Occipital neuralgia is a term used to describe a cycle of pain-spasm-pain originating from the base of the skull that often radiates to the back, front, and side of the head, as well as behind the eyes.
Occipital Neuralgia may occur spontaneously, or as the result of a pinched nerve root in the neck (from arthritis, for example), or as the result of prior injury or surgery to the scalp or skull. Sometimes “tight” muscles at the back of the head can entrap the nerves. Symptoms include the following:
- Headaches that are localized or following a "ram's horn" pattern on the side of the head, often starting in the upper neck or base of the skull. It can be one-sided or on both sides.
- Scalp that is tender to the touch, often hypersensitive. Even brushing your hair can be a painful experience.
- Pain or pressure behind the eyes. Eyes are very sensitive to light especially when the headache is present.
Although massage therapy and acupuncture can bring immediate relief, it is necessary to maintain a strength and stretching program. Ice at the base of the skull helps as well.
I suffered from these headaches for years. After starting a family, I slacked off on the strict exercise and stopped my monthly massage therapy visits. I finally mentioned the debilitating headaches to my doctor, who handed me a variety of migraine medications. Some made my heart palpitate out of control, while others would make me unconscious for up to twelve hours. Neither of these options appealed to me. So, I was prescribed Tylenol 3, acetaminophen with codeine. I loved the way it deadened the pain and allowed me function instead of being locked up in a dark room.
My headaches continued to increase until my I suffered from two each week. I didn’t like the fact that I was taking narcotics regularly, but could not deal with the pain that radiated through my head. Being knowledgeable of the human body, I found it hard to believe I was suffering from migraines.
After conducting in-depth research, I realized I was suffering from Occipital Neuralgia. Now, as a personal trainer I needed to figure out what I needed to do to fix the problem. After all, I had spent years relieving other people’s pain, why could not relieve my own?
I began to exercise harder, but the headaches would always worsen a day or two after I did strength training exercises for my back. Yoga helped the most, but I felt I was again slacking on the strength training.
I have found relief through my inversion table, yoga, and performing neck strengthening exercises every other day.
To strengthen the neck, lie face down on the bed, with your shoulders at the end of the bed and your head hanging off the end. Move you head like a chicken. Let it dip down, then pull it back up, keeping your chin facing straight down.
Start out slow, as tight muscles, can bring on the headache. Work up to 50 reps, increasing 5 reps per week. After the exercise, massage the back of your neck and up to behind your ears. 
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