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Occipital Nerve Blocks in Phoenix

Living with head and neck pain makes it hard to get through the day, focus on work, or enjoy time with loved ones. If your pain starts at the back of your head or neck and spreads upward, it might be coming from a nerve. In this case, you might need occipital nerve blocks Phoenix. Let’s see what it is.

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What are Occipital Nerve Blocks?

Occipital nerve blocks Phoenix Are simple shots that go into the back of your head, near a nerve called the occipital nerve. This nerve runs from the top of your spine to your scalp. If this nerve gets irritated, it can cause sharp, throbbing pain. The injection has a numbing medicine and sometimes a steroid. The numbing medicine helps right away, and the steroid helps calm the nerve down over time. Comprehensive pain centers use occipital nerve blocks Phoenix to find out if this nerve is the problem and to help reduce the pain.

What are Occipital Nerve Blocks Phoenix Typically Used For?

Occipital neuralgiaChronic migraine
Cluster headacheCervicogenic headache
Postdural puncture headacheWhiplash neck pain
Cervical facet joint pain

Am I a Good Candidate for Occipital Nerve Blocks?

Good candidates for this comprehensive pain management method:

  • You have pain at the back of your head
  • You get migraines or strong headaches often
  • Other treatments haven’t helped
  • You want to try something non-surgical
  • Your doctor thinks the occipital nerve might be involved

How Occipital Nerve Blocks Work?

When you come in for the occipital nerve blocks Phoenix procedure, you’ll be seated or lying down. The doctor will clean the skin on the back of your head. They’ll feel for the right spot and then give a small injection. You might feel a tiny pinch, but it’s quick. The medicine goes around the nerve and stops it from sending pain signals. The numbing medicine works fast. The steroid takes longer, sometimes a few days, but can last much longer. The whole thing only takes a few minutes. You’ll rest a bit and then go home.

Occipital Nerve Blocks Benefits

  • Helps us find the real pain source
  • Can give fast pain relief
  • No surgery needed
  • You can go home the same day
  • Can lead to better treatments like radiofrequency ablation

Expert Occipital Nerve Blocks in Phoenix

We understand how tough constant head pain can be. Our comprehensive pain specialists Phoenix offer skilled occipital nerve blocks Phoenix care to help you feel better. We don’t guess; we test, treat, and guide you through the next step. If you’re ready for answers and relief, we’re ready to help.

Schedule your pain management session today, and let’s talk about how this method can fit into your care plan.

FAQs

Please contact us directly for pricing and insurance questions.

Usually, a pain doctor or a trained specialist does the procedure.

Most people feel just a quick pinch. It’s not very painful.

Pain doctors, nurse practitioners, or anesthesiologists who are trained can do it.

Doctors often use steroids like dexamethasone or similar ones.

Sharp pain at the back of the head, often on one side. It can feel like electric shocks or burning.

To stop the nerve from sending pain messages and to see if that nerve is causing your symptoms.

It can last for a few hours, a few days, or sometimes weeks.

You sit or lie down. The doctor numbs your skin and gives a quick injection near the nerve. It’s a fast procedure.

Dr. James KellerShabrokh

Dr. James KellerShabrokh is a board-certified specialist in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, focusing on spine, joint, muscle, and nerve injuries. He combines rehabilitative care, minimally invasive procedures, and preventive strategies to restore function, improve mobility, and provide long-term pain relief.