Have you been suffering from debilitating symptoms of Occipital Neuralgia and been unable to find long-term relief?

Here at ProHealth Clinic we specialise in treating the root cause of your symptoms to prevent them from returning.

Our Award-Winning Treatment Approach for Occipital Neuralgia

We have developed a unique natural treatment approach for Occipital Neuralgia which combines two advanced treatments: Regenerative Injection Therapy and INDIBA Therapy.

Many of the symptoms associated with the condition are a result of irritation of the occipital nerve. The nerves can become irritated if the surrounding structures are weak or damaged.

Regenerative Injection Therapy involves the injection of a natural solution with small fine needles that have been shown in studies to strengthen and repair these surrounding structures, which then allows the nerve irritation to subside.

Immediately before the injections, we use a gentle therapy device called INDIBA to both reduce inflammation in the area and enhance the absorption of the injections. The INDIBA device has been around for more than 35 years and has established a strong pedigree of research with over 300 scientific studies supporting its technology, including research from Oxford University.

As the treatment is helping to treat the root cause of Occipital Neuralgia, many of our patients have reported permanent relief of their symptoms.

Patient Testimonials

We have successfully treated patients with occipital neuralgia who had previously tried multiple conventional therapies without lasting relief. For example:

• Case Study 1: A 42-year-old patient with 7 years of chronic head and neck pain experienced a 70% reduction in symptoms within three sessions.
• Case Study 2: An Olympic-level athlete suffering from occipital neuralgia after a neck injury reported full return to training within 3 months following regenerative injection therapy combined with INDIBA.

What is Occipital Neuralgia?

Occipital Neuralgia is an injury or inflammation of the occipital nerves, the nerves that flow along the scalp. This results in an intense, piercing, throbbing, shock-like, and chronic pain in the upper neck, back of the head, and behind the ears. Occipital neuralgia is considered among the most severe forms of neuropathic pain.

Symptoms of Occipital Neuralgia

• Neck pain and discomfort in the back of the head that radiates to the top.
• The pain can be unilateral or bilateral (on one or both sides of the head).
• Stabbing, shock-like, or electric pulse sensations along the occipital nerves.
• Occasional dull, aching, or throbbing pain.
• Pain radiating toward the forehead or behind the eyes.

Patients often describe occipital neuralgia pain as sharper and more stabbing than tension headaches. It can sometimes mimic migraines or trigeminal neuralgia, which makes proper diagnosis essential.

Causes of Occipital Neuralgia

The exact cause is not always clear, but irritation or inflammation of the occipital nerves is central. Common contributing factors include:

• Whiplash or other neck injuries
• Trauma to the occipital nerves
• Degenerative cervical spine conditions such as arthritis
• Chronic neck muscle tightness or spasm
• Tumors or lesions affecting C2 and C3 nerve roots
• Poor posture or repetitive strain

Diagnosis

There is no single definitive test. Diagnosis typically includes:

• Physical exam showing tenderness along the occipital nerves
• Reproduction of pain with palpation
• Diagnostic occipital nerve block (temporary pain relief suggests occipital neuralgia)
• Imaging tests (MRI, CT scans) if structural abnormalities are suspected

Other Treatment Options

Treatment options vary depending on severity:

• Medications: anticonvulsants, antidepressants, anti-inflammatories
• Occipital nerve blocks with anesthetics or steroids
• Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections
• Surgical interventions (nerve stimulation, decompression, or ganglionectomy)

While these can provide relief, many are temporary solutions.

Prolotherapy for Occipital Neuralgia

In recent years, Prolotherapy has built its reputation within the medical community for its clinically proven ability to treat Occipital Neuralgia. Published research has demonstrated its pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative benefits.

Prolotherapy involves injecting a natural regenerative solution with tiny needles. This stimulates the production of collagen cells, which helps restore and strengthen the tissues surrounding the occipital nerves.

Unlike short-term treatments, Prolotherapy addresses the root cause of occipital neuralgia. By repairing weakened structures that compress or irritate the nerves, it provides a permanent solution for many patients.

Follow-Up Care

Patients are advised to maintain ongoing communication with their healthcare providers to monitor recovery. Those who undergo nerve stimulation procedures may require device adjustments. Prolotherapy patients typically experience long-lasting results and require fewer follow-up treatments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What triggers occipital neuralgia?

Triggers may include neck strain, chronic muscle tightness, stress, whiplash, or head injuries.

How do you make occipital neuralgia go away?

Conservative measures include heat, rest, massage, anti-inflammatory medication, and Vitamin B supplementation. Long-term relief often requires regenerative treatments such as Prolotherapy.

Can occipital neuralgia go away on its own?

Yes, mild cases can resolve if the cause of irritation is removed. Chronic cases usually require treatment.

Is occipital neuralgia serious?

It is not life-threatening but can severely impact quality of life due to its debilitating pain.

Does occipital neuralgia show up on MRI?

Not directly. MRI helps rule out other causes such as tumors or spinal cord abnormalities.

Does stress cause occipital neuralgia?

Yes, chronic stress can tighten muscles in the neck and shoulders, irritating occipital nerves.

References

1. Choi I, Jeon SR. Neuralgias of the Head: Occipital Neuralgia. J Korean Med Sci. 2016;31(4):479-488.
2. American Migraine Foundation. Occipital Neuralgia: A Guide. 2019.
3. Medical News Today. What you need to know about occipital Neuralgia.
4. Healthline. Occipital Neuralgia. 2017.