Content on this website is intended for general information only. For answers
to your specific questions or to schedule treatment, we invite you to
contact us at 301-588-5858.
Treatment Options for Occipital Neuralgia
Occipital neuralgia is a condition resulting in intense painful spasms felt along the back of the
head, upward to the top of the head. While the sensations may be
similar enough to be misdiagnosed as a
migraine, this syndrome is not a migraine and is not likely to respond to migraine medications.
Causes of Occipital Neuralgia
The causes of occipital neuralgia include a wide range of problems in
the neck area, ranging from minor to serious. Causes may include
arthritis of the neck, problems with the vertebrae, tumors in the neck
area, tight neck muscles, and other conditions.
If occipital
neuralgia is diagnosed, a neurologist will search for the underlying
cause through a detailed history of the patient's symptoms as well as
imaging studies. In some cases the cause is clear, but in many cases, no
cause is found for occipital neuralgia.
How We Can Help
Maryland Holistics offers
acupuncture which is an effective method of
pain-relief
in the treatment of many pain-related health conditions. The relief
resulting from acupuncture often lasts many times longer than the relief
from a single dose of a medication. This is because acupuncture works
in a very different way, helping your body to heal at a deeper level.
If
the cause remains unknown after a neurologist's thorough examination,
or if the cause is suspected to be arthritis or tight neck muscles, its
very likely that we can help the patient experience relief.
This condition is relatively rare and many general medical providers may
not be thoroughly familiar with it. Patients who visit our clinic for
this condition will benefit from our
Dr. Windsor's years of experience and commitment to quality care.
"Although I provide treatment for neck pain very often, occipital
neuralgia is a condition I see somewhat infrequently. In my experience,
it appears that acupuncture is beneficial for most patients during a
flare-up. The treatment response appears to be rapid and consistent.
This is similar to other cranial nerve disorders that I have treated,
such as trigeminal neuralgia."
Dr. Eric Windsor, D.Ac.