An occipital nerve block is a type of injection that is used to alleviate pain and inflammation in the head, scalp, and neck. The procedure involves injecting a local anesthetic or corticosteroid medication into or around the occipital nerves, which are located in the back of the head.

This procedure is used to treat chronic headaches and migraines that are caused by inflammation and irritation of the occipital nerves. It may also be used to treat other conditions such as chronic neck pain, tension headaches, and post-herpetic neuralgia, which is more commonly known as shingles pain. The relief may be temporary and the procedure may need to be repeated to maintain symptom relief.

Occipital nerve blocks are an effective method for pain management for many people.

An occipital nerve block is used to treat a variety of conditions that cause pain in the back of the head and neck, including:
 
Chronic headaches – These can include migraines, tension headaches, and cluster headaches.

Occipital neuralgia – This is a condition characterized by pain, numbness, and tingling in the scalp, neck, and behind the ears, caused by irritation or injury to the occipital nerves.

Post-traumatic headaches – Headaches that occur after a head injury or trauma.

Neck pain – Pain in the neck that is caused by muscle strain, arthritis, or other conditions.
 
Occipital nerve blocks can also be used to treat other types of pain that originate from the occipital nerves, such as pain caused by fibromyalgia, shingles, or certain types of tumors.

An occipital nerve block is typically performed in an outpatient setting, such as a doctor’s office or clinic, and it typically takes around 15-30 minutes. The procedure is typically done under local anesthesia, which numbs the area where the injection is given.
 
The steps of administering the occipital nerve block are:
 
1. The patient will lie down on their stomach, and the area of the injection site will be cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic.

2. Using ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance, the needle is inserted into the area of the occipital nerves.

3. Once the needle is in the correct position, the mixture of anesthetic and steroid is injected.

4. After the injection, the needle is removed, and a small bandage is applied to the injection site.

5. After the procedure, the patient may experience some mild pain and swelling at the injection site, and mild headaches are a possible side effect, but these side effects should resolve quickly. The patient will be monitored for a short period of time before going home.
 
The effectiveness of an occipital nerve block can vary from person to person, and it may take several injections over time to achieve the desired level of pain relief. Your specialist will advise you on the frequency of injections that is recommended for your condition.

The duration of pain relief from an occipital nerve block can vary depending on the individual and the specific condition being treated. Some patients may experience relief for several days or weeks, while others may experience relief for several months.

In general, the pain relief from the anesthetic component of the injection will typically last for several hours to a day. The steroid component of the injection may provide additional pain relief for a longer period of time, but it can take several days to reach its peak effect.

A occipital nerve block is not a permanent solution for headaches or other conditions, it may need to be repeated periodically to maintain pain relief. The frequency of injections will depend on the individual and the specific condition being treated. It’s important to consult with a specialist to have a clear understanding of how long the effects of the injection will last and if multiple injections are needed.

To learn more, contact us today or schedule an appointment to discover more. We are located at 1 Layfair Drive, Suite 400 Flowood, MS 39232. We serve patients from Flowood MS, Jackson MS, Pearl MS, Richland MS, Ridgeland MS, Langford MS, Brandon MS, and the entire central Mississippi area.