Can Occipital Neuralgia Be Treated with Upper Cervical Chiropractic?

What is Occipital Neuralgia?

Occipital neuralgia is characterized by debilitating pain in the back of the head, around the brain’s occipital region. Sufferers often also experience upper neck pain that spreads upward into the head. The condition is most commonly caused by a pinched nerve.

Signs and Symptoms of Occipital Neuralgia

The type of headache occipital neuralgia patients experience is distinct. It is felt in the back of the head, upper neck, behind the ears, behind the eyes, or localized to one side of the head. The pain is generally piercing or throbbing. 

Sufferers also experience jolts, like that of electric shocks, running through the head and neck. When pain like this goes on for hours it can severely impact one’s ability to function and get on with daily activities. 

How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects Occipital Neuralgia

The upper cervical spine is located in the neck and consists of the top seven vertebrae of the spinal column. Occipital neuralgia most commonly occurs when there is a misalignment of the vertebrae in the upper cervical spine. The occipital nerve, which runs from the base of the brain into the spinal cord, may be pinched or the area around it may be inflamed. This causes the nerves to misfire and triggers the painful symptoms of this condition.

Usually, this misalignment is the result of an injury, such as a car crash or sports accident. For others, it could be due to arthritis or tense muscles in the neck.

How Our Treatment Works for Occipital Neuralgia

Dr. Noah Kaplan is an expert in understanding the upper cervical spine and the role that it plays in the body’s overall health. His treatment is focused on the gentle but precise corrections required to realign the spine. This is a patient’s best hope for alleviating the nerve compression that results in painful conditions like occipital neuralgia.  

Only recently are health care specialists learning how vital proper alignment of the upper cervical spine is when it comes to the body’s overall health and well-being. This part of the spine sits in a critical position, protecting nerves that help regulate all of the body’s functions. Even minor misalignments can result in a domino effect, causing various health conditions and pains. 

Dr. Kaplan is a board-certified practitioner of the Blair Chiropractic Technique and a member of the Blair Chiropractic Society. His Advanced Upper Cervical Chiropractic office in Walnut Creek is the only office in the entire East Bay area that utilizes the most advanced 3D imaging diagnostic tools to detect misalignments in the upper cervical spine. Treatment to correct misalignments with gentle yet exact pressure offers patients a non-invasive, drug-free option to alleviate the symptoms of occipital neuralgia. 

If occipital neuralgia is getting in the way of day-to-day activities, get in touch with Dr. Kaplan’s office for an appointment. In addition to his office in Walnut Creek, California, Dr. Kaplan also services Pleasant Hill, Concord, Lafayette, Danville, San Ramon, Dublin, Pleasanton, and Livermore.