Occipital nerve blocks provide effective relief for chronic headaches and occipital neuralgia by targeting the nerves at the base of the skull. At Keith Schmidt, MD in Hoffman Estates, IL, this quick procedure can significantly reduce headache frequency and intensity.
What Is Occipital Neuralgia?
Occipital neuralgia is a condition characterized by sharp, shooting, or throbbing pain that starts at the base of the skull and radiates to the back of the head and behind the ears. It can be triggered by neck tension, injury, or compression of the occipital nerves and is often mistaken for migraines or tension headaches.
How Occipital Nerve Blocks Help
Dr. Schmidt injects a combination of local anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication around the greater and lesser occipital nerves. This reduces nerve inflammation and blocks pain transmission, providing relief that can last weeks to months. The procedure takes just minutes and can be performed during a regular office visit at our Hoffman Estates location.
Stop suffering from chronic headaches. Contact us to learn if occipital nerve blocks are right for you.