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Occipital Nerve Blocks

Occipital Nerve Block Treatment Specialist in San Antonio, TX

An occipital nerve block is a type of therapeutic pain block that is administered for the treatment of occipital neuralgia, migraines, and persistent headaches. It is a non-invasive and usually effective treatment that alleviates discomfort by lowering edema and inflammation surrounding the occipital nerves. At San Antonio Pain Consultants P.A., our board-certified doctor, Dr. Darius Zagunis M.D., knows how difficult it can be to live with prolonged discomfort and offers safe and effective occipital nerve block treatment to his patients. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 3903 Wiseman Blvd, Ste 117, San Antonio, TX 78251.

An occipital nerve block is a type of therapeutic pain block that is administered for the treatment of occipital neuralgia, migraines, and persistent headaches. It is a non-invasive and usually effective treatment that alleviates discomfort by lowering edema and inflammation surrounding the occipital nerves. At San Antonio Pain Consultants P.A., our board-certified doctor, Dr. Darius Zagunis M.D., knows how difficult it can be to live with prolonged discomfort and offers safe and effective occipital nerve block treatment to his patients. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 3903 Wiseman Blvd, Ste 117, San Antonio, TX 78251.
An occipital nerve block is a type of therapeutic pain block that is administered for the treatment of occipital neuralgia, migraines, and persistent headaches. It is a non-invasive and usually effective treatment that alleviates discomfort by lowering edema and inflammation surrounding the occipital nerves. At San Antonio Pain Consultants P.A., our board-certified doctor, Dr. Darius Zagunis M.D., knows how difficult it can be to live with prolonged discomfort and offers safe and effective occipital nerve block treatment to his patients. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 3903 Wiseman Blvd, Ste 117, San Antonio, TX 78251.

Occipital Nerve Block Treatment Specialist Near Me in San Antonio TX
Occipital Nerve Block Treatment Specialist Near Me in San Antonio TX

Table of Contents:

What is an occipital nerve block?
How does an occipital nerve block work?
Who is a good candidate for occipital nerve blocks?
How long does an occipital nerve block last?

What is an occipital nerve block?


An occipital nerve block is an injection used to relieve pain caused by conditions like occipital neuralgia, cervicogenic headaches, cluster headaches, and migraines. The injection contains anesthetic medication along with steroid medication to provide both immediate and lasting relief. Occipital nerve block injections are performed as an outpatient procedure and are often recommended when first-line pain management techniques, such as physical therapy and oral medication, do not provide substantial relief.
 
The anesthetic in the injection numbs the affected nerves to provide immediate pain relief. Corticosteroid medication is often included to extend the pain-relieving effects of the procedure. Overall, occipital nerve blocks are used to address pain and inflammation caused by chronic headaches or occipital neuralgia. To learn more about this approach and whether it can be incorporated into your pain management plan, schedule a visit with a nerve block specialist.

How does an occipital nerve block work?


If you’re preparing for an occipital nerve block, it’s helpful to understand how this procedure works to ease your nerves. The great news is that this treatment is straightforward and is usually completed within 15 minutes.
 
To begin the procedure, the healthcare professional will administer mild IV sedation to alleviate anxiety during the process. The area for the injection will be cleaned, and a local anesthetic will be administered to ensure the procedure is comfortable. Next, the doctor will inject the occipital nerve block through a small needle at the base of your skull.
 
It’s normal for your headache to get slightly worse right as the medication is injected. This means the medication is in the right place. The anesthetic will wear off after about 4 hours, and some of your discomfort may return until the steroid starts working. This may take up to two weeks. Your doctor may recommend taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen during this time to manage your pain.

Who is a good candidate for occipital nerve blocks?


If you have chronic headaches, you may be wondering if you are a good candidate for occipital nerve block treatment. Typically, pain management specialists recommend this approach to patients who have pain due to migraines, cluster headaches, cervicogenic headaches, or occipital neuralgia. In addition, this approach can be used to address spondylosis, also known as osteoarthritis of the spine.
 
The best outcomes from occipital nerve blocks are typically observed in patients who report shooting, stinging, or burning sensations when describing their pain. When considering whether occipital nerve block treatment is right for you, the doctor will go over your medical history. If you take certain medications, have an active infection, or have poorly managed heart disease or diabetes, occipital nerve blocks may not be suitable for you until your health improves.
 
In summary, you should schedule a consultation with a nerve block specialist to find out whether you are a good candidate for this treatment. The dedicated experts at San Antonio Pain Consultants P.A. are here to help you manage your symptoms through comprehensive care.

How long does an occipital nerve block last?


With occipital nerve blocks, the level and duration of pain relief achieved vary from person to person. Some people only experience improvements for about six to eight hours, while others enjoy the benefits of occipital nerve block treatment for several months.
 
In certain cases, such as with occipital neuralgia and cervicogenic headaches, a series of injections may be needed for lasting pain relief. Various factors, such as the underlying cause of the pain and the severity of the condition, influence the extent and duration of pain relief.
 
To prolong your pain relief, your healthcare provider may recommend complementary approaches, such as physical therapy, lifestyle adjustments, and stress management. When you work with a pain management expert, you receive comprehensive care through a personalized treatment plan. By seeing a nerve block specialist, you can determine the ideal frequency of injections to keep your symptoms from interfering with your daily life.
 
Occipital Nerve Block Treatment Specialist is available at San Antonio Pain Consultants P.A. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 3903 Wiseman Blvd, Ste 117, San Antonio, TX 78251. We serve patients from San Antonio TX, Helotes TX, Alamo Ranch TX, Leon Valley TX, Shavano Park TX, Balcones Heights TX, Fair Oaks TX, Fair Oaks Ranch TX, Castroville TX, and surrounding areas.