How To Treat Occipital Neuralgia

Nerve-Blocking Injections

Occipital neuralgia can sometimes be treated through nerve-blocking injections, which block certain nerves from sending pain signals. Nerve blocks. Many practitioners will use an imaging tool to make sure they target the correct area. Common imaging tools include CT scans, ultrasounds, or fluoroscopes. The needle injects pain-relieving medication around the nerves causing the occipital neuralgia, which numbs the overall area. There are multiple types of nerve blocks, some which act on a temporary basis and others that have longer-lasting effects. In a peripheral nerve blockade, the doctor will inject medicine around the peripheral nerves that cause pain. Nerve blocks cause immediate pain relief, and they may also provide longer-lasting relief by allowing the nerves to heal.

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Muscle Relaxants

Muscle relaxants are a conservative treatment method that can be applied at home. Muscle relaxing medications help treat muscle spasticity and reduce muscle tension, which can help relieve symptoms of occipital neuralgia. There are some prescription-strength muscle relaxants patients can use if over-the-counter medications don't work. OTC medications include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, which keep the body from creating inflammation-causing substances. Acetaminophen blocks the body from making pain-causing substances. These are the main pain medications used for at-home treatment of occipital neuralgia. On a prescription basis, antispasmodics can be prescribed to relieve muscle spasming through the central nervous system. However, patients shouldn't use these medications for more than two or three weeks.

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