Occipital Nerve Blocks: Effective Relief for Chronic Headaches and Neck Pain

Chronic headaches, migraines, and neck pain can be debilitating, affecting daily life, work, and sleep. Occipital nerve blocks provide a targeted, non-surgical treatment to reduce pain and improve quality of life. At Ascend Pain & Wellness, we specialize in minimally invasive pain relief treatments, including occipital nerve blocks, to help patients find long-lasting relief from headaches, migraines, and nerve-related pain.

What is an Occipital Nerve Block?

An occipital nerve block is an image-guided injection that delivers anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication directly to the occipital nerves at the back of the head. These nerves can become irritated or inflamed, leading to chronic headaches, migraines, and neck pain.

By blocking pain signals from the greater and lesser occipital nerves, this procedure can:

• Reduce the severity and frequency of headaches.
• Relieve nerve-related pain in the back of the head and upper neck.
• Help diagnose occipital neuralgia or nerve-related headaches.
• Improve mobility and reduce tension in the neck and shoulders.

Learn more about advanced pain treatments at Ascend Pain & Wellness.

Who Can Benefit from an Occipital Nerve Block?

This procedure is commonly used for patients with:

• Chronic migraines – Persistent, severe headaches that affect daily function.
• Occipital neuralgia – Irritation or inflammation of the occipital nerves.
• Cluster headaches – Recurring, intense headaches on one side of the head.
• Tension headaches – Muscle tightness in the upper neck and scalp.
• Post-traumatic headaches – Headaches following an injury, such as whiplash.

If you suffer from frequent headaches, migraines, or upper neck pain, an occipital nerve block may provide significant relief.

Explore other non-surgical headache treatments.

How is an Occipital Nerve Block Performed?

This outpatient procedure is performed in 15 to 30 minutes and follows these steps:

Step 1: Pre-Procedure Preparation

• The patient sits comfortably while the injection site is numbed with a local anesthetic.

Step 2: Image-Guided Injection

• A thin needle is inserted at the base of the skull, near the greater or lesser occipital nerves.
• A small amount of anesthetic and steroid medication is injected to reduce inflammation and block pain signals.

Step 3: Post-Procedure Monitoring

• Patients are observed for a short period before being discharged.
• Pain relief may be immediate or develop gradually over a few days.

If pain relief is temporary, repeat injections may be necessary, or alternative treatments like radiofrequency ablation may be recommended.

Learn about radiofrequency ablation for long-term pain relief.

What to Expect After an Occipital Nerve Block?

Patients may experience immediate relief, though some require a few days for the full effects.

After the procedure:

• Light activities can be resumed the same day, but strenuous exercise should be avoided for 24 hours.
• Mild soreness or swelling at the injection site is normal.
• Pain relief typically lasts several weeks to months, depending on the severity of the condition.

If relief is temporary, additional treatments such as physical therapy, medication adjustments, or radiofrequency ablation may be considered.

Benefits of Occipital Nerve Blocks

• Fast-acting pain relief for chronic headaches and migraines.
• Minimally invasive with no need for surgery.
• Reduces nerve inflammation, preventing recurrent headaches.
• Improves mobility and reduces neck tension.
• Diagnostic value – If pain improves, it confirms occipital nerves as the source.

Read about other advanced headache relief treatments.

Long-Term Management of Chronic Headaches

For long-lasting relief, occipital nerve blocks are often combined with:

• Physical therapy to improve posture and reduce muscle tension.
• Medication management for chronic migraine prevention.
• Alternative treatments, such as botox injections for migraines.

If occipital nerve blocks provide only short-term relief, radiofrequency ablation may be recommended to disable the pain signals for an extended period.

Read about spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does an occipital nerve block last?

Pain relief can last a few weeks to several months, depending on the patient’s response.

How many injections are needed?

Some patients achieve relief after one injection, while others require repeat treatments over time.

Are occipital nerve blocks painful?

The procedure is minimally uncomfortable, as a local anesthetic is used to numb the area.

Are occipital nerve blocks covered by insurance?

Most insurance providers cover occipital nerve blocks for chronic pain management. Our team can assist with verifying coverage.

Why Choose Ascend Pain & Wellness for Occipital Nerve Blocks?

At Ascend Pain & Wellness, we specialize in minimally invasive pain relief solutions, ensuring precision and patient comfort. Our team of expert pain specialists provides state-of-the-art occipital nerve blocks using advanced image guidance.

• Board-certified pain specialists with expertise in headache relief.
• Advanced imaging technology for accurate nerve targeting.
• Comprehensive pain management plans tailored to each patient’s needs.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

If chronic headaches or migraines are impacting your quality of life, an occipital nerve block may be the solution. Contact Ascend Pain & Wellness today to schedule a consultation.

Call (708) 550-7005 or visit our website for more information.

Related Resources

• Pain Therapy Treatments
• Headache and Migraine Treatments
• Radiofrequency Ablation for Chronic Pain
• Meet Our Specialists