck and the back of the skull.
The pain can be caused by a variety of reasons, from trauma to prolonged poor posture, and can become chronic if not properly treated.
Causes of Pericranial Pain
Pericranial pain can originate for a variety of reasons, the most common of which include:
- Muscular tension: One of the main causes of this pain.
Stress, bad posture, or conditions such as bruxism (teeth grinding) can trigger an excess of tension in the muscles of the cranial and cervical area, generating pain. - Cranial neuralgia: This type of neuralgia, such as occipital neuralgia, can cause a sharp or stabbing pain in the nape of the neck or behind the eyes, due to irritation of the occipital nerves.
- Inflammation of Pericranial Tissues: Previous trauma, infection or surgery can cause prolonged inflammation in the area surrounding the skull, leading to persistent discomfort.
- Chronic Tension Headaches: This type of headache causes sustained contraction of the neck and scalp muscles, resulting in pericranial pain.
Pericranial Pain Symptoms
Symptoms of pericranial pain can vary in intensity, but usually include:
- Constant or intermittent pain around the skull, neck or shoulders.
- Burning sensation or pressure in the back of the head.
- Extreme sensitivity to touch on the scalp.
- Pain that is aggravated by movement or physical activity.
- Muscle stiffness in the cervical area.
In some cases, this pain may be accompanied by dizziness, nausea, or a generalized feeling of fatigue.
It is important to recognize these symptoms in order to seek appropriate treatment and prevent the pain from becoming chronic.
Diagnosis of Pericranial Pain
The diagnosis of pericranial pain at Clínica San Román involves a comprehensive approach, where the patient’s medical history is analyzed, physical examinations and, in some cases, imaging tests are performed.
It is crucial to identify whether the pain is caused by muscle tension, nerve problems or inflammation.
Accurate diagnosis makes it possible to design an effective treatment to relieve the pain.
Pericranial Pain Treatment
At the Pain Treatment Unit of Clínica San Román, we offer multiple therapeutic options to treat pericranial pain, adapted to the individual needs of each patient.
Among the most effective treatments are:
Pharmacological Therapy
Analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are prescribed for initial pain relief.
In cases of neuropathic pain, antidepressants and anticonvulsants, which help modulate pain perception, are also used.
These medications provide temporary relief, but their long-term use should be monitored.
Corticosteroid and Local Anesthetic Injections
Local anesthetic infiltrations, combined with corticosteroids, can be very effective in reducing swelling in specific areas of the skull or neck.
This procedure minimizes pain, providing immediate and lasting relief.
Peripheral Nerve Block
Nerve block is a technique that involves injecting anesthetic around the nerves that are causing the pain, temporarily interrupting the transmission of pain signals to the brain.
This treatment is ideal for cranial neuralgia such as occipital neuralgia, providing relief for weeks or months.
Radiofrequency Therapy
Pulsed radiofrequency is an advanced technique used to deactivate the nerve signals that transmit pain.
Heat is applied to the affected nerves, which reduces their activity without causing permanent damage.
This technique is ideal for cases where pain persists despite other treatments.
Physiotherapy and Manual Therapy
Physical therapy is a fundamental tool in the treatment of pericranial pain.
Through stretching techniques, therapeutic massage and strengthening exercises, muscle tension can be relieved and posture improved.
Manual therapy, performed by specialized physical therapists, is very effective in releasing muscle stiffness and improving mobility in the cervical area.
Neuromodulation
For more severe cases or chronic pain, neuromodulation is an advanced option.
It uses low-intensity electrical impulses that are applied directly to the nerves, altering the pain signals sent to the brain.
This can be a long-term solution for patients who have not found relief from other treatments.
Prevention of Pericranial Pain
Prevention is a key aspect of pericranial pain management.
Some strategies that may help include:
- Maintain good posture: Especially during prolonged activities such as working at a computer.
Avoiding positions that generate tension in the neck and shoulders is crucial. - Manage stress: Stress is a common trigger of pericranial pain.
Relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga or deep breathing can help reduce muscle tension. - Early treatment: Identifying and treating pain in its early stages can prevent it from becoming a chronic problem.
If persistent or recurrent pain is experienced in the skull or neck area, it is critical to seek medical attention in a timely manner.
Conclusion
Pericranial pain can be a debilitating condition, but thanks to advances in pain medicine, it is possible to find relief and improve quality of life.
At Clínica San Román, our team of specialists in the Pain Management Unit works in a personalized way to diagnose and treat this type of pain, using a multidisciplinary approach and advanced therapies.
If you suffer from pericranial pain, do not hesitate to contact us for a personalized consultation to explore the treatment options available.
