Introduction
An Occipital Nerve Block is a medical procedure that alleviates pain in the head and neck areas. Occipital nerves are at the back of the head. They can become inflamed or irritated, leading to severe headaches or migraines.
How It Works
During the Occipital Nerve Block procedure, an ASCPM practitioner provides carefully numbs the skin and tissue surrounding the occipital nerves. Using a thin needle, they then inject a combination of local anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication into the targeted area. This medication works to reduce inflammation and block pain signals from reaching the brain.
Benefits
This procedure can provide temporary relief from headaches or migraines, allowing individuals to feel more comfortable and carry out their daily activities. By targeting the source of pain directly at the occipital nerves, this procedure can effectively alleviate discomfort in the head and neck regions. Additionally, the use of local anesthetic helps minimize any discomfort during the injection process.
About the Procedure
To start the process, an ASCPM practitioner assesses the patient’s condition and determine the appropriate treatment plan. During the procedure, the patient is face down or sitting upright, depending on the preference of the person performing the procedure. The injection site is cleaned, and a local anesthetic may be applied to minimize discomfort during the procedure. Using precision techniques and often imaging, the physician carefully inserts a thin needle into the targeted area near the occipital nerves and administers the medication. After the injection, patients may experience some temporary soreness or numbness at the injection site, but this usually resolves quickly.
