Occipital neuralgia is a condition that can lead to a range of symptoms, including neck pain. The condition is often confused with migraines because of the similarities in symptoms. If your doctor has diagnosed you with occipital neuralgia, here is what you need to know. 

What Is Occipital Neuralgia?

Occipital neuralgia is a condition that results from the nerves along the spinal cord becoming inflamed. You can suffer from throbbing pain throughout your head and neck, sensitivity to light, and a tender scalp.

There are several medical conditions that can cause the nerves to become inflamed, including osteoarthritis, diabetes, and gout. Infection and trauma to your head can also cause the condition. 

How Is It Treated?

How your doctor treats occipital neuralgia depends on the cause of the condition and how severe it is. If the symptoms are mild, your doctor could recommend the use of massage therapy or warm compresses to get relief. 

In other instances, the underlying condition has to be treated to get relief. For instance, if you suffer from diabetes, your doctor will focus on getting your blood sugar levels under the control. If you have an infection, prescription medication can be used to clear the infection. 

For immediate relief, your doctor can inject an anesthetic into the area in which the affected nerves are. Relief can last for weeks, but at some point, you might need to return to your doctor for another pain relief injection. 

Physical therapy could be recommended. For instance, if you have osteoarthritis, physical therapy exercises can be used to build strength and mobility. The result is an alleviation of symptoms. 

What Can You Do?

In addition to following the treatment plan outlined by your doctor, there are several things you can try at home to get relief from occipital neuralgia. One way is to boost your B12 vitamin intake. B12 supplements can aid in nerve regeneration. 

If you are open to non-medicinal methods of treating your condition, you can try acupuncture. Acupuncture offers a non-invasive method of relieving pain. You can use it in combination with other remedies. Before your first session with an acupuncturist, inform your doctor of your upcoming appointment. 

Getting relief from occipital neuralgia might take some trial and error, but it is possible. Work closely with your doctors to find the solution that works best for you. Remember to inform your doctor of each unconventional method you plan to try before doing so. 

For more information and treatment methods, talk with doctors that specialize in neck and back pain, such as those at Southwest Florida Neurosurgical Associates.