What are the treatment options for occipital neuralgia?
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Treatment for occipital neuralgia often begins with an occipital nerve block. This procedure, in which a doctor injects a medication, anesthetic, or steroid into your occipital nerve, will not only provide you with some relief from the pain, but it will also help your doctor make a proper diagnosis. If your occipital neuralgia is being caused by tight muscles, you may be able to fix the problem with a good massage, an anti-inflammatory, or a muscle relaxant. Antidepressants are even used to relieve pain in some cases. If those treatments do not work, your doctor may recommend a more permanent procedure to deaden the nerve. These procedures will cure the pain, but they can also lead to some permanent numbness.
Treatment for occipital neuralgia often begins with an occipital nerve block. This procedure, in which a doctor injects a medication, anesthetic, or steroid into your occipital nerve, will not only provide you with some relief from the pain, but it... More -
Dr. Steven Meyers of NorthShore University HealthSystem answered:There are 3 main approaches to treatment of occipital neuralgia. Local physical therapies such as massage and stretching may be effective. An occipital nerve block is a simple procedure where a local anesthetic or cortisone is injected near the nerve to lessen the irritation. In cases which do not respond to these modalities, a variety of medications may be used to reduce or prevent pain.There are 3 main approaches to treatment of occipital neuralgia. Local physical therapies such as massage and stretching may be effective. An occipital nerve block is a simple procedure where a local anesthetic or cortisone is injected near the... More -
Riverside Center for Neurosciences answered:Treatment of occipital neuralgia is generally symptomatic and includes massage and rest. In some cases, antidepressants may be used when the pain is particularly severe. Other treatments may include local nerve blocks and injections of steroids directly into the affected area.
This answer is based on source information from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
Treatment of occipital neuralgia is generally symptomatic and includes massage and rest. In some cases, antidepressants may be used when the pain is particularly severe. Other treatments may include local nerve blocks and injections of steroids... More
