Occipital nerve blocks are injections that reduce pain and inflammation around the nerves that start at the base of the skull. There are several types of headaches that can be treated with occipital nerve blocks.
This procedure involves injecting steroids and pain medicine into the back of the head around the occipital nerve as part of the occipital nerve block procedure. The occipital nerve block procedure usually provides immediate relief from chronic headaches caused by irritation of the nerves at the back of the head.You would not need to be admitted in the hospital, doctor may perform it in his office easily.
What Does an Occipital Nerve Block Treat?
An occipital nerve block can treat different kinds of head pain, which are as follows:
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Occipital Neuralgia
Occipital nerves originate at the base of the skull from the spinal cord. In case of irritation of the occipital nerve block, you may feel pain at the bottom of your head, which goes to one side and then radiates to the eye, temple, and forehead. Such pain, which occurs due to nerve irritation, is known as occipital neuralgia.
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Migraines
Headaches unrelated to occipital nerve block can also be treated with occipital nerve block. Occipital nerve blockers serve as transmitters of pain signals that result in pain. So, blocking the signals from occipital nerves may result in a decrease in pain associated with them.
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Cluster Headaches
Cluster headaches are considered the most painful type of headaches. They may occur as cyclical patterns or clusters. Due to cluster headaches, you may wake up at night. You may feel severe pain on one side of the head around one eye.
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Diagnostic Procedure
Diagnosing other issues is also one of the main functions of the occipital nerve block. Occipital nerve block helps in locating the exact location of the pain. Sometimes, it becomes difficult to differentiate the site of the pain that either is coming from any part of the spine or starts in occipital nerves. So, it is the best way to find the exact location of the pain.
How Do I Prepare For An Occipital Nerve Block?
- According to the back pain doc in Dallas, no special preparation is required for the occipital nerve block procedure. However, in some cases, the doctor may prescribe sedatives before the process.
- But it is essential to fast for about six to eight hours before taking sedation.
- Since you are unconscious, it is advisable not to go home but to hire a driver.
- Don’t forget to take your regular medications.
- The nurse will look at the person to see if they are ready for the procedure.
- The doctor will explain the procedure to you and may ask you to sign a consent form.
- Additionally, do not forget to tell the doctor if you have any allergies.
- Moreover, your provider will inform you about all the conditions you must follow. But you should know how to follow all the instructions. Never hesitate to ask questions.
What Happens During An Occipital Nerve Block Procedure?
An occipital nerve block procedure can be performed in an outpatient setting; you can go home after a short period. And you don’t need to get admitted to the hospital for a procedure. Here is the given course for the occipital nerve.
- To slightly flex your neck, you will sit on a procedure table by tilting your head with your hands or lying on your stomach with a pillow by putting it under your chest.
- An IV line will be placed in your arms.
- Then, the healthcare provider will locate this nerve by feeling the back of your neck.
- In this procedure, your neck skin will be cleaned with the help of antiseptic solutions.
- After that, the provider will administer the medication as close as possible to the affected nerve.
- Afterwards, you have to rest until the medication takes effect. The procedure will not take more than five minutes to complete.
Summary
In general, occipital nerve blocks are safe and effective, but their effectiveness and duration of relief can be significantly different from person to person. Often, a physician will recommend alternative treatments before recommending occipital nerve blocks. So, it is always recommended to follow doctor instructions.
The procedure takes only a few minutes; a person typically goes home the same day. Pain physicians in Dallas are well known to perform such types of procedures. You can consult them as they will guide you best and you will feel full satisfaction by their behaviour and cooperative staff.