The Blair Chiropractic Technique Can Treat Occipital Neuralgia

What is Occipital Neuralgia?

Occipital neuralgia is a chronic headache disorder that causes pain in the back of the head and neck. This pain is typically caused by irritation or compression of the occipital nerves, a group of nerves that branch across the upper neck and scalp. Occipital neuralgia can be caused by a variety of factors, including neck injuries, inflammation, or vertebral misalignments in the upper cervical spine. 

Signs and Symptoms of Occipital Neuralgia

Common symptoms of occipital neuralgia include sharp, shooting pain in the back of the head and neck, tenderness in the scalp, headaches, sensitivity to light, and a feeling of tenderness or tightness in the back of the neck. In some cases, the condition may also cause numbness or tingling in the affected areas.

How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects Occipital Neuralgia

The upper cervical spine is the topmost segment of the spinal column. Because of its proximity to the central nervous system and brainstem, the upper cervical spine plays a crucial role in the health and function of the occipital nerves. These nerves originate from the cervical spinal nerves, and any misalignments in the upper cervical vertebrae can cause irritation, pinching, or compression of the occipital nerves. Left untreated, misalignment-induced nerve compression can lead to overactivity or misfiring in the occipital nerves, potentially triggering the onset of conditions like occipital neuralgia. 

How Our Natural Occipital Neuralgia Treatment Works

A modern and progressive form of chiropractic treatment, the Blair Chiropractic Technique uses gentle, non-invasive correction techniques to restore the natural alignment of the upper cervical spine and promote optimal health and wellbeing. 

Your initial appointment with a Blair Chiropractic specialist will typically involve a comprehensive spinal health assessment. During this consultation, a Blair practitioner will employ a series of advanced diagnostic tools, such as cone-beam computed tomography scans, to identify any misaligned vertebrae that may be underpinning your occipital neuralgia symptoms.

If a misalignment is detected, your Blair practitioner will perform a series of precise, Blair certified corrections to gently coax any impacted vertebrae back into natural alignment. While this may sound uncomfortable, this process is generally painless and will never involve any harsh twisting, pulling, or cracking of the spine. By addressing the root cause of your condition, the Blair Chiropractic Technique can provide lasting relief from occipital neuralgia, eliminating nerve impedances and restoring the natural flow of information between the brain and the body.