Occipital Nerve Block

QUESTION: WHAT IS AN OCCIPITAL NERVE BLOCK?
An occipital nerve block is a minimally invasive procedure that is used to treat headaches, neck pain, and other conditions that are caused by irritation or inflammation of the occipital nerves.

During an occipital nerve block, a local anesthetic and steroid medication are injected near the occipital nerves to help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. The procedure is typically performed as an outpatient procedure.

Occipital nerve blocks are often used to treat chronic migraines, cluster headaches, tension headaches, and occipital neuralgia. The procedure can provide relief from pain for several weeks or months, and may be repeated as necessary to manage ongoing symptoms.

Dr. Abdallah can discuss the risks and benefits of an occipital nerve block with you, and help determine if it is a suitable treatment option for your individual needs.

WHAT IS THE PHYSIOLOGICAL PROCESS THAT ENABLES AN OCCIPTAL NERVE BLOCK TO RELIEVE PAIN?
The process by which an occipital nerve block can relieve pain is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve several mechanisms:

First, an occipital nerve block can help reduce inflammation in the occipital nerves. By injecting a local anesthetic and a steroid medication into the area, the nerves may become less irritated and inflamed, leading to a reduction in pain.

Second, the local anesthetic medication used in the nerve block can help to block pain signals from the nerves to the brain. This can provide immediate relief from pain and may continue to provide pain relief for several hours or days.

Third, the steroid medication used in the nerve block may help to reduce the activity of the immune system and decrease inflammation in the area. This can help to reduce pain in the long term by preventing further inflammation from occurring.

Overall, the procedure is generally considered safe and effective for many people who experience headaches, neck pain, and other types of pain.

Call for an appointment to meet with Dr. Abdallah and his staff call 855-932-7426.

At APICO Pain Management, we treat all our patients like family.

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