10/15/2025
I’ll add chiropractic adjustments to possible treatments. Chiropractic is very good at relieving this type of muscle tension, and taking the pressure off these nerves. This makes chiropractic one of the very best at the treatment of occipital pressure
Occipital nerve pressure is the feeling of pressure or pain resulting from inflammation or injury to the occipital nerves, which can cause a condition called occipital neuralgia. This can be caused by neck muscle tightness, head or neck injuries, or underlying conditions like osteoarthritis. Symptoms include piercing, throbbing, or shocking pain in the back of the head, neck, and behind the ears, and the scalp may be tender to the touch.
Causes
Muscle tightness: Tightness in the neck muscles can pinch the nerves.
Injury: Head or neck trauma can injure the occipital nerves.
Underlying medical conditions: Conditions like osteoarthritis of the upper cervical spine can compress the nerves.
Other factors: Less common causes include inflammation, infections, and certain tumors. In many cases, the specific cause is unknown.
Symptoms
Sharp, piercing, throbbing, or shocking pain in the neck, back of the head, and behind the ears.
Pain that can radiate to the scalp, forehead, and behind the eyes.
A sore or tender scalp.
Sensitivity to light.
Pain that can last for seconds or minutes, with a lingering ache between more intense bouts.
Treatments and relief
Pain relief:
Applying heat to the neck or scalp.
Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen.
Using muscle relaxers or other prescription medications as advised by a doctor.
Professional treatments:
Physical therapy or massage: To help relax neck muscles.
Occipital nerve block: A procedure that uses an anesthetic to temporarily deaden the nerve, which can confirm the diagnosis and provide pain relief.
Self-care: Gentle exercise, like stretching, may help.
