Occipital Nerve Blocks

What are Occipital Nerve Blocks?

An occipital nerve block is an injection of a steroid or other numbing agent around the greater and lesser occipital nerves that are located on the back of the head just above the neck area.

What is the purpose of Occipital Nerve Blocks?

The steroid injected reduces the inflammation and swelling of tissue around the occipital nerves. This may in turn reduce pain, and other symptoms caused by inflammation or irritation of the nerves and surrounding structures. Typically, headaches over the back of the head, including certain types of tension headaches, migraine headaches, and cluster headaches may respond to occipital nerve blocks.

Will the Occipital Nerve Block Hurt?

The procedure involves inserting a needle through skin and deeper tissues. So, there is some pain involved. However, the skin and deeper tissues are numbed with a local anesthetic using a very thin needle during the performance of the block.

How many Occipital Nerve Blocks do I need to have?

We usually inject both sides of the occipital (greater and lesser region) this is also determined based on the location of the pain in each patient. If you need another round of injections you wouldn’t receive them for a minimum of 4 weeks. The frequencies of these injections are determined by your response to the injections, your headache pain and your provider.

What should I expect after the Occipital Nerve Block?

Immediately after the injection, you may feel that your pain may be gone or quite less. This is due to the local anesthetic injected. This will last only for a few hours. Your pain may return and you may have a sore head for a day or two. This is due to the mechanical process of needle insertion as well as initial irritation from the steroid itself. You should start noticing a more lasting pain relief starting the third day or so.

Are there any side effects to Occipital Nerve Blocks?

Generally speaking, this procedure is safe. However, with any procedure there are risks, side effects and possibility of complications. The most common side effect is temporary pain at the injection site.

How long does the effect of the medication last?

The immediate effect is usually from the local anesthetic injected. This wears off in a few hours. The steroid starts working in about 3 to 5 days and its effect can last for several days to a few months.

Who should not have Occipital Nerve Blocks?

If you are allergic to any of the medications to be injected, if you are on a blood thinning medication (they can still be done but please let your provider know), if you have an active infection going on, or if you have poorly controlled diabetes or heart disease.