Posted on6 August 2025,in

What Is Occipital Neuralgia?

Occipital Neuralgia Treatment: Occipital Neuralgia is a type of nerve pain that originates from the occipital nerves, which run from the top of the spinal cord through the scalp. These nerves exit the spine through the upper cervical vertebrae and innervate the skin along the back and top of the head. When these nerves become irritated, inflamed, compressed, or injured, it can result in intense head and neck pain that is often mistaken for other types of headaches.

Unlike migraines or tension headaches, occipital neuralgia is more likely to be caused by a structural issue at the base of the skull or within the upper neck. Many people suffering from this condition struggle to get an accurate diagnosis, leading to years of frustration and ineffective treatment plans. As such, it is essential to understand how occipital neuralgia presents and what the best treatment options are.

Occipital Neuralgia Treatment: Symptoms of Occipital Neuralgia

People with occipital neuralgia commonly describe their pain as stabbing, electric-like shocks or burning sensations radiating from the upper neck into the scalp. The pain may last from seconds to minutes, and episodes can occur sporadically or persist throughout the day. Many individuals report that their symptoms worsen with neck movement or pressure on the back of the head.

Key Symptoms:

Sharp, stabbing pain in the upper neck and back of the head
Electric shock-like pain behind the ears or at the base of the skull
Scalp tenderness or sensitivity to touch
Pain that radiates to the top of the head, forehead, or behind the eyes
Increased discomfort when turning the head, combing hair, or resting on a pillow
Light sensitivity and visual disturbances in severe cases

Because these symptoms overlap with other types of headaches, many patients are misdiagnosed, leading to ineffective treatments like migraine medication or unnecessary surgical interventions.

Common Causes of Occipital Neuralgia

Occipital neuralgia typically results from mechanical irritation or compression of the occipital nerves. This irritation can stem from a variety of causes, both traumatic and degenerative. Upper cervical spinal misalignment is one of the most overlooked but significant contributors to this condition. Misalignments of the C1 (atlas) and C2 (axis) vertebrae can irritate the nerves directly or cause surrounding muscles to become tight and inflamed, indirectly impacting nerve function.

Contributing Factors:

Whiplash injuries or neck trauma from car accidents
Poor posture, especially forward head posture from prolonged screen time
Repetitive neck strain or heavy lifting
Herniated discs or bone spurs in the cervical spine
Surgical scar tissue
Inflammatory conditions like arthritis

When the top bones in the neck shift out of alignment, they may put direct or indirect pressure on the nerves, blood vessels, and tissues that support brain and nerve function, leading to chronic pain syndromes like occipital neuralgia.

How Upper Cervical Misalignment Triggers Occipital Neuralgia

The upper cervical spine is a highly complex and sensitive area of the body, responsible for housing and protecting the lower brainstem and spinal cord. The first cervical vertebra (C1 or atlas) sits directly beneath the skull and serves as the support structure for the head. Just beneath it, the second vertebra (C2 or axis) allows for rotational movement of the head.

Even slight misalignments in this region can have profound effects on the nervous system. When the atlas or axis shifts out of position, it can:

Impinge on the greater and lesser occipital nerves
Disrupt blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow to the brain
Create abnormal tension in neck muscles and soft tissues
Alter the posture of the head and cervical spine, placing stress on nerve pathways

These misalignments can be caused by accidents, poor ergonomics, falls, sports injuries, or even the birthing process. The resulting irritation to the occipital nerves can mimic many other neurological conditions, making proper diagnosis critical to effective treatment.

Why Traditional Treatments Often Fail

Traditional medicine typically focuses on symptom relief rather than correcting the underlying cause of occipital neuralgia. Patients are often prescribed painkillers, nerve blocks, anti-inflammatory drugs, or even muscle relaxants, which may provide temporary relief but do not resolve the root issue—mechanical irritation from spinal misalignment.

Common Medical Treatments:

Oral pain medications like NSAIDs or anti-seizure drugs
Corticosteroid injections or nerve blocks
Physical therapy or massage
Surgical decompression of the occipital nerve
Botox injections

While some patients may experience temporary relief, these treatments often lose effectiveness over time or come with side effects. Many patients find themselves stuck in a cycle of dependency on medications without true healing. That’s why more people are turning to natural, drug-free solutions like upper cervical chiropractic care to get long-term relief.

Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care: A Precise, Non-Invasive Solution for Occipital Neuralgia

Upper cervical chiropractic focuses on correcting misalignments in the top two bones of the spine to restore normal nerve function and promote healing. At Lavender Family Chiropractic in Sarasota, our team uses a meticulous approach to diagnose and correct upper cervical misalignments without any popping, cracking, or twisting.

