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Occipital Neuralgia Treatment Scottsdale

Occipital neuralgia causes sharp, electric-like pain that begins at the base of the skull and often radiates to the scalp or behind the eyes. This type of pain usually doesn’t respond to regular headache treatments. Many people seek occipital neuralgia treatment in Scottsdale when the pain becomes constant, unpredictable, or doesn’t improve with basic care.

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What Is Occipital Neuralgia?

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

Occipital Neuralgia Symptoms

Here are signs of occipital neuralgia:

  • Pain at the base of the skull
  • Pain that spreads to the scalp or behind the eyes
  • Sharp, electric-like pain on one or both sides of the head
  • Pain that gets worse with neck movement
  • Tenderness in the upper neck or back of the head
  • Sensitivity to light or aching behind the eyes
  • Pain when touching the scalp

Note: These symptoms can be confused with migraines or tension headaches, so getting the right diagnosis matters.

Common Occipital Neuralgia Treatment Scottsdale

At Comprehensive Pain Management in Scottsdale, we offer non-surgical treatments for occipital neuralgia to block pain from the occipital nerves. Our treatments include:

Treatment

Description

Occipital Nerve Block

Injection of an anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication near the nerve for quick relief and diagnosis.

Radiofrequency Ablation

Uses heat to target pain fibers in the nerve, offering longer-lasting relief.

EMG (Electromyography)

A test to check muscle and nerve function, helping with accurate diagnosis if needed.

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 Scottsdale

If you’re looking for reliable occipital neuralgia treatment in Scottsdale, the team at Comprehensive Pain Management is ready to help. We offer advanced procedures and personalized care if you suffer from chronic head and neck pain.

Schedule your consultation today and begin your journey toward relief.

FAQs about Occipital Neuralgia Treatment Scottsdale

Pain relief last from weeks to months, depending on the treatment.

It’s used to reduce pain from occipital neuralgia and confirm the source of the pain.

It depends on the person, but nerve blocks and radiofrequency ablation are effective options.

Nerve blocks and radiofrequency ablation often provide the longest relief.

A pain management specialist or neurologist.

It’s relatively uncommon, but it affects many people with neck problems or injury.

It mostly affects adults with neck tension, poor posture, or neck injuries.

Through a physical exam, medical history, and sometimes imaging tests.

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.