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    Occipital Nerve Block

    Fast, targeted treatment to relieve headaches and nerve pain at the back of the head

    An occipital nerve block is a quick, minimally invasive procedure used to treat headaches and nerve-related pain originating from the base of the skull. It works by calming irritated occipital nerves using a small injection of local anaesthetic (sometimes combined with steroid), helping to break the cycle of pain. 

    It is commonly used for migraines, cluster headaches, occipital neuralgia, and neck-related headache pain that radiates into the scalp. 

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    Occipital Nerve Block

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    Why Consider Occipital Nerve Block

    This procedure is often recommended when headaches or nerve pain become persistent or disabling, including: 

    • Sharp, shooting, or throbbing pain at the back of the head 
    • Pain that radiates from the neck into the scalp 
    • Tenderness or sensitivity in the upper neck or occipital region 
    • Migraines that are not fully controlled with medication 
    • Cluster headaches or frequent headache episodes 
    • Ongoing nerve irritation (occipital neuralgia)

    It is especially useful when standard pain relief or preventative medications have not provided enough improvement. 

    Key Benefits 

    • Rapid relief from headache and nerve pain
    • Targets the source of pain directly
    • Minimally invasive, in-clinic procedure
    • No sedation or hospital stay required
    • Can reduce migraine frequency and severity
    • May provide relief lasting weeks to months
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    Specialist minor surgery

    What to Expect 

    Before the procedure 

    • You will be seated comfortably 
    • The skin at the back of the head is cleaned thoroughly 
    • A small amount of local anaesthetic is applied to numb the area

    During the procedure 

    • A fine needle is used to inject local anaesthetic (and sometimes steroid) around the occipital nerves 
    • You may feel brief pressure or a mild sting 
    • The injection itself takes only a few seconds 
    • The full appointment typically takes 10–15 minutes 
    • You remain awake and comfortable throughout 

    After the procedure 

    • You may feel immediate numbness or warmth in the treated area 
    • Some patients notice relief within minutes, others within 24 hours 
    • Mild tenderness at the injection site is normal for a short time 
    • You can return to normal activities straight away 
    • No downtime is usually required 

    Occipital Nerve Block FAQs

    Some patients feel relief within 15–30 minutes, while others improve over 24 hours.
    Relief can last from several weeks to a few months depending on the condition and individual response.
    Only mild discomfort is felt briefly during the injection; the area is numbed beforehand.
    Yes, it is commonly used for migraines that do not respond well to medication and can reduce both frequency and intensity.
    No significant downtime is expected. Most people resume normal activities immediately
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    Ready to relieve persistent headaches and nerve pain?

    Get fast, effective treatment with an occipital nerve block performed by an experienced clinician.
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