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My Doc says yes
2 months after a whiplash injury (in which my neck and left arm were mostly bothered) my occipital neuralgia kicked in fiercely. Especially on the left hand side (I was rear-ended to the left side of my vehicle and my head was thrown to the side and rear. My head was also leaning forward and turning right to view oncoming traffic at a junction).
I had never had headaches to the back of my head as far as I could remember, only a menstrual migraine once a month across my eyes and forehead. The neuralgia composes of a deep throbbing in the left occiput daily with an overshot of electrical shots/stings/fireworks going on across the scalp throughout the day, some would be severe enough for me to shout out loud. As it was winter at the time, the cold highly exaggerated the symptoms and now (July - UK mind) it is finally great to feel some heat to the back of my head during the day (at night I can get to sleep only using a hot water bottle and diazepam).
I know this has been caused by my whiplash because the left sided neck pain always precedes or accompanies the headache - funny enough - i can live with the neckpain but the headache!!!!!!!!!!!! Amitryptiline work but there are too many side effects for me. After 9 months I still have problems with my Trapezius and Sternomastoid areas.
I dread the cold weather coming.
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
Wiki User
∙ 10y agoOccipital neuralgia causes pain in the occipital nerves that run along the spinal cord and can be hard to diagnose since it gets often confused with a headache or a migraine. Some causes of occipital neuralgia are infection, tumors in the neck, severe trauma to the back of the head, and osteoarthritis.
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Is Occipital neuralgia the same as scalp neuralgia?
no.
What is the prognosis for occipital neuralgia?
The periodic nature of mild occipital neuralgia usually does not interfere with daily life. The prognosis for persons with more severe occipital neuralgia is also good, as the pain is usually lessened or eliminated by treatment.
Can you exercise with occipital neuralgia?
If your doctor has told you that you can exercise with occipital neuralgia, then yes, it is usually possible, however most physicians will caution you not to do certain movements, etc. For advice, always seek the help of a physician or qualified headache specialist.
What are the demographics of trigeminal neuralgia?
Although statistics indicating the frequency of persons with occipital neuralgia are unknown, the condition is more frequent in females than males.
Can a chiropactor cause occipital neuralgia?
Chiropractors offer great help in the treatment of occipital neuralgia. These experts are skilled in providing treatment for the spinal column and nervous system. They use various treatment methods to relieve their symptoms. Plus, they give quick relief by reducing inflammation and irritation of the occipital nerve. The sacro-occipital technique (SOT) is a type of chiropractor who specializes in treating pain by improving spine alignment. They also help relieve any chronic pain. When it comes to occipital neuralgia, it can help due to the tight muscles that can cause discomfort and pain. So, there are fewer chances of getting occipital neuralgia if you have a treatment from a chiropractor. But, if you feel pain in your neck and head after chiropractic therapy, then you should seek medical help promptly.
What is the most common treatment for occipital neuralgia?
Treatment usually consists attempting to relieve the pain. This often involves a massage to relax the muscles in the area of the occipital nerves. Bed rest may relieve acute pain.
Who can treat occipital neuralgia?
From the treatment it appears that a massage therapist would be beneficial. Chiropractic care can also help to alleviate the symptoms of O.N.
What causes occipital nerve headaches?
Occipital nerve headaches are caused by the firing of the occipital nerve either as the result of a process that disturbs the nerve or as the result of a chronic pain condition that causes spontaneous firing of the nerve pathways resulting in pain.
What is glossopharyngeal neuralgia?
Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is a chronic pain syndrome that causes intense, shooting pains in the back of the tongue and throat, tonsillar areas, and middle ear.
What does the term neuralgia mean?
Its a condition which causes sore face pain in cold weather.
What causes a sharp shooting pain in the back of the head?
Have you researched Occipital Neuralgia. I have it and know other who do and we have those symptoms. I suggest you "image" google Occipital neuralgia and I think it may help you with your question. I found a support board through mdjunction for C2/Occipital neuralgia with fellow sufferers.
What are the causes of neuralgia?
Neuralgia is caused by irritation or nerve damage from systemic disease, inflammation, infection, and compression or physical irritation of a nerve. The location of the pain depends on the underlying condition.
