Occipital neuralgia is a debilitating condition that can make it hard for patients to focus on anything except for the excruciating pain they are experiencing. However, there is hope for those afflicted with this issue! In this article, we’ll review some facts about occipital neuralgia to provide more insight into this lesser-known ailment. 

Fact #1: It Can Occur For a Variety of Reasons

Unlike many diseases and disorders, occipital neuralgia’s causes are not well-understood. In fact, occipital neuralgia can result for a number of reasons, some of which have almost no explanation.

Some of the major theorized causes of occipital neuralgia include:

  • Arthritis in the joints of the cervical spine (the neck).
  • Cervical nerve root “pinching” or compression.
  • Diabetes Mellitus.
  • Systemic infections.

However, even if these issues are resolved, the symptoms of occipital neuralgia can occasionally continue to linger. Therefore, finding out what works for long-lasting symptom relief is key for this condition.

Fact #2: Botox May Help Some Patients with Occipital Neuralgia

Botox is often thought of as a cosmetic treatment for reducing wrinkles. While this is likely the most common use of the medication, it also reduces excessive tone and tightness in muscles, along with the associated inflammation these tight tissues can cause. 

However, Botox can sometimes lose its efficacy over time. So, while it may help your symptoms on the first or second application, it’s unlikely to help years down the road, as your body may develop a “tolerance” for it.

Fact #3: Keeping Inflammation Low is Key to Reducing Occipital Neuralgia Symptoms

Inflammation has become a popular topic amongst health and fitness professionals over the last decade. This issue is at the root of so many diseases affecting nearly every system in the body. In fact, almost every condition will have an inflammatory component in one way or another. 

By keeping inflammation low through the avoidance of trigger foods, such as sugary beverages, and maintaining other good health habits, patients with occipital neuralgia can often manage their condition much more easily.

Fact #4: Exercise Is a Great Way to Improve the Symptoms of Occipital Neuralgia

Surprisingly, simply getting up and moving can cure most of what ails society. In fact, even going for a 30-minute walk, five times a week can lead to profound health improvements in most people. This is also true for those suffering from occipital neuralgia. Better yet, exercise seems to have a dose-response relationship with health issues. This means that the more exercise you do, the better the effects will be!

Fact #5: Chiropractic Care Can Help!

Any painful condition necessarily involves the central nervous system. The central nervous system, made up of the brain and spine, serves as the control center for our bodies. If the brain cannot interpret signals from the body or communicate with a certain body part at all, this can often lead to pain.

One of the main reasons for decreased communication between the brain and the rest of the body is faulty transmission due to the spine being out of alignment. The spine can be thought of as a major roadway from which all information travels either to the body from the brain or from the body to the brain.

Chiropractors ensure that the spine is in good alignment by performing spinal adjustments. These treatments reposition segments of the spinal cord that have fallen out of alignment. After an adjustment, many occipital neuralgia sufferers notice immediate and long-lasting relief of their symptoms. 

Are you suffering from occipital neuralgia or headaches of any kind? Your At Last Chiropractor in Litha, FL is here to help! Our team will help you feel better quickly. Book your appointment now!