Occipital headaches are a painful and disruptive condition that affects many people. One of my best friends gets these. He says it feels like he’s being stabbed in the back of the head and in the eye with an ice-pick. These headaches cause sharp (like my friend gets) or throbbing pain in the back of the head or neck, often radiating toward the eye. If you’ve experienced these headaches, you know how unbearable they can feel. At Red Butte Pain Solutions, we offer effective treatments, including occipital nerve blocks, occipital nerve ablation, and third occipital nerve radiofrequency ablation, to bring relief.
What Is an Occipital Headache?
An occipital headache starts at the base of the skull and spreads forward to the forehead or eye. The occipital nerves, which run from the upper spine through the scalp, are often involved. These nerves can become irritated due to muscle tension, arthritis, or injury.
People with occipital headaches may feel:
- Sharp pain starting at the neck or back of the head
- Stabbing pain radiating to the eye on one side
- Burning or aching sensations along the scalp
- Tenderness at the base of the skull
Because symptoms sometimes overlap with migraines or tension headaches, diagnosing the source is key.
Common Causes of Occipital Headaches
Several factors can trigger occipital headaches, including:
- Muscle tension from stress or posture issues
- Arthritis in the cervical spine (neck)
- Herniated discs or pinched nerves
- Injury to the head or neck
- Post-surgical pain after cervical procedures
Some patients experience these headaches more frequently when they work long hours at a computer or hold their neck in awkward positions.
Diagnosing Occipital Headaches
Doctors can diagnose occipital headaches by reviewing your symptoms and performing a physical exam. Imaging, such as MRIs or CT scans, may be used to check for neck injuries or arthritis. To confirm the diagnosis, your provider may perform an occipital nerve block. This procedure involves injecting a numbing medication around the occipital nerve. If the block relieves your headache, the occipital nerve is likely the cause.
Treatment Options for Occipital Headaches
At Red Butte Pain Solutions, we offer a range of treatments for occipital headaches. These treatments reduce nerve irritation and provide long-term relief.
1. Occipital Nerve Block
An occipital nerve block delivers a combination of local anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication to the irritated nerve. The injection targets the occipital nerve at the base of the skull. Patients typically experience relief within minutes or hours.
- How long it lasts: Relief may last from a few days to several months.
- When it’s used: A nerve block is ideal for immediate relief or when diagnosing nerve involvement.
This option works well for patients with mild to moderate occipital headaches.
2. Occipital Nerve Ablation
For patients who need longer-lasting relief, occipital nerve ablation can help. This procedure involves using radiofrequency energy to heat and disrupt the nerve’s ability to transmit pain signals.
- How it works: A small probe delivers controlled heat to the occipital nerve.
- Expected results: Pain relief can last for 6 to 12 months or longer.
- Ideal candidates: Patients with recurring or severe occipital headaches.
After ablation, most patients report reduced headache frequency and intensity. The procedure is performed with local anesthesia and has minimal downtime.
3. Third Occipital Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation
For some patients, the third occipital nerve—a small nerve located at the C2-C3 joint—causes head and neck pain. Third occipital nerve radiofrequency ablation targets this specific nerve to relieve pain.
- Why it helps: The third occipital nerve can become irritated due to arthritis in the cervical spine.
- Procedure details: Radiofrequency waves interrupt pain signals along the nerve.
- Results: Patients often feel significant pain relief for 9 to 12 months.
This treatment is especially effective for those with headaches caused by neck arthritis or degenerative disc disease.
What to Expect During Nerve Ablation
If your doctor recommends nerve ablation, the procedure is straightforward. You’ll lie on your stomach as the provider applies a local anesthetic to numb the area. Using X-ray guidance, the doctor will position the probe near the targeted nerve. A small burst of radiofrequency energy heats the nerve, stopping it from sending pain signals.
After the procedure, some patients feel sore at the injection site for a few days. However, most people return to normal activities within 24 hours. Full pain relief may take a week or two to appear as the nerve’s ability to transmit pain signals fades.
How Long Does Relief Last?
The relief from nerve ablation can vary between patients. Many people experience pain reduction for six months to a year or longer. Some patients only need one treatment, while others may require repeat ablations every year or so. If the nerve regenerates over time, symptoms may return, but maintenance procedures can keep headaches under control.
Additional Tips for Managing Occipital Headaches
While nerve blocks and ablations provide significant relief, other strategies can help prevent occipital headaches from returning:
- Stretching exercises: Gently stretch the neck and upper back daily to reduce tension.
- Posture corrections: Maintain good posture, especially when working at a computer.
- Massage therapy: Regular massages can relax tight muscles and ease tension.
- Hot and cold therapy: Apply ice packs or heating pads to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Medications: Some patients find relief with over-the-counter pain relievers or muscle relaxants.
If stress contributes to your headaches, stress management techniques, such as mindfulness or yoga, can also help.
Conclusion
Occipital headaches are a frustrating and painful condition that can disrupt your life. Fortunately, treatments such as occipital nerve blocks, occipital nerve ablation, and third occipital nerve radiofrequency ablation offer effective relief. At Red Butte Pain Solutions, we specialize in these advanced procedures to help patients find lasting relief.
If you struggle with occipital headaches, our team is here to help. With expert care and targeted treatments, we can reduce your pain and improve your quality of life. Contact Red Butte Pain Solutions today to learn more about your treatment options and schedule an evaluation.