An Occipital Nerve Block is performed to reduce inflammation and swelling due to the irritated greater and lesser occipital nerves. These nerves begin at the top of the spinal cord and run through the scalp. When these nerves are inflamed, frequent pain at the top of neck and headaches can be a common symptom. With this injection, corticosteroid and local anesthetic medication will be injected into the nerves to reduce pain.
The appointment time for an Occipital Nerve Block is approximately 45-60 minutes all together. There are 3 different stages to the appointment.
After your procedure, you are asked to rest for the remainder of the day and avoid any activities. Tenderness at the site of needle insertion may occur, in which case ice may be applied for 20 minutes every hour if necessary. Normal activities can be resumed the following day without restrictions. Your leg(s) may feel slight sense numbness up to 12 hours.
Certain procedures may be performed with local anesthesia. Your provider will discuss the necessity of this with you at your appointment prior to scheduling the procedure.