Occipital Nerve Block

The occipital nerve block (ONB) is a minimally invasive procedure that relieves pain and headaches by targeting the occipital nerves at the back of the head. A quick injection of a steroid and local anesthetic can significantly reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches and neck pain.

Man holding his neck in pain
Woman holding her head with a headache

What Is An Occipital Nerve Block?

An occipital nerve block is an injection of a steroid and local anesthetic around the occipital nerves. These nerves run from the top of the spinal cord up through the scalp and are often involved in headaches that originate at the back of the head.
 
By blocking these nerves, the procedure can reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches and neck pain. Headaches that start in the neck often accompany neck pain and whiplash.

Conditions Occipital Nerve Blocks Treat

An occipital nerve block may help:

Occipital neuralgia

Sharp, shooting pain at the back of the head and scalp.

Migraines

Selected patients with chronic migraines.

Chronic tension headaches

Headaches that start at the base of the skull.

Cervicogenic headaches

Headaches referred from the neck; see neck pain.

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Is An Occipital Nerve Block Right For You?

An occipital nerve block may be suitable for individuals with chronic tension headaches, migraines, or neck pain that originates at the base of the skull. A consultation with a pain management specialist can help determine whether the procedure is appropriate.
 
Our board-certified physicians provide individualized care for chronic headaches and other forms of pain.
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Illustration of the neck and upper spine

The Occipital Nerve Block Procedure

The procedure is straightforward and can be performed on an outpatient basis in our office:

  1. 1

    Preparation

    You are positioned comfortably, and the injection site at the back of the head is cleaned and numbed.

  2. 2

    Injection

    A small needle delivers a mixture of steroid and local anesthetic around the occipital nerves.

  3. 3

    Duration

    The process typically takes only a few minutes, and patients can usually leave immediately afterward.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does an occipital nerve block last?

The duration of relief varies from a few weeks to several months. Some patients need repeat injections for sustained relief.

Is an occipital nerve block safe?

The procedure is generally safe. Rare side effects may include temporary soreness at the injection site or light-headedness.

When can I return to my usual activities?

Most patients return to their usual activities the same day as the procedure.

Who is a candidate for an occipital nerve block?

It may suit people with chronic tension headaches, migraines, or neck pain that starts at the base of the skull. A consultation with a pain management specialist can determine if it is appropriate.

What are the occipital nerves?

The occipital nerves run from the top of the spinal cord up through the scalp at the back of the head and are often involved in headaches that start there.

What is occipital neuralgia?

Occipital neuralgia is irritation of the occipital nerves that causes sharp, shooting, or electric pain at the back of the head and scalp. Occipital nerve blocks are a common treatment.

How long does the procedure take?

The injection itself takes only a few minutes, and patients can usually leave immediately afterward.

Can a nerve block reduce my need for medication?

For many patients, effective pain relief from the block can decrease the need for oral pain medication. Call (321) 499-4646 to schedule an evaluation.

Benefits Of An Occipital Nerve Block

An occipital nerve block offers:

  • Rapid relief, often soon after the procedure.
  • A minimally invasive approach: a simple injection with no surgery.
  • Reduced dependence on medication, decreasing the need for oral pain medication.
  • Improved quality of life and a return to normal activities.
  • A same-day return to usual activities.
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Woman resting her head in her hand with a headache

Related Treatments

Nerve Block Injections

Selective nerve root block injections (SNRB) are commonly administered to patients experiencing pain resulting from a compressed spinal nerve root.

Trigger Point Injections

Trigger points are a painful and debilitating condition, often manifesting themselves in a person’s neck or back. Although someone with trigger points might say that they have “muscle knots,” and might even be able to feel “knots” under their skin, their muscles are not actually knotted.

Facet Injections

Facet injections are a common treatment for patients with back pain that manifests in the facet joints, the joints that connect two vertebrae and allow the spine to perform bending and twisting motions

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive pain management treatment option proudly offered by Total Spine and Orthopedics.

Epidural Steroid Injections

Epidural steroid injections are commonly used to diagnose and treat neck and back pain. These injections are placed in the epidural space of the spine, which is located between the vertebral bones and the protective covering of the spinal cord.

Facet Ablation

Our minimally invasive facet ablation procedure is aimed to treat arthritis in the spine. Your spine has a series of facet joints on the outside of your spinal cord that lay closest to your skin.

Medial Branch Blocks

Experiencing chronic back or neck pain can significantly impact your quality of life. Medial Branch Blocks offer a minimally invasive solution, targeting the nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals to the brain.

Caudal Injection

Lower back pain, leg pain, and sciatica are all relatively common conditions that can severely limit your daily activities and negatively impact your quality of life. Caudal Epidural Steroid Injections offer a minimally invasive solution, delivering steroids directly to the epidural space to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. On this page we will dive into the intricacies of the caudal injection procedure, its benefits, and answers to common questions, helping you understand if it’s the right option for you.

Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Injections

Sacroiliac (SI) joint injections can be performed to diagnose and/or treat SI joint dysfunction. Located in the lower back and pelvis, the sacroiliac joints can become inflamed as a result of several common conditions. Degenerative spine disease, arthritis and traumatic lower back injuries can all lead to SI joint pain.

What To Expect

Most patients return to their usual activities the same day.

Same day

Back to normal

Mild soreness at the injection site may occur.

Following days

Relief builds

The steroid reduces inflammation around the nerves.

Weeks to months

Lasting relief

Relief varies, and injections can be repeated if needed.

Our Patients Stories

Hear our patients share their experience with us, All in their own words.

Why Choose Total Spine and Orthopedics

Expert, ultra-minimally invasive spine and orthopedic care, close to home.

  • Ultra-minimally invasive and endoscopic techniques

    We specialize in procedures performed through incisions smaller than a dime, sparing muscle and supporting a faster recovery.

  • Same-day, outpatient procedures

    Most patients walk in and return home within hours, rather than facing an overnight hospital stay.

  • Board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeons

    Our team includes early leaders in endoscopic spine surgery.

  • A complimentary MRI review

    Understand your diagnosis and options from a board-certified specialist before committing to any treatment.

  • Trusted by our community

    More than 1,100 patient reviews at a 4.6-star average, and over 50,000 patients treated.

  • Specialists in pain management

    Our board-certified physicians provide individualized care for chronic headaches and neck pain.

  • Comprehensive spine and orthopedic care

    From injections to advanced procedures, your full continuum of care is handled in one place.

  • Convenient locations across the Space Coast and Orlando

    Care close to home in Melbourne, Orlando (Lake Nona), and Titusville.

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