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Pain that starts at the base of the skull and travels upward can be difficult to ignore. It often feels sharp, burning, or electric, and it can come and go without warning. If this happens regularly, it could be due to occipital neuralgia. This is where the nerves that run from the upper neck to the scalp become irritated.
Can a chiropractor help with occipital neuralgia? The short answer is yes, because we deal with the underlying cause rather than masking the symptoms. Read on to learn more.
There’s no need to suffer in silence. Schedule your consultation with a chiropractor in Weston, FL, to start on the road to recovery.
As the name indicates, occipital neuralgia involves irritation, compression, or inflammation of the occipital nerves, which run from the top of the spinal cord through the neck and into the scalp. The condition is often characterized by:
The pain may stay on one side or affect both sides, and it can extend toward the forehead or behind the eyes.
Before we answer, “Can a chiropractor help with occipital neuralgia ?” let’s look at the warning signs.
The pain associated with this condition tends to stand out. It may feel sharp and sudden, almost like a jolt, followed by a lingering ache. Some people describe it as a throbbing sensation that builds and fades.
You’re also likely to be more sensitive to touch. Even light contact, such as brushing your hair or resting your head on a pillow, can feel uncomfortable. Your neck may also feel stiff, making it difficult to move it in some or all directions.
In certain cases, symptoms overlap with migraines or other forms of chronic headache pain, which can make diagnosis more challenging. It doesn’t help that this condition is one of the leading causes of a throbbing headache.
There are several factors at play here. One of the most common is poor posture, especially forward head positioning, which places extra strain on the neck. Over time, this can lead to tight muscles and restricted joint movement.
A misalignment of the upper cervical spine might also play a role. When the joints near the base of the skull don’t move properly, they may place pressure on nearby nerves. Injuries such as whiplash, repetitive strain, or even long hours at a desk can increase the risk.
Other contributing factors may include:
So, can a chiropractor help with occipital neuralgia? Yes, because our treatment plans focus on identifying and correcting mechanical issues in the spine that may be contributing to nerve irritation. Instead of only addressing the pain, we look at how movement, alignment, and muscle function (or lack thereof) are interacting at the source.
We use chiropractic adjustments to improve joint mobility and reduce restrictions in the cervical spine. By restoring more natural movement, we reduce the pressure on the affected nerves to offer real relief.
We may also employ soft tissue techniques to reduce tightness in the surrounding muscles. When the tension in the neck begins to ease, it can lower strain on the occipital nerves, improving comfort.
We look beyond in-office care, giving you targeted exercises to strengthen those supportive muscles. This improves your posture and reduces the strain. We may also suggest stretching routines to maintain flexibility, especially if you spend long hours at a desk. We’ll even go so far as to explain how to set up your desk more efficiently.
The symptoms may fade temporarily, but if you don’t address the source of the irritation, they’re likely to return. Repeated flare-ups can lead to ongoing discomfort and reduced mobility.
As chiropractors, we aim to interrupt that cycle by improving how the spine and surrounding structures function together. This creates a more stable environment for healing and helps reduce the likelihood of upper cervical spine misalignment.
Speak to our team today about your treatment options and how to start on the road to recovery.
So, can a chiropractor help with occipital neuralgia? Yes, as with treating a neck hump, adjustments can be useful in dealing with the underlying causes. Contact ChiroCare of Florida at 954-704-2406 to schedule an evaluation today.
