Headaches & Migraines

For patients living in and around Gloucester, Danvers, and Newburyport, Massachusetts, and throughout Essex County, the Harvard trained experts at Pain Management Centers of New England serve as an invaluable resource for spinal treatments and pain management. Call the nearest office to learn more and schedule your consultation. Online booking is also available.

What are occipital neuralgia headaches?

We all have a right and left greater and lessor occipital nerve.  The nerves leave the upper part of the cervical spine and continue under the skin of the scalp. The function of these nerves is to transmit sensation from the scalp to the central nervous system, the brain.  When these nerves become irritated, a headache occurs along the distribution of these nerves. Often people will describe the headache as starting in the back of their neck or skull and then shooting up the scalp towards the eye, temple,and/or ear.

What are the symptoms of occipital neuralgia?

Headaches caused by occipital neuralgia by occur on one side of the scalp or both.  The pain may by constant or intermittent.  The quality of pain is often throbbing, electrical, burning, and/or jabbing.  People often experience tightness along the scalp and skin sensitivity.

Are there treatments for occipital neuralgia headaches?

Conservative treatment options should always be tried first.  Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen and narproxen, muscles relaxants, gabapentin and topical skin agents may be effective. Massage, relaxation techniques and acupunture are