What Is Occipital Neuralgia?
Occipital Neuralgia is a nerve pain condition involving the occipital nerves, which travel from the upper neck across the back of the head. Irritation or pressure around these nerves may cause sharp, burning, or aching pain that can spread toward the scalp, behind the ears, or near one eye.
Quick Facts About Occipital Neuralgia
Category
Peripheral nerve pain
Used for
Describing nerve-related head pain
Common confusion
Often confused with migraine or tension headache
Also called
Occipital Nerve Pain, Greater occipital neuralgia
Often discussed with
Headache Treatment, Neck Pain Treatment
Key Takeaways About Occipital Neuralgia
- Pain often follows the path of an occipital nerve.
- Neck movement or pressure may affect symptom patterns.
- Occipital neuralgia is not the same as a typical tension headache.
How Occipital Neuralgia Works
Occipital neuralgia involves changes in how the occipital nerves carry signals from the upper neck and scalp. These nerves can become irritated near the neck muscles or surrounding tissues, which may produce brief jolts, steady soreness, or sensitivity along the back of the head. Symptoms can affect one side or both sides.
Related glossary terms: Cervical Spine, Cervicogenic Headache, Referred Pain.
Clinicians consider the pain pattern, scalp sensitivity, neck movement, and related symptoms when assessing the condition. The occipital nerves differ from structures that commonly produce migraine pain, although symptoms can overlap. The cervical spine may also influence nearby muscles and joints, so a careful assessment looks beyond the painful spot.
From the Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractor Garden City team
When we assess occipital neuralgia, we review the pain pattern, neck motion, muscle tension, and sensitivity around the back of the head. Our team also considers whether the symptoms fit a nerve-related pattern or suggest another headache source. We use that information to guide care within Headache Treatment.
Occipital Neuralgia in Practice: A Real-World Example
A person with upper-neck tension may feel sudden, electric pain that travels from the base of the skull toward the scalp. During Headache Treatment, the pattern of pain and changes with neck movement help guide the examination.
Related Services
Related Terms
Cervical Spine
Cervical Spine is the upper section of the spinal column that supports the head and protects…
Cervicogenic Headache
Cervicogenic Headache is a headache caused by dysfunction or irritation in the neck, especially the upper…
Referred Pain
Referred Pain is discomfort felt in an area that differs from the tissue or structure producing…
Pinched Nerve
A pinched nerve is a nerve affected by pressure or irritation from nearby tissue, such as…
Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractor Garden City
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