12/19/2025
One of my favorite nerves to release around the base of the skull. Also one of the most common neck/head points of stress I see in the studio as well!
🚨 OCCIPITAL PAIN, HEADACHES WON'T GO AWAY?
Occipital nerve compression, known as occipital neuralgia, causes severe, throbbing, or electric-shock-like pain starting at the skull base and spreading up the head to the forehead or behind the eye, often triggered by touch. It's caused by irritation or injury to the occipital nerves, often from neck trauma (like whiplash), tight muscles, arthritis, or tumors, leading to symptoms like scalp tenderness, dizziness, and migraines.
Treatments range from at-home care (heat/cold, anti-inflammatories) and physical therapy to nerve blocks and, sometimes, surgery to decompress the nerve.
➡️ Symptoms of Occipital Nerve Compression
• Pain Quality: Sudden, sharp, shooting, throbbing, or burning pain.
• Pain Location: Starts at the base of the skull and radiates to the scalp, behind the eyes, and sometimes to the shoulder.
• Triggers: Brushing hair, resting the head on a pillow, or neck movements can cause intense pain.
• Other Sensations: Scalp tenderness, numbness, or tingling.
➡️ Causes
• Trauma: Head or neck injuries, whiplash, or concussions.
• Muscle Tension: Tight neck muscles compressing nerves.
• Spinal Issues: Osteoarthritis (especially in the upper spine), disc disease, tumors, or gout.
• Other: Diabetes, infections, or unknown causes.
➡️ Treatment Options
• Home Care: Heat/cold therapy, over-the-counter pain relievers, gentle neck stretches.
• Physical Therapy: Massage, exercises to relax and strengthen neck muscles.
• Medications: Muscle relaxants, prescription anti-inflammatories.
• Nerve Blocks: Injections of anesthetic/steroids near the nerves for pain relief.
• Advanced Treatments: Occipital nerve stimulation (implanted device) or decompression surgery (rarely).
➡️ When to See a Doctor
Seek medical help for unusual, sharp head/neck pain, especially if it feels like electric shocks, is persistent, or is accompanied by light sensitivity or dizziness, as it can mimic migraines.
