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Occipital Neuralgia: What treatments work for you?

Posted by jmb73 @jmb73, Sep 11, 2019

I have been having headaches on one side of my head and have recently been diagnosed with occipital neuralgia. They recommend a nerve bloc but I wonder anyone else has this and how they handle it.. I don't want a nerve bloc. The headaches are usually mild but occasionally the pain wakes me up. They got worse after I had my Gamma surgery. Any ideas would be appreciated. Thank you.

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Profile picture for eaoneill4771
eaoneill4771 | @eaoneill4771 | 5 hours ago

Anti inflammatory herbs help me a ton. Turmeric, ginger, garlic, collagen and even some kale all go in my protein shakes in the morning. I swear by them. My head & neck feels better but even my knees and hip. I’m ready to exercise.
Physical therapy helps and I am waiting for nerve blocks.
My symptoms have significantly decreased since I started my shakes.

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eaoneill4771 | @eaoneill4771 | 5 hours ago

Yes, magnesium is helpful for me too, i soak my feet sometimes to help my whole body with inflammation. It does wonders. I love all natural remedies instead of pills.

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suszy39 | @suszy39 | 15 hours ago
In reply to @hollace123456 "Have you tried Sumatriptan? It’s taken as needed but it’s the only medication, that I’ve taken,..." + (show)
Profile picture for hollace123456 @hollace123456

Have you tried Sumatriptan? It’s taken as needed but it’s the only medication, that I’ve taken, that decreases my pain. Sometimes it doesn’t help, sometimes it takes the edge off, other times it’s almost complete relief.

Jump to this post

@hollace123456 I will ask my Dr. about this med. I like the idea of taking it when needed rather than every day. So far my morning exercises, elastic bands, and my ccervical Log Pillow have been making my Life is bit easier. Another note a long time massage therapist told me to use
Magnesium Lotion on my muscles that give me trouble. I still take p.m. 400 meg at bed time. but she says it has really helped her, I order it on amazon $11.00. I love all the help we share with one another, you folks understand our issues.

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eaoneill4771 | @eaoneill4771 | 2 days ago
In reply to @hollace123456 "@mikelmrns I go through the same thing, before my doctor said that I had this type..." + (show)
Profile picture for hollace123456 @hollace123456

@mikelmrns
I go through the same thing, before my doctor said that I had this type of headache I thought I was going crazy. It’s difficult when noise, smells, cold, concentration, over exertion and especially stress trigger it.
Sumatriptan helps to break the cycle for a bit.

Jump to this post

@hollace123456
Physical Therapy was the best thing so far that has helped and drinking protein shakes that have turmeric, collagen, ginger and kale. All help with anti inflammatory. My knees even feel better but my neck is doing great. Exercises that keep it in the proper position are good for me.
Still waiting for neverblocks but my symptoms are not what they were. Praying for relief for you!

REPLY
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hollace123456 | @hollace123456 | 2 days ago
In reply to @mikelmrns "Hello all. I have been suffering with headaches and neck pain ever since a ski crash..." + (show)
Profile picture for mikelmrns @mikelmrns

Hello all. I have been suffering with headaches and neck pain ever since a ski crash about 2 years ago. Have been on meds like gabapenting for over a year now. I was finally diagnosed with ON Dec of 2024 and have tried nerve blocks, trigger point and botox a few times (only the numbing part of the nerve block has worked, the steroids not so much). I have also been on Physical therapy, have tried chiro, acupuncture, massage.. Only PT, acupuncture and massage has given me some relief that last for days..

Severity of my headaches depends on the day but I get worse with physical exertion or concentrating. I have unabated headaches non stop 24/7. Scalp is very sensitive and feels burning to the touch along with other symptoms like dizziness, nausea etc. The worse part of my pain started in the left occipital side but since April of this year has progressed to the left side of my head right around the top of my ears and also feel it in my left shoulder. I'm desperate and want my life back. I want to be aggressive and ask if I can do more invasive treatments but idk what.. I have looked in to nerve decompression surgery(done by plastic surgeon), cryoneurolysis, RFA, prolotherapy or nerve hydrodissection and idk what else. I trust my neuro and grateful I was diagnosed early but I need something else. Having pain every single day along with other symptoms taking a toll on me

Jump to this post

@mikelmrns
I go through the same thing, before my doctor said that I had this type of headache I thought I was going crazy. It’s difficult when noise, smells, cold, concentration, over exertion and especially stress trigger it.
Sumatriptan helps to break the cycle for a bit.

