What Is Occipital Neuralgia?
Occipital Neuralgia is a nerve pain condition involving the occipital nerves that run from the upper neck across the back of the head. The pain may feel sharp, burning, piercing, or electric. Symptoms can affect one or both sides and may extend toward the scalp, behind the ear, or near the eye.
Quick Facts About Occipital Neuralgia
Category
Nerve-related head pain
Used for
Describing occipital nerve symptoms
Common confusion
Migraine or cervicogenic headache
Also called
C2 Neuralgia, Occipital nerve pain
Often discussed with
Headache Treatment
Key Takeaways About Occipital Neuralgia
- Pain follows the path of the occipital nerves.
- Neck movement or pressure may increase symptoms.
- It is often confused with migraine or cervicogenic headache.
How Occipital Neuralgia Works
Occipital Neuralgia develops when the occipital nerves become irritated, compressed, or sensitive along their course through the upper neck and scalp. These nerves carry sensation from the back of the head. Their irritation can create pain that travels upward from the neck and may feel different from pain centered around the forehead or temples.
Related glossary terms: Cervicogenic Headache, Cervical Spine, Referred Pain.
A clinical assessment looks at the pain pattern, scalp sensitivity, neck motion, posture, and nearby muscle tension. The assessment also considers related conditions, including cervicogenic headache and migraine. In a headache treatment setting, this distinction helps organize the examination and identify whether the neck and occipital region appear to contribute to the symptoms.
From the Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractor Savannah team
When we assess Occipital Neuralgia, we review the location and quality of the head pain, neck movement, posture, and sensitivity around the occipital region. We also consider nearby joints and muscles as part of the headache treatment examination. Our findings help distinguish a neck-related pattern from other headache presentations.
Occipital Neuralgia in Practice: A Real-World Example
A person with Occipital Neuralgia may notice a sharp pain beginning near the upper neck and traveling across the back of the scalp. Neck stiffness or pressure near the base of the skull may make the symptoms more noticeable during a headache treatment visit.
Related Services
Related Terms
Cervicogenic Headache
Cervicogenic Headache is a headache caused by referred pain from structures in the neck, such as…
Cervical Spine
Cervical Spine is the upper section of the spinal column located in the neck. It supports…
Referred Pain
Referred Pain is discomfort felt in an area that differs from the tissue or structure producing…
Trigger Point
A trigger point is a sensitive area within a tight band of muscle that may produce…
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