What Makes Our Approach Unique:

3D CBCT Imaging: We use Cone Beam CT scans to get a 3D view of your upper neck alignment, allowing for unmatched precision.
Tytron Infrared Thermography: We measure real-time nervous system function to determine when and where adjustments are needed.
Gentle Adjustments: Our technique involves a light, controlled correction with no twisting or high-velocity movements.
Custom Care Plans: Each patient receives a tailored care plan based on their scans, symptoms, and response to care.

This unique approach addresses the root of the problem by removing nerve pressure and allowing the body to heal itself naturally. Once alignment is restored and the nervous system is balanced, the symptoms of occipital neuralgia often diminish or disappear entirely.

Lavender Family Chiropractic: Sarasota’s Top Team for Occipital Neuralgia and Nerve Pain Relief

At Lavender Family Chiropractic, our team of doctors has helped thousands of patients across Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, and Bradenton overcome chronic health conditions through gentle, specific upper cervical chiropractic care. We specialize in helping those who have been everywhere else and are still searching for answers.

Why Patients Trust Our Clinic:

Experienced Team: Dr. Rusty Lavender, Dr. Jacob Temple, and Dr. Will Guzinski have extensive experience in managing complex nerve and spinal conditions.
State-of-the-Art Technology: We combine modern imaging and nervous system scanning to track and document your progress.
Compassionate Care: We listen, we care, and we’re committed to helping you heal.
Holistic Philosophy: We believe in working with the body’s innate ability to heal when interference is removed.

Many patients who come to us with occipital neuralgia have already seen neurologists, pain specialists, and tried injections or surgery with limited results. We are honored to be the turning point in their health journey.

Patient Testimonial: A Life Without Occipital Pain

“For years I dealt with terrible stabbing pain at the back of my head. I had injections, MRIs, and countless appointments with no real answers. When I found Lavender Family Chiropractic and saw the CBCT scans of my neck, I finally understood what was causing the problem. The first adjustment was so gentle I could hardly believe it, and within a few visits, I began to feel like myself again. I can’t thank them enough.”
— Danielle, Sarasota FL

Areas We Serve

If you’re searching for “chiropractor near me,” “upper cervical chiropractor Sarasota,” or “occipital neuralgia relief in Florida,” we proudly serve patients from:

Sarasota
Lakewood Ranch
Bradenton
Parrish
Venice
Ellenton
Osprey
Punta Gorda
St. Petersburg
Siesta Key
Longboat Key
Lido Key
Myakka City

Top 15 FAQs About Occipital Neuralgia and Upper Cervical Chiropractic

1. What is occipital neuralgia?

It is a condition where the occipital nerves become irritated or compressed, leading to head and neck pain.

2. How is it different from a migraine?

Occipital neuralgia originates from nerve irritation in the neck, whereas migraines are vascular in nature.

3. Can chiropractic help occipital neuralgia?

Yes, especially upper cervical chiropractic which corrects spinal misalignments contributing to nerve irritation.

4. What causes occipital neuralgia?

Common causes include trauma, whiplash, posture issues, spinal misalignment, and arthritis.

5. How do you diagnose the issue?

We use 3D CBCT imaging and thermography to pinpoint misalignments affecting nerve function.

6. Will the adjustment hurt?

No. Our technique is very gentle and does not involve twisting, popping, or cracking.

7. How soon can I expect results?

Some patients see improvement after the first few adjustments, while others improve gradually.

8. Is your care safe for everyone?

Yes. Our technique is safe for all ages, including children, seniors, and those with severe pain.

9. Will my insurance cover this?

Our office is out of network. We provide superbills for patients to submit for possible reimbursement.

10. Do I need a referral?

No referral is needed. You can schedule directly with our office.

11. Can you help if I’ve had surgery?

Yes. Many of our patients come to us after surgery or failed treatments and find relief.

12. How long is the care plan?

Care plans vary depending on your condition and response to care. We tailor everything to your needs.

13. Will I need maintenance care?

Once symptoms resolve, some patients choose occasional checkups to maintain optimal alignment.

14. How do I know if I have an upper cervical misalignment?

If you have chronic head, neck, or facial pain, a CBCT scan and assessment can reveal misalignments.

15. How do I schedule?

Call (941) 243-3729 or visit www.chiropractorsarasotaflorida.com to book your consultation.

Take the First Step Toward Healing from Occipital Neuralgia

If you’re tired of living with chronic head and neck pain and want a natural, drug-free solution that gets to the root cause, Lavender Family Chiropractic is here for you. Let us help you reclaim your life, free from occipital neuralgia.

Lavender Family Chiropractic in Sarasota Florida offers complimentary consultations to learn more about you. Click the link below!

https://intake.chirohd.com/new-patient-scheduling/724/lavender-family-chiropractic