Why do I keep getting occipital headaches?
What causes occipital neuralgia? Occipital neuralgia may occur spontaneously, or as the result of a pinched nerve root in the neck (from arthritis, for example), or because of prior injury or surgery to the scalp or skull. Sometimes “tight” muscles at the back of the head can entrap the nerves.
How do I calm my occipital nerve?
You can try to:
- Apply heat to your neck.
- Rest in a quiet room.
- Massage tight and painful neck muscles.
- Take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs, like naproxen or ibuprofen.
How do you release tension in the occipital?
Apply gentle pressure from your fingertips at the base of your skull. This massage can help calm tight muscles and release tension. You can also place a rolled towel under your head and neck as you lie down on your back. The pressure from the towel can provide a gentle massage.
Can magnesium help occipital neuralgia?
Because of the inflammatory process associated with occipital neuralgia, anti-inflammatory nutrients can be beneficial for patients who suffer from this type of headache. Calcium/magnesium supplements are most commonly used for their overall anti-inflammatory properties.
What type of pillow is best for occipital neuralgia?
A cervical pillow supports your head and neck while you sleep. It helps keep your spine aligned, which can reduce pain. If you suffer from occipital neuralgia, using a cervical pillow may help to decrease the tension on the nerves in your neck.
Why is occipital neuralgia worse at night?
Sleeping Position Matters Failing to get adequate sleep and sleeping in the wrong position can intensify the pain. In fact, sleeping with a poor posture is a top cause of occipital neuralgia. People say they wake up with a stiff neck, which means a muscle is strained and nerves inflamed.
What aggravates occipital neuralgia?
If your occipital nerves are already inflamed or irritated, touching the back of your head or neck may trigger occipital neuralgia. Even brushing your hair or bumping your head against a headrest may trigger it.
Does exercise help occipital neuralgia?
The next question is, “What exercises should I avoid with occipital neuralgia?” Exercises that cause excessive tension in the neck muscles should be avoided. Lifting heavy weights for exercise or strenuous exercise can over-tighten muscles and compress the occipital nerves.
Where do you massage occipital neuralgia?
Is stretching good for occipital neuralgia?
Do chin tucks regularly. Some cases of occipital neuralgia may be related to poor posture stressing the nerves. The chin tuck exercise aims to stretch the muscles and connective tissue in the painful area and strengthen the muscles that align your head over your shoulders.
Is it OK to exercise with occipital neuralgia?