Treatments

Chronic headaches, migraines, and neck pain can be overwhelming by making it hard to focus, sleep, or even get through the day. At Midwest Vascular and Pain Specialists, we offer occipital nerve blocks which is a non-surgical, targeted treatment that helps reduce pain for people experiencing nerve-related head and neck pain.

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What is an Occipital Nerve Block?

An occipital nerve block is a quick treatment that delivers a combination of numbing and anti-inflammatory medication to the occipital nerves at the back of your head. 

These nerves, when irritated or inflamed, are often the cause of things like headaches, migraines, and upper neck pain.

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By calming these nerves, the procedure can:

• Reduce how often and how intensely headaches happen
• Relieve pain in the back of the head and neck
• Help confirm if occipital nerves are the true source of pain
• Improve neck movement and ease muscle tension

Learn more about advanced pain treatments at Midwest Vascular and Pain Specialists.

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Who Can Benefit from an Occipital Nerve Block?

This treatment is commonly recommended for people that are dealing with:

• Chronic migraines - Frequent, severe headaches 
• Occipital neuralgia - Pain from irritated occipital nerves
• Cluster headaches - Repeated attacks of intense, one-sided pain
• Tension headaches - Pain tied to tight muscles in the neck and scalp
• Post-traumatic headaches - Pain that started after an injury like whiplash

If you’re struggling with frequent head or upper neck pain, an occipital nerve block may give you the pain relief you need. 

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Explore other non-surgical headache treatments.

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How is an Occipital Nerve Block Performed?

This procedure usually takes just 15 to 30 minutes. 

Here’s how it works:

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Step 1: Prep
You will sit comfortably while we numb the area with a local anesthetic.

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Step 2: Injection
Using real-time imaging, we guide a thin needle to the area near the occipital nerves and inject a mix of anesthetic and steroid medication to reduce inflammation and block pain signals.

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Step 3: Recovery
You will be monitored for a short period, then free to go home. Some patients feel relief right away while for others, it may take a few days.

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If pain returns, it might be recommended to get a series of injections or advanced treatments like radiofrequency ablation.

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What to Expect After an Occipital Nerve Block

• You can usually return to light activities the same day, just avoid anything strenuous for 24 hours.
• Mild swelling or soreness at the injection site is normal.
• Pain relief may last from a few weeks to several months, depending on the situation.

If relief is temporary, additional treatments like physical therapy, medication adjustments, or radiofrequency ablation may be considered.

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Benefits of Occipital Nerve Blocks

• Quick, effective relief from migraines and nerve-related headaches
• Minimally invasive with no need for surgery 
• Reduces nerve inflammation and tension in the neck
• If pain improves, it confirms occipital nerves as the source.
• Helps restore comfort and mobility

Read about spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain.

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Long-Term Management of Chronic Headaches

For ongoing relief, occipital nerve blocks are often used as part of a long term treatment plan, which may include:

• Physical therapy to improve posture and relieve muscle tension
• Medication adjustments for migraine prevention
• Alternative therapies like Botox for migraines 

If occipital nerve blocks help but don’t last, radiofrequency ablation may be a next step to block pain signals for a longer period.

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Read about other advanced headache relief treatments.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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How long does an occipital nerve block last?
Pain relief can last a few weeks to several months, depending on the body’s response. 

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How many injections are needed?
Some people feel better after just one injection, while others may need a few treatments over time.

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Are occipital nerve blocks painful?
The procedure is only slightly uncomfortable, as we do use local anesthetic to numb the area.

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Are occipital nerve blocks covered by insurance?
Yes, most insurance plans cover this procedure for chronic pain. Our team can help verify this and will handle the paperwork.

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Why Choose Midwest Vascular and Pain Specialists for Occipital Nerve Blocks?

At Midwest Vascular and Pain Specialists, we take a personalized and effective approach to treating chronic head and neck pain. Our expert team uses advanced imaging for precision and works with you to build a plan that delivers lasting relief.

• Board-certified specialists experienced in headache relief
• High-precision, image-guided procedures
• Customized care plans based on your needs

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