Chronic headaches and neck pain can feel like a storm that never ends, making it difficult to concentrate, rest, or enjoy daily life. When standard treatments such as medication or physical therapy do not provide enough relief, an occipital nerve block offers a minimally invasive way to calm pain at its source. This procedure delivers a combination of pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory medication around the occipital nerves—key nerves that carry pain signals from the back of the head and upper neck to the brain—interrupting those signals to provide fast and effective relief.
Why an Occipital Nerve Block May Be Recommended
An occipital nerve block is often recommended for conditions such as occipital neuralgia, chronic migraine or tension headaches, and neck pain caused by irritated or inflamed occipital nerves. It can also be used diagnostically to confirm that the occipital nerves are the primary source of pain. Because the treatment is so precisely targeted, many people can reduce or eliminate their reliance on oral pain medications and experience improved comfort and mobility.
How the Procedure Works
An occipital nerve block is typically an outpatient procedure that takes less than an hour. You will sit or lie comfortably while the skin at the back of your head and upper neck is cleaned and sterilized. A small amount of local anesthetic is applied so the injection is virtually painless. Using real-time imaging such as fluoroscopy (a special X-ray) or ultrasound, your doctor carefully guides a thin needle to the occipital nerves responsible for your pain. A mixture of local anesthetic for immediate relief and, when appropriate, a corticosteroid to reduce inflammation is injected around the targeted nerves. You’ll relax under brief observation to ensure comfort before heading home the same day. Most patients notice improvement within hours, and relief can last for several weeks or even months.
What to Expect After the Procedure
Temporary numbness or warmth at the injection site is normal and fades as the anesthetic wears off. Many people experience a marked reduction in headache or neck pain shortly after the procedure. Depending on the cause of your symptoms, your doctor may recommend a series of injections to maintain long-term relief.
Risks and Safety
Occipital nerve blocks are considered very safe when performed by experienced pain specialists. Possible minor side effects include mild soreness or bruising at the injection site, temporary weakness of neck muscles, or a rare risk of infection or allergic reaction. Your healthcare provider will review your medical history and allergies in advance to reduce these risks.
Supporting Your Comprehensive Pain Care
An occipital nerve block is often part of a broader pain management plan. Your provider may recommend complementary treatments such as Intercostal Nerve Block for chest or rib pain, Suprascapular Nerve Block for shoulder discomfort, Sympathetic Nerve Block or Stellate Ganglion Nerve Block for complex nerve pain, or a full overview of options on our Nerve Blocks hub page. These links allow you to explore related procedures and understand how they may fit into your individualized treatment plan.
Take the Next Step
If you live with frequent migraines, occipital neuralgia, or chronic neck pain that hasn’t improved with other treatments, an occipital nerve block may be the next step toward lasting relief. Schedule a consultation with your pain specialist to discuss whether this treatment is right for you and to create a personalized plan for long-term comfort.
