Occipital Nerve Block

An Occipital Nerve Block is a steroid injection into the occipital nerves at the back of the head given to relieve pain and swelling around the occipital nerves. Often times pain in this area of the head and neck leads to headaches or migraines. The medication injected consists of a steroid with local anesthesia and is injected with a very thin needle.

How many injections can you have?

If the patient has only short term pain relief after one injection, a second injection will usually be performed one to two weeks later. Otherwise, the patient can have another injection when the pain symptoms reappear.  Several injections can be given every year.  A radiofrequency procedure or implantable stimulator can be used for longer acting relief.