An occipital nerve block is used in the treatment of occipital neuralgia. Occipital neuralgia is sharp pain along the course of the nerve that travels the back of the head. It can also trigger migrane and other type of headaches.

You will either sit with your arms leaning on a table or you will lie on your stomach. Your position will be at the discretion of both yourself and the physician. Your pulse will be monitored throughout the procedure and a blood pressure will be taken prior to and just after the procedure. The procedure will last approximately 1-3 minutes for each side.

Once the physician palpates the occipital area a small needle will be placed, through which  medicine will be instilled. You may feel numbness, prickling, or tingling at or around the injection site. This will block the pain pathways and relieve your pain. The effects can be immediate but a few hours may pass before relief is noted.