Occipital nerve blocks for migraine: A treatment for chronic headache

Occipital nerve blocks are a treatment for migraine and chronic headaches. Learn how this injection can reduce headache pain and improve quality of life.

Migraine and chronic headaches can be incredibly disruptive, affecting work, sleep, family life and overall wellbeing. For people who experience frequent migraines or persistent headache, medications alone do not always provide sufficient relief.

One treatment sometimes used in specialist pain and headache clinics is an occipital nerve block. This minimally invasive injection targets nerves at the back of the head that can play an important role in migraine and headache pain.

Occipital nerve blocks can provide short- to medium-term pain relief, helping people reduce headache frequency and regain quality of life.

What is migraine?

Migraine is a neurological condition that causes recurrent attacks of headache, often accompanied by other symptoms.

Common migraine symptoms include:

• Moderate to severe head pain

• Pain often on one side of the head

• Throbbing or pulsating pain

• Sensitivity to light and sound

• Nausea or vomiting

• Visual disturbances or aura

Some people experience migraines only occasionally, while others develop chronic migraine, defined as headaches occurring 15 or more days per month.

For people living with frequent migraine, specialist treatments such as nerve blocks may sometimes help.

What are the occipital nerves?

The greater occipital nerves run from the upper neck into the scalp at the back of the head.

These nerves transmit sensation from the back of the head to the brain. In people with migraine or certain headache disorders, the occipital nerves can become irritated or hypersensitive, contributing to headache pain.

Because of this connection, blocking these nerves with local anaesthetic can sometimes reduce migraine symptoms.

What Is an occipital nerve block?

An occipital nerve block is a simple injection given around the occipital nerves at the back of the head.

The injection typically contains:

• Local anaesthetic, which temporarily numbs the nerve

• Steroid medication, which can reduce inflammation and prolong pain relief

By reducing the sensitivity of the occipital nerves, the injection can sometimes interrupt the pain pathways involved in migraine.

What happens during the procedure?

An occipital nerve block is usually a quick outpatient procedure, often taking only a few minutes.

Typically:

1. You sit comfortably or lie slightly forward.

2. The back of the head is cleaned.

3. The doctor locates the occipital nerve using anatomical landmarks or ultrasound.

4. A small needle is used to inject medication around the nerve.

The injection itself usually takes less than a minute, and most people can go home shortly afterwards.

How effective Are occipital nerve blocks for migraine?

Many patients experience:

• Reduced headache severity

• Fewer migraine attacks

• Relief from pain at the back of the head

• Improved sleep and concentration

Pain relief can last several weeks to several months, although results vary between individuals.

Occipital nerve blocks can also be used to break a cycle of severe migraine attacks and allow other treatments to work more effectively.

Who might benefit From an occipital nerve block?

Occipital nerve blocks may be helpful for people with:

• Chronic migraine

• Occipital neuralgia

• Cervicogenic headache (headaches related to neck problems)

• Persistent headache following head or neck injury

They are often considered when headaches continue despite standard migraine medications or preventative treatments.

Are occipital nerve blocks safe?

Occipital nerve blocks are widely used in pain medicine and headache clinics and are generally considered safe.

Possible side effects include:

• Temporary soreness at the injection site

• Mild bruising

• Temporary numbness in the scalp

• Infection (very rare)

Your clinician will discuss the risks and benefits before treatment.

Part of a broader migraine treatment plan

At Wye Sanctuary Pain Clinic, occipital nerve blocks are usually part of a comprehensive approach to migraine management.

This may include:

• Education about migraine triggers

• Medication optimisation

• Lifestyle and sleep strategies

• Stress and nervous system regulation

• Movement and physiotherapy when neck tension contributes to headache

The aim is not only to reduce migraine attacks but also to help people regain control of their lives.

Seeking help for chronic migraine

If you are living with frequent migraines or persistent headaches, specialist assessment can help identify the underlying causes and explore treatment options such as occipital nerve blocks.

At Wye Sanctuary Pain Clinic, we provide assessment and treatment for people living with chronic pain and headache conditions, including virtual consultations across the UK.

Learn more or book an appointment at:

www.wyesanctuary.com