OCCIPITAL NEURALGIA PASADENA

• Nerve Compression: Compression or irritation of the occipital nerves, often from nearby structures like muscles or bones.
• Trauma: Head or neck injuries that damage or irritate the occipital nerves.
• Muscle Tension: Tightness in the neck and shoulder muscles that can irritate the occipital nerves.
• Poor Posture: Prolonged poor posture leading to nerve strain.
• Infections: Infections that involve the occipital nerves or nearby tissues.
• Migraines: Sometimes, migraines can mimic or contribute to symptoms similar to occipital neuralgia.

The symptoms of occipital neuralgia can vary but commonly include:

• Severe Pain: Sharp, stabbing, or electric-shock-like pain that typically occurs in the upper neck, back of the head, and behind the eyes.

• Tenderness: Sensitivity or tenderness in the scalp, particularly along the path of the occipital nerves.

• Pain with Movement: Pain may be exacerbated by movements of the neck or head.

• Scalp Sensitivity: The scalp may become unusually sensitive to touch, even light touch.

• Nausea: Some individuals may experience nausea as a result of severe pain.

• Headaches: The pain may be intermittent or constant and can be mistaken for a migraine or tension headache.

Preventing occipital neuralgia involves addressing factors that can lead to nerve irritation or compression. Key strategies include maintaining good posture, especially during prolonged activities, and avoiding neck strain by using ergonomic supports. Regular stretching and strengthening exercises for the neck and upper back can help prevent muscle tension and reduce the risk of nerve compression. Additionally, managing underlying conditions such as arthritis or cervical spine issues is crucial. At the Spine & Pain Institute Los Angeles, treatment options for occipital neuralgia are customized to each patient's needs and may include a combination of therapies such as physical therapy to improve neck strength and flexibility, medications for pain management, nerve blocks to provide relief, and advanced interventions like radiofrequency ablation. Our comprehensive approach aims to alleviate pain, enhance function, and improve overall quality of life.

At Spine & Pain Institute Los Angeles, we offer a range of treatments tailored to your specific condition and needs. Our goal is to alleviate pain and restore function through personalized care plans, which may include:

• Medications: Pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and muscle relaxants to manage pain.
• Physical Therapy: Exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and function.
• Nerve Blocks: Injections to block pain signals from the occipital nerves.
• Spinal Cord Stimulation: Devices that use electrical impulses to relieve chronic pain.
• Surgery: In rare cases, surgical options to decompress or remove pressure on the occipital nerves.

At Spine & Pain Institute Los Angeles, we use a thorough diagnostic process to identify and understand occipital neuralgia:

• Comprehensive Medical History: We take a detailed medical history, focusing on any conditions, injuries, or treatments that could contribute to occipital neuralgia.
• Detailed Physical Examination: We assess the affected areas for signs of nerve damage, such as changes in sensation, reflexes, and muscle strength.
• Diagnostic Tests: These may include nerve blocks, MRI, or CT scans to identify nerve compression or other abnormalities.

Accurate diagnosis is essential for developing an effective treatment plan. If you suspect you have occipital neuralgia, contact Spine & Pain Institute Los Angeles. Our dedicated team is here to provide expert care and guide you on your path to recovery.