Procedure Description
An occipital nerve block is a minimally invasive injection used to diagnose and treat pain originating from the greater and/or lesser occipital nerves, which run from the upper cervical spine to the scalp. These nerves can become inflamed or irritated, leading to headaches, scalp pain, and neck discomfort.
This procedure involves injecting a small amount of local anesthetic and corticosteroid near the affected occipital nerve(s) at the base of the skull to reduce inflammation, numb the area, and disrupt pain signals.
What It Treats
Occipital nerve blocks are commonly used for:
Occipital neuralgia
Cervicogenic headaches
Cluster headaches
Tension headaches
Migraines (as part of a multimodal treatment plan)
Post-traumatic headaches or whiplash-related pain
Upper neck pain that radiates to the scalp
These blocks can be diagnostic (to confirm the occipital nerve as the source of pain) and/or therapeutic (to relieve symptoms).
How It Is Performed
You will be seated or lie face down on an exam table.
The back of your head and upper neck are cleansed and sterilized.
The injection site is numbed with a local anesthetic.
Using anatomical landmarks or ultrasound guidance, your provider inserts a small needle near the greater and/or lesser occipital nerves, typically at the base of the skull.
A mixture of local anesthetic and corticosteroid is slowly injected.
The needle is withdrawn, and a small bandage is applied.
The entire procedure takes 10–15 minutes and is performed in an outpatient setting.
Pre-Procedure Instructions
No fasting or special preparation is needed for this procedure.
Continue regular medications unless otherwise advised. Blood thinners may need to be paused in select cases.
Inform your provider if you:
Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Have allergies to local anesthetics or steroids
Have an active skin infection or fever
Wear loose, comfortable clothing, especially around the neck and shoulders.
What to Expect After the Procedure
You may experience immediate pain relief from the anesthetic, which may wear off in a few hours.
Steroid effects may take 1–3 days to begin and can last weeks to months, depending on the severity of the condition.
Some patients feel mild tenderness or bruising at the injection site, which typically resolves quickly.
You may resume normal activities the same day, but avoid heavy exertion for 24 hours.
If the block is effective but temporary, your provider may recommend repeat injections or occipital nerve radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for longer-term relief.
Call your provider if you experience:
Fever, chills, or signs of infection
Worsening pain, numbness, or unusual scalp sensations
Persistent bleeding or swelling at the injection site
Headache and Neck Pain Relief at Its Source
At Parkview Spine & Pain, we offer occipital nerve blocks to help patients suffering from debilitating headaches and upper cervical pain regain control and comfort. Whether for diagnosis or treatment, this precise approach provides effective, non-surgical relief.
👉 Schedule a consultation today to find out if an occipital nerve block is right for your headache or neck pain condition.