Occipital Neuralgia Treatment Richardson, TX

Occipital neuralgia is a neurological condition characterized by severe, stabbing pain in the upper neck, back of the head, and behind the eyes, typically caused by irritation or injury to an occipital nerve. Occipital neuralgia pain can significantly impact your daily life, making it difficult to work, sleep, or enjoy your favorite pastimes without proper occipital neuralgia treatment. If you are suffering from the symptoms of occipital neuralgia, visit Eminent Medical Center’s Richardson headache and migraine treatment center. At Eminent Medical Center, your choice for compassionate occipital neuralgia treatment in Richardson, TX, we have pain management doctors, physical therapists, renown surgeons, and a host of medical professionals that can help provide a diagnosis for occipital neuralgia symptoms and treat occipital neuralgia effectively with a range of treatment options, such as physical therapy, occipital nerve blocks, occipital neuralgia medications, and more.

Don’t let occipital neuralgia or other headache disorders rule your life any longer–call 469-910-8800 to schedule an appointment with a headache specialist on our team. 

Occipital Neuralgia Symptoms

There are a variety of specific symptoms associated with occipital neuralgia, many of which can significantly hinder your ability to function. Symptoms of occipital neuralgia include:

  • Sharp, stabbing pain that starts at the base of the skull, sometimes radiating up the back of the head and toward the forehead
  • Burning or throbbing head and neck pain
  • Pain on one or both sides of the head
  • Tender scalp that is sensitive to touch
  • Pain that radiates in the area behind the eyes
  • Increased sensitivity to light
  • Reduced range of motion in the neck

Occipital Nerves Location

The occipital nerves are located at the back of the head. These nerves extend outward from the spinal cord between the second and third cervical vertebrae (C2 and C3). They then spread out and upward through the muscles at the base of the skull and into the scalp, providing sensation to the back and top of the head.

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Occipital Neuralgia Causes

Occipital neuralgia is often caused by irritation or injury to the occipital nerves. This can result from trauma to the back of the head, neck muscle tension, or compression of the nerves due to arthritis or other spinal conditions. Additionally, conditions such as diabetes, infections, or inflammation can contribute to the development of occipital neuralgia. 

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How Our Richardson Headache Specialists Get an Occipital Neuralgia Diagnosis

At Eminent Medical Center, our headache specialists diagnose occipital neuralgia through a comprehensive evaluation of the patient. This includes a detailed patient history, a physical examination focusing on the neck and scalp, and specific diagnostic tests such as nerve blocks or imaging studies like MRI or CT scans.

If you believe you have occipital neuralgia and you’re looking to have occipital neuralgia diagnosed, contact our medical center at 469-910-8800 to schedule an initial appointment with a headache specialist on our team.

Occipital Neuralgia Treatment in Richardson and Dallas, TX

At Eminent Medical Center, we offer a comprehensive range of non-surgical interventions to treat occipital neuralgia and address the unique needs of each patient. Below are some of the services we offer for occipital neuralgia. 

Pain Management for Occipital Neuralgia Pain

Effective pain management for occipital neuralgia at Eminent Medical Center is aimed at reducing pain intensity, improving mobility and neck function, and enhancing the quality of life. This may involve the use of pain-relief medications, nerve blocks, and non-pharmacological therapies such as heat or cold therapy.  Our Richardson and Dallas pain management doctors will develop a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs, providing you with the pain relief you deserve. 

Physical Therapy for Occipital Neuralgia

Physical therapy is a key component in the treatment of occipital neuralgia. Our specialists design individualized exercise programs to strengthen neck muscles, improve posture, and increase flexibility. Massage therapy and specific stretching techniques can also help alleviate nerve compression and reduce pain.

Occipital Neuralgia Medication

Medication management for occipital neuralgia often includes anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, and anticonvulsant medications. These medications help reduce inflammation, control muscle spasms, and decrease nerve pain. Our healthcare team carefully selects and monitors these treatments to ensure maximum efficacy and minimal side effects.

Percutaneous Nerve Blocks

Percutaneous nerve blocks offer targeted relief for occipital neuralgia pain. During this minimally invasive procedure, our specialists inject a local anesthetic and steroid directly around the occipital nerves to block pain signals. An occipital nerve block can provide temporary relief from pain and provide crucial diagnostic information to our healthcare providers regarding the cause of your pain.

Occipital Neuralgia Surgery in Richardson and Dallas, TX

At Eminent Medical Center, we provide advanced surgical options for patients with severe occipital neuralgia who have not found relief with conservative treatments. These specialized surgical treatment options are designed to target and alleviate chronic pain, helping patients in Richardson and Dallas, TX, achieve significant and lasting relief.

Occipital Release Surgery

Occipital release surgery is a procedure aimed at relieving the pressure on the occipital nerves caused by surrounding muscles or tissues. By surgically decompressing these nerves, our specialists at Eminent Medical Center can help reduce or eliminate chronic pain associated with occipital neuralgia.

Occipital Nerve Stimulation

Similar to spinal cord stimulation, occipital nerve stimulation involves implanting a small device that sends electrical impulses to the occipital nerves. These impulses help block pain signals from reaching the brain. Our experts at Eminent Medical Center use this advanced technique to provide long-term pain relief for patients with refractory occipital neuralgia, significantly improving their quality of life.

Occipital Rhizotomy

Occipital rhizotomy is a surgical procedure that involves cutting the occipital nerve roots to prevent them from transmitting pain signals. This treatment is considered for severe cases of occipital neuralgia that do not respond to other interventions. At Eminent Medical Center, our skilled surgeons perform this precise procedure to offer patients lasting relief from debilitating nerve pain.

Other Headache Disorders Our Richardson Headache Specialists Treat

At Eminent Medical Center, our specialists are equipped to diagnose and treat a wide range of headache disorders beyond occipital neuralgia, including: 

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Occipital Neuralgia Treatment Center Richardson and Dallas, TX

If you’re seeking high-quality occipital neuralgia treatment OR any other type of headache or migraine treatment in Richardson, TX, or the greater Dallas area, look no further than Eminent Medical Center. We understand the debilitating impact occipital neuralgia can have on your daily life. Our dedicated team of specialists is committed to providing comprehensive, personalized care to help you find relief from chronic occipital nerve pain. Call (469) 910-8880 or contact us via our website to schedule an initial appointment with a member of our medical team.