Cervicogenic headaches and migraines are debilitating conditions that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. These headaches originate from the cervical spine, including muscles, joints, and nerve structures in the neck. Fortunately, there are various treatment options available, and one promising approach is the use of occipital nerve blocks. Because of the modern day lifestyle, most young individuals have cervical spine involvement, involving one or more structures out of above. These are one of the most common causes of loss of productivity in the professional age group.
What are Occipital Nerves?
The occipital nerves are a pair of nerves that emerge from the upper cervical spine and supply sensation to the back of the head and scalp. These nerves can become irritated or compressed due to various factors, such as muscle tension, injury, or degenerative changes in the cervical spine. When the occipital nerves are involved, it can lead to headaches or occipital neuralgias, often accompanied by pain, tenderness, and a shooting or burning sensation in the back of the head and neck.