Headaches are one of the most disruptive conditions that plague adults. One of the more severe instances that can have detrimental impacts is occipital neuralgia, a devastating condition that manifests itself as a series of violent headaches.
What Is Occipital Neuralgia?
Compared to other forms of headaches, occipital neuralgia is defined by an onslaught of chronic pain attacking the upper neck area—from the back of the head climbing up to a pushing sensation behind the eyes. It primarily affects the two nerves surrounding the neck and the skull base, which are known as the greater and lesser occipital nerves.
What Are the Symptoms?
The compression on the occipital nerves can cause the following symptoms:
- Aching, burning, or throbbing pain starting from the neck and climbing up the scalp
- Pain on both sides of the head
- Pain behind the eyes
- Increase in sensitivity to light
- Tender sensation around the scalp
- Experiencing sharp pain when moving the neck
What Are the Causes of Occipital Neuralgia?
Unlike headaches, occipital neuralgia typically occurs due to whiplash injuries or instances that put unnecessary pressure on your occipital nerves. While doctors usually find it difficult to pinpoint the exact cause, it is likely due to the following:
- Neck tension
- Tumors in the neck
- Osteoarthritis
- Infection
- Gout
- Diabetes
- Cervical disc disease
- Trauma to the back of the head
- Blood vessel inflammation
Seeing as it affects specific trigger points in the body, one of the explored treatment options that can provide immediate relief is dry needling.
How Can Dry Needling Relieve the Tension from Occipital Neuralgia?
In the past, treatments have involved physical therapy massage, or even prescription muscle relaxers to ease the tight muscles around the occipital nerves. However, dry needling is a new treatment for providing relief for occipital neuralgia. It’s an all-natural treatment focused on releasing the tension in the myofascial trigger points. Relieving this tension in the head and neck alleviates the pain caused by occipital neuralgia. More importantly, dry needling can help promote mobility and flexibility in the neck area’s soft tissue, all while decompressing the occipital nerves.
Exploring the Potential of Dry Needling for Occipital Neuralgia
Occipital neuralgia can be extremely painful, and while it’s not life-threatening, it can compromise your quality of life in various ways. Treating the condition with dry needling help you get your life back on track as quickly as possible.
Hiring the Right Chiropractor in Jacksonville
Going to the right practitioner is crucial in any situation, but its importance cannot be overstated when it involves treatments like dry needling. At Dry Needle Pain Relief, our certified practitioners offer dry needling services in Jacksonville, FL, that are tailored to your needs. If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to soothe your occipital neuralgia pain, contact us today.
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