Occipital Nerve Blocks

Occipital nerve blocks are a type of injection that can be used to manage pain and inflammation in the occipital nerves, which are located in the back of the head. These injections can be used to treat chronic headaches, neck pain, and other types of pain that originate in the occipital region. In this article, we will discuss how occipital nerve blocks work, the conditions they are used to treat, and the potential risks and side effects associated with this procedure.

The occipital nerves are a pair of nerves that originate from the spinal cord and run through the neck and into the scalp. These nerves provide sensation to the back of the head and can be a source of pain when they become inflamed or damaged. Occipital nerve blocks are used to target these nerves and provide relief from pain and inflammation.

The procedure for an occipital nerve block is typically performed by a medical professional, such as a doctor or nurse practitioner. The patient is given a local anesthetic to numb the area and a small needle is inserted near the occipital nerves. A combination of anesthetic and corticosteroid medication is then injected into the area. The anesthetic provides immediate pain relief while the corticosteroid helps to reduce inflammation and swelling.