REPLY
1 reply
Profile picture for hollace123456
hollace123456 | @hollace123456 | 2 days ago

Have you tried Sumatriptan? It’s taken as needed but it’s the only medication, that I’ve taken, that decreases my pain. Sometimes it doesn’t help, sometimes it takes the edge off, other times it’s almost complete relief.

REPLY
1 reply
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wfm573 | @wfm573 | Feb 2 7:31pm
In reply to @mikelmrns "Hello all. I have been suffering with headaches and neck pain ever since a ski crash..." + (show)
Profile picture for mikelmrns @mikelmrns

Hello all. I have been suffering with headaches and neck pain ever since a ski crash about 2 years ago. Have been on meds like gabapenting for over a year now. I was finally diagnosed with ON Dec of 2024 and have tried nerve blocks, trigger point and botox a few times (only the numbing part of the nerve block has worked, the steroids not so much). I have also been on Physical therapy, have tried chiro, acupuncture, massage.. Only PT, acupuncture and massage has given me some relief that last for days..

Severity of my headaches depends on the day but I get worse with physical exertion or concentrating. I have unabated headaches non stop 24/7. Scalp is very sensitive and feels burning to the touch along with other symptoms like dizziness, nausea etc. The worse part of my pain started in the left occipital side but since April of this year has progressed to the left side of my head right around the top of my ears and also feel it in my left shoulder. I'm desperate and want my life back. I want to be aggressive and ask if I can do more invasive treatments but idk what.. I have looked in to nerve decompression surgery(done by plastic surgeon), cryoneurolysis, RFA, prolotherapy or nerve hydrodissection and idk what else. I trust my neuro and grateful I was diagnosed early but I need something else. Having pain every single day along with other symptoms taking a toll on me

Jump to this post

@mikelmrns
Look up Jim Robinson the brain doctor out of Atlanta Georgia Piedmont Hospital he is an incredible surgeon.
I was getting blinding headaches and had worked with two guys that never found what he did. I'm pain free 7 years.
Brainexpert. Com

REPLY
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suszy39 | @suszy39 | Feb 2 1:26pm
In reply to @eaoneill4771 "@mikelmrns So sorry for your suffering. I had my when on the computer for a long..." + (show)
Profile picture for eaoneill4771 @eaoneill4771

@mikelmrns
So sorry for your suffering. I had my when on the computer for a long time, and concentrated driving. This of course was an onset of my symptoms. I am awaiting my nerve block too. Stress seems to aggravate it. Trying some neck exercises where the PT has shown to pull on either side of your face with light intensity can help relieve some discomfort. It will strengthen your muscles in your neck. I am looking to try acupuncture too. I did change my diet and it has helped with inflammation. Turmeric and ginger help with inflammation, and just get away from prepackaged foods. No preservatives, food dyes, etc. whole foods, prepared with simple ingredients can help keep inflammation down. You will feel better too. If you like bread, try sourdough. If you’re a pasta person, make it of find organic. It does make a difference in inflammation of your joints. I am a retired skier, my knees feel better, and I don’t wake up in pain like I used to. Just try it, of course exercise is great for your stress levels. Even small amounts can help your mental health. Good luck.

Jump to this post

@eaoneill4771 You sound like me. doing my exercises every single day. Warm my neck up in the
morning, I can acutally see the range of motion improve. I also was told by many other sufferers
to take Vit. B-2, (Riboflavin), Magneisum 400mg (both at night) Vit D plus Omega. Takes a couple of months to see but I do believe it is helping I will do just about anything to help myself with this pain. Have not used any ice packs or hot water bottles for three weeks. Love Love Love my clincial massage, such a relief. Thanks for your comments, I listen to all of you who know how we all suffer. Warm Regards Susie Fr. Norhtern Calif.

