Occipital Neuralgia
Sharp, electric pain shooting from the back of your head? That is a different conversation from an ordinary headache.
What is it?
Occipital neuralgia involves sudden stabbing, shooting or electric-like pain in the distribution of the greater, lesser or third occipital nerves. The scalp may feel tender or unusually sensitive.
What causes it?
Symptoms can follow irritation of occipital nerves, trauma or cervical conditions, although an identifiable cause is not always found. Neck muscle pain can coexist but is not the same diagnosis.
How do we distinguish it from other conditions?
We distinguish occipital neuralgia from cervicogenic headache, migraine, shingles and other neurological causes. A physician may consider diagnostic nerve blocks or imaging when indicated.
How is it treated?
Physiotherapy and chiropractic care may address associated cervical movement restrictions, gentle strengthening and ergonomic contributors. RMT and osteopathic manual therapy can help with surrounding muscle discomfort while avoiding aggressive pressure over sensitive nerves. Acupuncture may offer pain relief for selected patients. Class 4 laser may be considered for associated pain, although condition-specific evidence is limited. Injection-based medical pain management, including nerve blocks where available through an appropriately qualified provider, may be considered after medical evaluation; we do not assume a specific procedure is offered onsite.
When should you seek treatment?
Seek assessment for recurring shock-like scalp pain or persistent tenderness. New neurological symptoms, fever, a sudden severe headache or other atypical features warrant urgent medical evaluation.
Feel better. Together.