The holidays can be a joyful time, but for those suffering from headaches triggered by occipital nerve irritation, they can also be a time of discomfort. Occipital nerve pain, often caused by inflammation or irritation of the nerves located at the base of the skull, can lead to severe headaches that may travel to the top of the head or temples. Fortunately, occipital nerve blocks offer a promising solution to help reduce the severity and frequency of these painful headaches.

What Are Occipital Nerve Blocks?

Occipital nerves are located in the back of the head, behind the ears, and are responsible for providing sensation to the scalp. When these nerves become irritated, they can cause headaches known as occipital neuralgia. The pain from these headaches can be debilitating, often starting at the base of the skull and radiating up to the top of the head or along the temples.



Occipital nerve blocks are a targeted treatment to block pain signals from these nerves. By injecting a local anesthetic and possibly a steroid anti-inflammatory directly into the affected areas, the procedure can help decrease the intensity and frequency of the headaches. For long-term relief, procedures like radiofrequency ablation or cryoablation may be recommended after an occipital nerve block proves effective.

What to Expect During an Occipital Nerve Block Procedure

Occipital nerve blocks are typically performed in-office, and no special preparation is required beforehand. Here's a step-by-step look at what you can expect:

1. Seated Position: The patient is seated comfortably, with their head resting on a pillow.
2. Locating the Nerves: The doctor will use palpation to locate the areas of the occipital nerves that are most tender or painful.
3. Cleaning the Area: The skin is cleaned with alcohol or antibacterial soap to ensure the area is sterile.
4. Injection: A small needle is used to inject a local anesthetic and possibly a steroid medication into the identified areas. This numbs the affected nerves and reduces inflammation.

After the Procedure

The procedure typically takes only a short time, and most patients can return to their normal activities right away. Afterward, the patient will be observed for 15-20 minutes to monitor for any immediate side effects and to assess pain relief. The doctor will check for improved neck movement and ask the patient to report how much their pain has decreased.

Some patients may experience temporary numbness in the scalp following the injection. This is a normal side effect and typically subsides after a short period.

Long-Term Relief Options

If the occipital nerve block provides significant relief, patients may be candidates for longer-term treatments like radiofrequency ablation or cryoablation. These procedures target the nerve more permanently, providing more lasting relief from chronic occipital nerve pain.

Enjoy the Holidays Without the Pain

This holiday season, don’t let occipital nerve pain steal your joy. If you are experiencing headaches at the base of your skull or pain radiating through your temples, occipital nerve blocks might be the solution you need to regain control of your life and enjoy the festivities without discomfort.

At Interventional Spine Care and Orthopedic Regenerative Experts (iSCORE), Dr. Maxim Moradian and Dr. Revik Vartanian specialize in treating nerve-related headaches. If you're in California and suffering from occipital nerve pain, contact our team to learn more about how occipital nerve blocks can help. Don’t let headaches ruin your holidays—take the first step toward relief today!

Call us at (818) 338-6860 or (626) 460-1096 to schedule your consultation. Let us help you make this holiday season pain-free!