Occipital Nerve Block

Relief for Chronic Headaches and Neck Pain

Living with constant headaches, migraines, or neck pain can take over your life. When medicine and rest aren’t enough, an occipital nerve block may be the answer. This simple, non-surgical injection targets the nerves at the back of your head that often trigger pain. At Sterling Orthopedic Pain and Spine, we use image-guided precision to help patients find real relief.


What is an Occipital Nerve Block?

The occipital nerves are located at the back of your head, just above the neck. When these nerves become irritated, they can send strong pain signals that lead to migraines, cluster headaches, or tension headaches.

An occipital nerve block is a quick injection of numbing and anti-inflammatory medicine around these nerves. The treatment calms irritation, reduces pain signals, and often provides fast headache relief.


Conditions It Helps

An occipital nerve block may help with:

  • Chronic migraines

  • Cluster headaches

  • Occipital neuralgia (nerve pain at the back of the head)

  • Tension headaches

  • Neck pain linked to irritated nerves


Why Choose This Treatment?

  • Fast relief: Many patients notice improvement within minutes to days

  • Targeted care: Calms the exact nerves responsible for headache pain

  • Non-surgical: Quick outpatient procedure with no hospital stay

  • Improved quality of life: Fewer headaches, better sleep, and more energy


What to Expect

  1. You’ll rest comfortably while your provider locates the occipital nerves.

  2. A small needle is used to inject numbing and pain-relieving medication near the nerves.

  3. The injection usually takes only a few minutes.

  4. You can return home shortly after the procedure.

Most patients return to normal activities within the same day.


Is an Occipital Nerve Block Right for You?

This treatment may be a good option if you have frequent headaches, migraines, or neck pain that doesn’t improve with other treatments. At Sterling Orthopedic Pain and Spine, our team will review your health history and design a treatment plan that’s right for you.


FAQs About Occipital Nerve Blocks

Is the procedure painful?
Most patients feel only a quick pinch. The injection is generally well tolerated.

How long does the relief last?
Relief can last weeks to months. Some patients need repeat treatments for longer-lasting results.

Are there risks?
The most common side effects are mild soreness, redness, or bruising at the injection site. Serious risks are very rare.

How soon can I return to normal activities?
Most people go home right away and feel ready to resume normal activities the same day.

Who should not get this treatment?
This procedure may not be recommended for people with certain bleeding problems, infections, or allergies. Your provider will review your health history to make sure it’s safe.


Take the Next Step

You don’t have to keep living with constant headaches or neck pain. An occipital nerve block may be the targeted relief you’ve been waiting for.

Call Sterling Orthopedic Pain and Spine today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward fewer headaches and more freedom.

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