Occipital Neuralgia in Manhattan, NY

Do you suffer from headaches that begin near the base of your skull or spread from the neck to the back of the head? This may be occipital neuralgia—a nerve-related condition caused by irritation, dysfunction, or inflammation of the occipital nerves. These paired nerves originate near the second and third vertebrae of the neck and run upward along the back and sides of the head.

When the occipital nerves are impacted by pressure, trauma, entrapment, or inflammation, they can trigger severe, radiating pain that often doesn’t respond well to over-the-counter medications. Many patients describe being able to pinpoint the pain just below the base of the skull.

At Ospina Medical in NYC, our team specializes in identifying and treating the underlying source of nerve irritation. By relieving the pressure or interference on the occipital nerves, we aim to minimize or control occipital neuralgia headaches and restore quality of life.

Pain from occipital neuralgia typically starts at the base of the skull by the nape of the neck and then spreads upward across the back of your skull, over the top of the head and even sometimes to the area just above your eyes. Patients describe the pain as a sharp shooting burning pain oftentimes made worse with applying pressure over the course of the nerve.

At Ospina Medical, we take a personalized approach to treating chronic pain, tailoring every treatment plan to each patient’s unique symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history. For conditions such as tension headaches or occipital neuralgia, our pain specialists prioritize conservative, non-invasive treatments over narcotics, with the goal of providing lasting relief while supporting long-term health.

Treatment options may include physical therapy, medications, and advanced injection therapies to help reduce pain episodes. For patients with occipital neuralgia, we also offer innovative Regenexx® regenerative medicine procedures, including platelet lysate (PL) nerve hydrodissection. This minimally invasive technique uses live ultrasound guidance to carefully inject platelet lysate around inflamed or entrapped occipital nerves, freeing them from compression while creating a healthier healing environment. Many patients experience dramatic improvements in pain and function with this approach.

If you are struggling with chronic tension headaches or occipital neuralgia and want to explore safe, effective treatment options, our physicians will actively listen to your concerns and work with you to find the right solution. Contact Ospina Medical in Midtown Manhattan through our website, app, or by calling our office to schedule your appointment today.

Do the injection treatments (steroids and platelet lysate) for occipital neuralgia hurt?

Most patients don’t experience undue discomfort, like with any other injection. We use small needles and ultrasound guidance to precisely target the treatment area.

What causes occipital neuralgia?

Occipital neuralgia is most commonly caused by a pinched nerve(s) in the base of the neck. Often these pinched nerves are a result of chronic neck tension or an injury.

Does stress cause occipital neuralgia?

Yes, if you hold stress in your neck or back muscles, you may be at risk of developing occipital neuralgia.

Can occipital neuralgia go away on its own?

Yes, it can, but only after the inflammation causing the occipital neuralgia is addressed. That’s why Ospina Medical offers multiple treatment options for occipital neuralgia that address its root causes.