What is Occipital Neuralgia?
Occipital neuralgia is a disorder of the trigeminal nerve, a cranial nerve that is responsible for sensation in the face and head. Occipital neuralgia occurs when the trigeminal nerve is pinched or irritated in the root of the neck. The disorder itself is characterized by a throbbing, stabbing, or burning pain that radiates from the back of the head to the neck, scalp, and upper face. The pain is generally worse when the head is bent forward and when the neck is extended.
Signs and Symptoms of Occipital Neuralgia
As we’ve already mentioned, the primary symptom of occipital neuralgia is a sharp, stinging, or burning sensation across the face and head. The pain can be intermittent or continuous and may be accompanied by a feeling of numbness, tingling, or itching. In severe cases, occipital neuralgia can also cause migraines, nausea, and cluster headaches.
How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects Occipital Neuralgia
The upper cervical spine is made up of seven vertebrae and plays a key role in the health and function of the cervical spine. The cervical spine is the largest and most complex part of the spine. It stabilizes the muscles and ligaments of the neck and houses the spinal cord, which is responsible for carrying nerve signals to and from the brain.
One of the most common causes of occipital neuralgia is a misalignment in the upper cervical spine. This misalignment can result from a variety of factors, including injury, trauma, or even changes in the natural structure of the spine, such as osteoarthritis. When the upper cervical spine is misaligned, the muscles and ligaments of the neck and upper back can become strained and inflamed. Left untreated, local inflammation along the upper cervical spine can disrupt the proper function of the spinal cord and pinch or irritate nearby nerves, causing nerve disorders like occipital neuralgia.
How Our Occipital Neuralgia Treatment Works
Our occipital neuralgia treatment focuses on correcting vertebral misalignments and restoring the misaligned upper cervical spine to its normal alignment. This correction can help to relieve the underlying inflammation and irritation that is causing episodes of occipital neuralgia.
Treatment for occipital neuralgia begins with a thorough physical assessment of your upper back and neck. Our expert chiropractor, Dr. Bello, will use X-rays and cone-beam computed tomography scans to analyze the misalignment and determine the best course of treatment for your occipital neuralgia.
Once this assessment is complete, Dr. Bello will perform a series of chiropractic corrections to realign and reposition the upper cervical spine. This treatment approach works well for occipital neuralgia because it focuses on correcting the underlying misalignment at the source of the problem.
If you’re looking for a natural, non-invasive alternative to traditional occipital neuralgia treatment, we’re here to help. Dr. Bello services patients across the Greater Los Angeles Area.