What is an Occipital Nerve Block?
An occipital nerve block is a minimally invasive procedure used to relieve pain in the back of the head, scalp, and upper neck. It involves injecting a small amount of anesthetic—sometimes combined with a steroid—near the greater and/or lesser occipital nerves, which are located at the base of the skull.
This treatment is often recommended for patients with chronic headaches or nerve-related pain that has not improved with other therapies.
Why We Use Ultrasound Guidance
At Vitality Health Center, we perform occipital nerve blocks using real-time ultrasound guidance to:
- Precisely locate the occipital nerves
- Ensure accurate medication placement
- Minimize risk and discomfort
- Maximize the effectiveness of treatment
Conditions Treated
Occipital nerve blocks may be recommended for patients experiencing:
- Occipital neuralgia (sharp, shooting pain in the back of the head)
- Chronic migraines
- Cluster headaches
- Tension headaches involving the neck and scalp
- Post-traumatic or post-surgical head and neck pain
What to Expect During the Procedure
- The skin at the back of the head is cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic.
- Using ultrasound, the provider identifies the occipital nerves.
- A small needle is carefully guided into position.
- Medication is injected near the nerve.
- The procedure is quick—usually less than 10 minutes—and patients can leave shortly afterward.
Benefits of Occipital Nerve Blocks
- Provides targeted relief from chronic headaches and neuralgia
- Minimally invasive and outpatient-based
- Can reduce reliance on oral pain medications
- May help identify the occipital nerves as the source of pain
- Relief can last from weeks to months, depending on the condition
Aftercare
Most patients tolerate the procedure well and experience little to no downtime. Mild soreness at the injection site may occur. Pain relief may begin within a few hours to a few days.