An injection into the neck for headaches? Let's learn about the Occipital Nerve Block in simple terms!

Do you sometimes get a headache that feels like your head is about to explode? Especially a headache that starts at the back of your head and sometimes spreads to your eyes... There are times when taking Panadol or applying any balm doesn't help, right? Today we are talking about a special treatment for such severe headaches, or headaches. This is called an Occipital Nerve Block . Although the name is a bit strange, many people have found great relief from this.

What is this Occipital Nerve Block?

Simply put, an Occipital Nerve Block is an injection of a painkiller into the occipital nerve, which is located at the back of your head, near your neck. Sometimes, this painkiller is also given along with a steroid to reduce swelling. The main purpose of this injection is to temporarily relieve the pain and swelling around those nerves and give you relief.

Imagine that you have a system of nerves that runs from the back of your head to the top of your ears. These are the nerves that carry sensation to the skin on the back of your head. If these nerves are put under pressure for any reason, or if they become inflamed, we can get an unbearable headache. That's when this injection temporarily 'sleeps' those nerves and reduces the pain.

What are these Occipital nerves we are talking about?

There are three types of nerves on each side of our head. They originate from the vertebrae at the top of our neck (C2 and C3).

What conditions is this treatment used for?

Doctors usually use this treatment for severe headaches that are difficult to control with other treatments (such as pills).

• Occipital Neuralgia: This refers to a sharp, electric-like pain caused by damage, compression, or swelling of the occipital nerve we discussed earlier.
• Migraine headaches: This treatment is sometimes used for migraines, which many people suffer from.
• Cervicogenic Headache: This is a bit special. In this case, the headache is not caused by a problem in the head, but by a problem in the neck (e.g., a problem with the cervical vertebrae).
• Cluster Headache: This is also a very severe, unbearable type of headache.
• Postdural puncture headache: This is sometimes used for headaches that occur after a lumbar puncture.

In addition to these headaches, this treatment can also provide relief from pain in the upper and back of the neck, and pain caused by whiplash, such as from a car accident.

Also used for diagnosis

Sometimes, your doctor will use this injection to determine if your headache is actually caused by the occipital nerve or if it's due to something else. If your pain decreases after the injection, it confirms that the problem is with these nerves. This will make it easier for your doctor to develop a treatment plan that works best for you.

How should you prepare for this?

This usually doesn't require much preparation. You can just carry on as normal.

However, if the doctor decides to give you sedation to make you feel a little 'sleepy' at this time, then you will need to prepare a little.

• You will be asked to fast without eating or drinking anything for 6 to 8 hours.
• Also, they will ask you to come with someone else instead of driving that day, because you might be a little drunk.

However, your doctor will explain all of this to you beforehand. So don't be afraid. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.

What happens during treatment?

This is usually a small procedure that is done in the outpatient department, rather than in the hospital. This means you can get the injection and go home shortly after.

These are the steps that usually occur:

1. Position: First, you will be asked to sit in a chair, with your head lowered and your hands supporting your head. Or you will be asked to lie on your stomach on a treatment table.

2. Sedation: Only if necessary, a mild sedative will be given through an IV line in your arm to relax you.

3. Identifying the location: The doctor will then feel the back of your neck to find the exact nerve where the injection is to be given. Sometimes, they may use something like an X-ray (`fluoroscopy`) or an `ultrasound` scan to see the exact location.

4. Cleaning: The injection site is thoroughly cleaned with an antiseptic solution.

5. Giving the injection: Then, with a very thin needle, the medicine is injected as close as possible to the previously identified nerve.

6. Rest: After the injection is finished, you will be asked to rest for a while until the medicine takes effect.

What can you expect after the injection?

If you were given sedation, you will be observed for about 15 to 30 minutes after the injection. A nurse will come in to check for any side effects and, if everything is fine, you will be allowed to go home.

If you are not given sedation, you can rest for about 10 minutes and go home.

What are the benefits of this treatment?

• Pain relief: Pain is relieved, either temporarily or long-term, allowing you to carry out your daily activities more easily.
• Reduces swelling: Reduces swelling in the nerves and helps them heal.
• Correct diagnosis: Helps to find the exact cause of the pain.

But remember, this treatment doesn't work for everyone . Some people will experience significant pain relief, while others may not. If that's the case, your doctor will talk to you about other treatments.

Are there any side effects or risks?

Occipital Nerve Block is generally a very safe procedure. Complications are rare. However, as with any medical procedure, there are some minor side effects and risks.

How long will this relief last?

This varies greatly from person to person, so it is difficult to predict the exact results. If successful, pain relief will begin within 20-30 minutes of the injection. This relief can last from a few hours to several months .

To achieve long-term relief from conditions such as Occipital Neuralgia and Cervicogenic Headache, you may need to receive this injection several times.

What time do you want to talk to the doctor?

If you develop any new symptoms or complications after the injection, call your doctor immediately . Especially,

• If the injection site becomes red, very swollen, warm, oozing pus, or you have a fever (these may be signs of an infection).
• If you develop new inflammation, numbness, weakness, or pain .

It's normal to feel a little scared and nervous when thinking about this type of treatment. So, talk to your doctor about any questions or concerns you have about this. He or she will explain everything to you.