Occipital neuralgia is a distinct neurological condition characterized by chronic, intense, sharp, or shock-like pain in the upper neck, back of the head, and behind the ears, caused by irritation or injury to the occipital nerves.

It often stems from compressed nerves, tight muscles, or injuries, and can feel like a piercing, burning sensation. The pain can be felt going down one side or both and if not treated properly, can become chronic.

Can Acupuncture help Occipital Neuralgia?

Yes it can. One of acupuncture’s greatest benefits is it’s ability to loosen what is tight and compressed.

I have treated it many times and patients feel a lot more relief with acupuncture than with a nerve block, pain medication, or even physical therapy.

While I would never tell anyone not to do PT, usually the missing piece of treatment for occipital neuralgia is the the myofascial release that acupuncture does best because of the fact that a needle can gently squeeze through the tough fibers of connective tissue releasing the compression causing the nerve pain to begin with.

Don’t wait to start a pain free future