An occipital nerve block is a minimally invasive injection used to relieve chronic headaches, migraines, and occipital neuralgia. The procedure involves injecting a mixture of local anesthetic and steroid around the occipital nerves located at the base of the skull. These nerves can become inflamed or irritated, leading to persistent head and neck pain. By blocking the nerve signals, this treatment provides relief and can also help confirm the source of pain.
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Eat and drink as usual before your appointment. Wash your hair beforehand, but avoid styling products like gels or sprays. Inform your provider if you are taking blood thinners or have any medication allergies. You may drive yourself to and from the procedure, but consider arranging a ride if you tend to feel lightheaded after injections.
Mild tenderness or numbness at the injection site is common and usually subsides within a few hours. Some patients experience near-immediate headache relief, while others may notice improvement over the next few days. You may resume normal activities shortly after, but avoid strenuous movements or bending forward for the rest of the day. Monitor for any signs of infection or increased headache severity and contact your provider if needed.
At Legacy Integrative Pain Institute, Dr. Ye leads a dedicated team of specialists offering innovative, comprehensive treatment for herniated discs. By combining advanced interventional therapies with holistic methods, including acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine, the team creates personalized care plans to address the root causes of pain and promote long-term healing.
