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Occipital Neuralgia Treatment Phoenix

Occipital neuralgia is a sharp, electric-like pain that starts at the base of the skull and often shoots up toward the scalp or behind the eyes. This nerve issue often won’t go away with typical headache remedies. Many patients look for occipital neuralgia treatment Phoenix when the pain becomes constant, unpredictable, or stops responding to basic care.

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What is Occipital Neuralgia?

Occipital nerves stretch from the top of the spinal cord to your scalp. Occipital neuralgia is a nerve pain that starts in the upper neck and spreads to the back of the head or behind the eyes. The pain is often sudden, sharp, or electric in nature. It happens when the occipital nerves become inflamed, irritated, or compressed. Occipital neuralgia is more common in adults who experience frequent neck tension, poor posture, or cervical spine issues.

Occipital Neuralgia Symptoms

To get the right occipital neuralgia treatment Phoenix, we must confirm that your pain is from occipital neuralgia. This condition can mimic migraines or tension headaches, so a proper diagnosis is required.

Common symptoms include:

  • Pain at the base of the skull
  • Pain that spreads to the scalp or behind the eyes
  • Sharp, shock-like pain on one or both sides of the head
  • Pain that worsens with neck movement
  • Tenderness in the upper neck or back of the head
  • Light sensitivity or aching behind the eyes
  • Pain triggered by touching the scalp

Common Occipital Neuralgia Treatment Phoenix

At Comprehensive Pain Management, we offer occipital neuralgia treatment Phoenix with targeted, non-surgical options. These treatments are designed to block the pain signals coming from the occipital nerves.

One of our most effective methods is the occipital nerve block. This procedure involves a small injection of local anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication near the affected nerve. Many patients feel immediate relief. It also helps confirm that the occipital nerve is the source of your pain.

We also offer radiofrequency ablation (RFA). This technique uses heat to disable the pain fibers in the occipital nerve. It’s done under image guidance and can offer longer-lasting relief than injections alone.

Our team may use EMG (electromyography) to assess muscle and nerve function if your pain pattern is unclear or if other types of nerve dysfunction are suspected. While EMG doesn’t treat occipital neuralgia, it supports a more accurate diagnosis.

All our occipital neuralgia treatment Phoenix plans are built around your specific symptoms and are performed by specialists in pain medicine.

Occipital Neuralgia Causes

  • Pinched nerves in the neck
  • Neck muscle tension or strain
  • Head or neck injuries
  • Cervical spine arthritis
  • Nerve compression from tight muscles
  • Posture-related stress
  • Previous neck surgery
  • Inflammation from infections or autoimmune disorders

Best Occipital Neuralgia Treatment Near Me in Phoenix

If you’re looking for trusted occipital neuralgia treatment Phoenix, the team at Comprehensive Pain Management is here to help. We offer advanced procedures and personalized care for people with chronic head and neck pain.

Schedule your consultation/diagnosis today and start your journey toward relief.

FAQs about Occipital Neuralgia Treatment Phoenix

You can try rest, heat, gentle massage, and over-the-counter pain relievers, but these are often temporary solutions.

Relief from occipital nerve blocks can last weeks to months. Radiofrequency ablation may last even longer.

It’s used to relieve pain from inflamed or irritated occipital nerves and to confirm the pain source.

A combination of occipital nerve blocks and radiofrequency ablation often works best.

Radiofrequency ablation offers the longest relief by disrupting the pain signals in the occipital nerve.

A pain management doctor with training in interventional procedures, like Dr. James KellerShabrokh, D.O.

It’s not rare, especially in people with chronic neck problems or after neck trauma.

Anyone can develop it, but it’s more common in adults with neck strain, poor posture, or past injuries.

It’s diagnosed through a physical exam, your medical history, and your response to an occipital nerve block.

Dr. James KellerShabrokh

Dr. James KellerShabrokh is a board-certified specialist in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, focusing on spine, joint, muscle, and nerve injuries. He combines rehabilitative care, minimally invasive procedures, and preventive strategies to restore function, improve mobility, and provide long-term pain relief.