Occipital Nerve Blocks Treatment Specialist in Hattiesburg, MS

An occipital nerve block is a medical procedure aimed at alleviating pain and discomfort in the head and neck area, which might be due to various conditions affecting the occipital nerves. The procedure involves the injection of a local anesthetic and a steroid medication near the greater and lesser occipital nerves, located at the back of the head. 

Optical nerve blocks may be particularly effective for those suffering from chronic headaches, including migraines, by blocking the pain signals sent to the brain and reducing inflammation around the nerves.

Occipital nerve blocks serve both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. They can help determine if the occipital nerves are the source of pain and provide significant relief from chronic headaches and more. This procedure is recommended for individuals experiencing persistent pain that impacts their daily activities and quality of life. 

By numbing the affected nerves, occipital nerve blocks can offer quick relief, allowing patients to resume their routines with diminished pain.

Occipital nerve blocks are primarily used to treat conditions related to nerve irritation in the back of the head, such as certain types of tension headaches, occipital neuralgia, and much more. These conditions can cause intense pain, tingling, or numbness that originates at the base of the skull and may extend towards the front of the head. 

Occipital neuralgia, for instance, involves a sharp, electric, or throbbing pain due to irritation of the occipital nerves. Similarly, tension headaches and migraines that do not respond to traditional treatment methods may also be alleviated through this procedure. By injecting a mix of anesthetic and corticosteroid around the occipital nerves, the occipital nerve block aims to reduce the inflammation and swelling of tissue surrounding the nerves, potentially easing the pain and other symptoms. 

The effectiveness of the occipital nerve block varies among patients, with some experiencing immediate and long-lasting relief. In cases where the occipital nerve block proves to be beneficial, it can be repeated, and for those seeking a more permanent solution, procedures like radiofrequency ablation may be considered.

Preparing for an occipital nerve block involves several steps to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the procedure. Initially, a comprehensive review of the patient’s medical history and a physical examination are conducted by providers at Southern Care Anesthetics to assess the suitability of the nerve block. 

Patients may be asked to discontinue certain medications a few days before the procedure to reduce the risk of bleeding. It’s important to discuss all medications with the healthcare provider performing the injection. Patients should also arrange for transportation home after the procedure, as they may not be permitted to drive themselves. No sedation is typically required for an occipital nerve block, allowing the procedure to be performed in an outpatient setting. The injection site is cleaned and numbed before the procedure, and the use of imaging guidance ensures precise placement of the needle.

After receiving an occipital nerve block injection, patients may experience immediate pain relief due to the local anesthetic. This initial relief is temporary; pain may return once the anesthetic wears off. 

The corticosteroid takes effect within a few days, providing longer-term pain reduction. Patients might experience soreness at the injection site, but this typically resolves within a few days. Most individuals can resume their normal activities the day after the procedure, although they are advised to avoid strenuous activities for a short period. 

The duration of pain relief from an occipital nerve block varies, with some patients experiencing lasting relief for several weeks to months. If the pain relief is significant and sustained, the procedure can be repeated. For those who do not achieve the desired level of pain relief, additional treatments or alternative therapies may be explored. Patients should monitor their symptoms and consult their healthcare provider if they have concerns or if the pain persists.

Occipital nerve block injections are available at Southern Care Anesthetics. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are located at 4 Willow Point Ste 1B Hattiesburg, MS 39402. We serve patients from Hattiesburg MS, Petal MS, Barrontown MS, Oak Grove MS, West Hattiesburg MS, and surrounding areas.