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suszy39 | @suszy39 | Feb 2 1:16pm
In reply to @eaoneill4771 "@bumble81 I had similar experience after carpal tunnel surgery. When being under anesthesia, I think they..." + (show)
Profile picture for eaoneill4771 @eaoneill4771

@bumble81

I had similar experience after carpal tunnel surgery. When being under anesthesia, I think they moved my head and I started having symptoms of ON again. I have been treated for this condition for the past year. I don’t want to take anti seizure med the rest of my life so I am waiting for a nerve block.
I can say that I have taken multiple falls, rear end car accidents, and hitting my head in gymnastics as a child so I believe the nerve gets damaged from all the trauma.
Not sure but it seems logical that this would have started after the nerve gets worn down. It was so painful, I almost lost control driving. It usually happens when I am looking up.
PT helped me strengthen my neck and relieve some pain. Ibuprofen is the only thing I can take as I wait for the nerve block. Ice helps if you can stand it on your skin.

Jump to this post

@eaoneill4771 So sorry about your suffering, I have never had an accident but have suffered for twenty years with ON. The problem now is they are worse flare ups. I have been taking trigger shots for some time, now they will start nerve block Feb 12, 2026. My pain Dr. is so very good at giving me shorts I am looking foward. I have switched to a cerivcial pillow about size of my forarm, my reg pillows were killing me. I have a book "Treat your own neck" by Robin McKenzie been around long time but still works. I do exercises every day like brushing my teeth. My othert Dr. sent me to Clincial Massage, wonderful relief. One day at a time, wishing the best with your nerve blocks, we will compare notes when we get them!!!!! Susie Fr. Norther Ca.if. Fellow sufferer.

REPLY
Profile picture for eaoneill4771
eaoneill4771 | @eaoneill4771 | Feb 1 8:16am
In reply to @mikelmrns "Hello all. I have been suffering with headaches and neck pain ever since a ski crash..." + (show)
Profile picture for mikelmrns @mikelmrns

Hello all. I have been suffering with headaches and neck pain ever since a ski crash about 2 years ago. Have been on meds like gabapenting for over a year now. I was finally diagnosed with ON Dec of 2024 and have tried nerve blocks, trigger point and botox a few times (only the numbing part of the nerve block has worked, the steroids not so much). I have also been on Physical therapy, have tried chiro, acupuncture, massage.. Only PT, acupuncture and massage has given me some relief that last for days..

Severity of my headaches depends on the day but I get worse with physical exertion or concentrating. I have unabated headaches non stop 24/7. Scalp is very sensitive and feels burning to the touch along with other symptoms like dizziness, nausea etc. The worse part of my pain started in the left occipital side but since April of this year has progressed to the left side of my head right around the top of my ears and also feel it in my left shoulder. I'm desperate and want my life back. I want to be aggressive and ask if I can do more invasive treatments but idk what.. I have looked in to nerve decompression surgery(done by plastic surgeon), cryoneurolysis, RFA, prolotherapy or nerve hydrodissection and idk what else. I trust my neuro and grateful I was diagnosed early but I need something else. Having pain every single day along with other symptoms taking a toll on me

Jump to this post

@mikelmrns
So sorry for your suffering. I had my when on the computer for a long time, and concentrated driving. This of course was an onset of my symptoms. I am awaiting my nerve block too. Stress seems to aggravate it. Trying some neck exercises where the PT has shown to pull on either side of your face with light intensity can help relieve some discomfort. It will strengthen your muscles in your neck. I am looking to try acupuncture too. I did change my diet and it has helped with inflammation. Turmeric and ginger help with inflammation, and just get away from prepackaged foods. No preservatives, food dyes, etc. whole foods, prepared with simple ingredients can help keep inflammation down. You will feel better too. If you like bread, try sourdough. If you’re a pasta person, make it of find organic. It does make a difference in inflammation of your joints. I am a retired skier, my knees feel better, and I don’t wake up in pain like I used to. Just try it, of course exercise is great for your stress levels. Even small amounts can help your mental health. Good luck.

REPLY
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