• 09 Oct, 2026
• UnityPain
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Greater Occipital Nerve Block | Unity Pain Modesto

When Headaches Won’t Let You Live Your Life

If you deal with severe headaches or migraines that keep coming back, you know how exhausting it can be. The throbbing, the pressure, the sensitivity to light and sound — it can make even simple daily tasks feel impossible. You may have tried many treatments without getting the relief you hoped for. You are not alone, and there are options worth knowing about. One treatment that many people have found helpful is called a greater occipital nerve block. This article will explain what it is, how it works, and what you might expect if you and your doctor decide it could be right for you.

What Is the Greater Occipital Nerve?

The greater occipital nerve is a nerve that runs up the back of your head. It starts near the base of your skull and travels up toward the top of your head. This nerve carries signals related to feeling and sensation in the back and top of the scalp. When this nerve becomes irritated or inflamed, it can cause pain that spreads from the back of the head forward — sometimes even reaching behind the eyes.

This type of pain is sometimes called occipital neuralgia. It can feel like sharp, shooting, or electric pain in the back of the head. Some people also experience it as a dull, constant ache or pressure. The pain may get worse when you touch the back of your head or move your neck. Occipital neuralgia can also trigger or overlap with migraines and other types of chronic headaches.

What Is a Greater Occipital Nerve Block?

A greater occipital nerve block is an injection given at the base of the skull where the greater occipital nerve is located. The injection usually contains a local anesthetic — a numbing medicine — and sometimes a corticosteroid, which is a medication that helps reduce inflammation. The goal is to calm the nerve down and reduce or stop the pain signals it is sending.

The procedure is typically quick and done right in a clinic setting. A trained provider uses a small needle to inject the medication near the nerve. Most people notice some numbness at the injection site shortly after. Some people feel relief within hours, while for others it may take a day or two. The level and length of relief can vary from person to person, which is why it is important to talk with a qualified provider about what to expect in your specific situation.

What Conditions May Benefit From This Treatment?

Doctors may consider a greater occipital nerve block for several types of head pain. These include:

• Occipital neuralgia — nerve-related pain in the back of the head
• Chronic migraines — migraines that happen 15 or more days per month
• Cluster headaches — severe headaches that occur in patterns or cycles
• Cervicogenic headaches — headaches that start from neck problems
• Post-traumatic headaches — headaches that follow a head or neck injury

It is important to understand that not everyone with these conditions will be a good candidate for this procedure. A thorough evaluation by a pain management specialist is an important first step. A provider will review your medical history, symptoms, and past treatments to help decide if this option makes sense for you.

What Happens During and After the Injection?

Most people find the procedure to be relatively quick and straightforward. You will likely sit or lie face-down. The provider will clean the skin at the back of your head and locate the injection site. A small needle is used to deliver the medication. The process usually takes just a few minutes. Some people feel a brief sting or pressure during the injection, but discomfort is generally mild.

After the procedure, you may feel some temporary numbness or a heavy sensation at the back of your head — this is normal and expected from the numbing medicine. You will usually be observed for a short time before going home. Most people are able to return to normal activities the same day, though your provider will give you specific instructions. It is a good idea to have someone drive you home after the procedure just to be safe.

How Long Does Relief Last?

This is one of the most common questions people ask, and the honest answer is that it varies. Some people experience relief that lasts for several weeks. Others may have longer periods of reduced pain. The steroid component in the injection, when used, can help extend relief by reducing nerve inflammation. Some people benefit from a series of injections over time as part of a broader pain management plan.

It is also important to know that a nerve block is not always a permanent solution. For many people, it is one helpful tool within a larger care plan that may include physical therapy, medication management, and lifestyle changes. Working closely with your pain care team gives you the best chance of finding what works for your body.

Getting Help at Unity Pain Management in Modesto

Living with chronic headaches or occipital nerve pain can feel discouraging — especially if you have tried treatments before without much success. But there are caring providers who want to help you find a path forward. At Unity Pain Management in Modesto, CA, the team offers a range of services to help people manage pain and improve their daily lives. Greater occipital nerve blocks may be one option worth discussing during your visit, alongside other treatments tailored to your needs.

Unity Pain Management is insurance-friendly and welcomes patients who are ready to take a step toward feeling better. Whether you come in for an evaluation or connect through a telehealth visit, the goal is always to listen to you and work together on a plan that fits your life. You deserve care that takes your pain seriously.

A Note of Hope

Chronic head pain is real, and it deserves real attention and compassionate care. You have every right to keep looking for answers and to ask questions about all available options. Greater occipital nerve blocks have helped many people find meaningful relief, and they may be worth exploring as part of your overall treatment plan. Speak with a qualified pain management provider to learn if this approach might be a good fit for you. Relief may not happen overnight, but every step forward matters.

References

• Headache Classification Committee of the International Headache Society. “The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition.” Cephalalgia. 2018.
• Ashkenazi, Avi, and Stephen D. Silberstein. “Nerve Blocks and Other Procedures for Headache.” Neurologic Clinics. 2009.
• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. “Occipital Neuralgia.” National Institutes of Health. 2023.
• Blumenfeld, Andrew, et al. “Occipital Nerve Blocks in the Management of Headache and Migraine.” Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain. 2013.
• Robbins, Matthew S., et al. “Treatment of Cluster Headache: The American Headache Society Evidence-Based Guidelines.” Headache. 2016.