There's no unique bring about for occipital neuralgia. It can come about when the muscles turn into limited or pinched, and actions as gentle as stroking the hair can cause Long-term pain.
The location of the headache isn't really a foolproof strategy to diagnose the cause, but it may be a fantastic starting point for determining the basis of the trouble.
The pain can be powerful. Some people state that it feels like a migraine or cluster headache, Although they're differing types and have to have unique treatments.
Muscle spasm of the Trapezius Muscle is often seen. It is a all-natural response towards the have on and tear of your bone body in the spine. When this takes place, the tiny nerves that can feed into the Occipital nerve will have some pressure about them which will translate into pain. These symptoms frequently impact either side from the neck/head.
When coupled with Actual physical therapy, massage, each day stretching, strengthening exercises, along with other conservative steps, people with this sort of headache can often do perfectly For numerous weeks or months at a time.
Never ever overlook professional healthcare suggestions in in search of treatment because of something you might have Read more the location. If you're thinking that maybe you have a professional medical emergency, instantly contact your medical professional or dial 911.
But that’s wherever the similarities end. Occipital neuralgia and migraines call for distinct treatments because their sources of pain are unique.
It isn't generally probable to ascertain the cause of occipital neuralgia. Having said that, some prevalent causes include:
Pain together the neck exactly where it fulfills the cranium, as well as pain alongside the back again of The top and neck people with occipital neuralgia ordinarily have.
Contrary here to migraines, Occipital Neuralgia normally commences during the middle-age a long time and tend to worsen as a person receives more mature. In contrast to stress-sort headaches, Occipital Neuralgias typically a single-sided, seldom crossing the midline. Most importantly, Occipital Neuralgia tends to worsen with sure neck postures or actions. Cervical postures and movements that provoke head pain really are a primary diagnostic clue for classifying Occipital Neuralgia.
The issue might cause the associated area(s) to get tender to touch. The pain may differ in severity, frequency and period. The pain can have an effect on one particular aspect of The pinnacle or both sides. Causes of occipital neuralgia
When you aren’t acquiring relief from here those treatments, your health practitioner could prescribe muscle mass relaxers to relieve muscle tightness within the nerves.
If initial treatment doesn't perform, Medical professionals can advise alternative choices to assist manage the pain.
Lisinopril appears to cut back time using a headache but not frequency. Propranolol decreases the amount of times that has a migraine headache. Calcium channel blockers will not surface productive.