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occipital neuralgia?

Posted by dougs72 @dougs72, Sep 26, 2025

I'm struggling with what I think to be ON onset by both poor posture and when I was recovering from a back issue, I laid on a couch and watched a TV that was up and to my right, so my neck was "crooked" that way repeatedly throughout the day, for a few months. The pain seems to be the worst when on back of my head. Very tight and wraps around to my left eye and in my jaw sometimes. also feel naucious sometimes. Hurts to the touch on the back of my head as well. Anyhow, has anyone had shots for this? I'm scheduled for Monday. I'm worried frankly about the pain because if it hurts so much to the touch, what's a needle going to do? I've have numeroug needles in my back and spine, buttocks over the years, tolerated well. Nervous about this though. Also heard that if shots are successful, then botox is option but not good results. any thoughts and any support would be most welcome.

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pierwell | @pierwell | Sep 26, 2025

I’m a long-time OM sufferer. Don’t fear the shots! The best relief I’ve ever had was from the first injection. Unfortunately they would only repeat twice more.
My other “tools” are NALU nerve stimulator, Celebrex, Tylenol and ice packs. Sometimes I put a heat pad on my neck and ice on my scalp. Hang in there!

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dougs72 | @dougs72 | Sep 30, 2025

Hi, Is the relief from an initial shot supposed to just clarify that's the issue? I got relief but really just for the one day. He told me they could try botox if I got relief from the shot.

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pierwell | @pierwell | Oct 1, 2025

I don’t remember whether it was diagnostic, but I think the steroids were helpful.

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pierwell | @pierwell | Mar 6 10:36am

I’ve had ON for more than a decade and neurologists and pain specialists have tried dozens of things. Nerve block gave complete relief for a month but subsequent shots were ineffective. Next we’re trying a procedure of 31 Botox shots across 7 areas of head, neck and shoulders, repeated several times. Has anyone tried this?

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suszy39 | @suszy39 | Mar 7 10:01am
In reply to @pierwell "I’ve had ON for more than a decade and neurologists and pain specialists have tried dozens..." + (show)
Profile picture for pierwell @pierwell

I’ve had ON for more than a decade and neurologists and pain specialists have tried dozens of things. Nerve block gave complete relief for a month but subsequent shots were ineffective. Next we’re trying a procedure of 31 Botox shots across 7 areas of head, neck and shoulders, repeated several times. Has anyone tried this?

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@pierwell I have not but I am thrilled they are tring to help you. I do know someone who suffers from Cluster Headacks and they are in the process at the moment. She has already had a treatment I think they are doing Botox? Is that what you will be given? I truely wish you the very best and hope this will be an answer or at lease relieve your suffering. I do feel for you, it is very difficult to live in a state of pain. So far My Nerve Block, Trigger injections, daily neck exercises, Clinical massage Therapy, using my Log Roll Pillow are my help. We will see never a day without some level of headacke. Keep us posted. Remembering you.

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