Occipital neuralgia
Occasionally, either the C2 or C3 nerve root can get
pinched as it leaves the spine. These are mostly sensory
nerve roots, and if they are pinched it can cause a
chronic headache. Pain is generally felt in the back
of the head or the occipital region.
The headache can usually be relieved through one or
a combination of conservative treatments, including:
-
An injection of Lidocaine/steroid around the nerve
root to relieve the inflammation and numb the area
-
NSAID’s to relieve the inflammation
-
Chiropractic manipulations of the upper spine
In very severe cases (which are rare), a surgical decompression
of the nerve root may be needed to relieve pressure
on the nerve.
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