Occipital neuralgia appears as intense, throbbing pain from the spine to the scalp. Occipital nerves become injured or inflamed and cause pain, usually, on the back of the head and the skull’s base.

The top pain management doctors offer several effective pain management techniques that can help you manage such pain.

Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency Ablation is an interventional pain treatment involves the use of radio waves to create heat and interrupt nerve pain signals. This treatment helps to relieve the pain caused by the blocked nerve. The results of radiofrequency ablation treatment may last as long as 18 months.

Peripheral Nerve Blocks

Nerve blocks are injections that block pain signals traveling from the pain causing nerve to the brain. Peripheral nerve blocks have been used to treat a number of headache-related conditions. Peripheral nerve blocks are injections that block peripheral trigeminal and cervical nerve branches. This results in fast-acting relief, lasting up to several months, at a time.

Peripheral Nerve Stimulation

If you’ve already tried conservative treatments without any significant relief, you pain specialist may recommend peripheral nerve stimulation.

Peripheral nerve stimulation involves the use of specifically positioned electrodes that generate electric current which interferes with nerve pain signals.

This is a great option for those with occipital neuralgia, because it gives your doctor the opportunity to reach areas that are not easily accessible, such as the skull.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy, used in conjunction with interventional pain management techniques, has shown great relief in cases of occipital neuralgia.

Back and neck exercises and massage allow the blood and oxygen to flow freely, allowing damaged nerves to heal. Physical therapy also strengthens the muscles, decreasing the pressure on the nerves, preventing more headaches.

Medication Management

Sometimes the pain doctor may also prescribe medication for the relief and treatment of occipital neuralgia. Commonly used medications that can help to treat painful symptoms include muscle relaxants, anti-seizure drugs (like carbamazepine and gabapentin) and antidepressants. Nerve blocks and steroid injections may also be used.

Instead of allowing occipital neuralgia to control your life, consult a doctor who specializes in pain management for effective treatment of your pain and the underlying condition. Pain management centers specialize in bringing you lasting pain relief without the need for major surgery.

If you have any questions about pain management in Chandler, AZ, call Desert Interventional Spine Consultants at 480-838-1914. DISC is committed to providing the highest quality spine care with experienced pain management doctors, cutting edge interventional pain treatments and precise diagnostic tests.