Head, Face & Jaw
Occipital Neuralgia
Sharp or shooting pain at the back of the head following the occipital nerves.
Also called: Occipital nerve pain.
The occipital nerves run from the upper neck over the back of the head. Irritation of these nerves produces shooting, stabbing, or burning pain, often with tenderness of the scalp itself.
The intensity and frequency vary widely, from brief occasional jolts of pain to more sustained discomfort, and identifying the pattern helps distinguish this from other headache types.
Why this matters
It is often mistaken for other headache types because the pain is felt at the back of the head, and simple things like touching the scalp, brushing hair, or lying on a pillow can trigger it.
Because the pain can be quite severe even briefly, it can understandably cause worry, which is part of why a clear explanation of what is happening matters.
The brain & nervous-system connection
Where the nervous system fits in
These nerves originate in the upper cervical spine, a region examined in detail because irritation or restriction there can be part of what is affecting the nerves as they travel toward the scalp.
Reproducing the pain with pressure along the nerve's path, alongside assessing upper neck joint motion, is how this is evaluated.
What we look at
We look for patterns, not a single test
- Detailed health history and consultation
- NeuroInfiniti Stress Response Evaluation
- Posture and movement
- Balance and coordination testing
- Eye movement or neurological screening when appropriate
- Grip or motor-function testing when appropriate
- Palpation and spinal function
- Other examination procedures based on the individual
Not every person receives every test. What we perform depends on your history, your age and what the examination shows as we go.
Scope of care
What this does — and doesn't — mean
What we do
- • We evaluate chiropractic and musculoskeletal function.
- • We look at nervous-system-related functional findings that fall within our scope.
- • We assess movement, balance and coordination findings.
- • We measure stress-response patterns with the NeuroInfiniti evaluation.
- • We make individualized chiropractic care recommendations and re-measure over time.
What we don't claim
- • We do not diagnose, treat or cure diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a treatment for dementia, Alzheimer's disease or other neurological diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a replacement for medical care, testing or medication.
- • No outcome is promised. Results vary from person to person.
This is a concern where medical evaluation, imaging or co-management may be the right first step. Dr. Mike Geran will say so plainly if that is what the history and examination suggest.
Common questions
- Will I be adjusted on the first visit?
- Generally no. The first visit is an evaluation visit. Dr. Geran reviews the findings and makes recommendations at the follow-up visit.
- Do I need imaging before I come in?
- Not usually. If your history or examination suggests imaging is needed, we will say so and help arrange the right next step.
When medical evaluation may be needed
Some symptoms need medical evaluation first. If anything in your history or examination suggests that, we will say so and help point you in the right direction.
Related at Foothills Chiropractic
- Headaches — Headaches have many drivers. Understanding which ones apply to you is the point of the evaluation.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome — Hand numbness and tingling associated with the median nerve at the wrist.
- Cervical Radiculopathy — Arm symptoms that follow a nerve root pattern from the neck.
- Cervicogenic Headache — Headache arising from structures in the neck.
Think Foothills Chiropractic might be right for you?
Start Here walks you through what the process looks like, so you can decide whether taking the next step makes sense for you.