At the end of the year, many of those struggling with migraines seem to find themselves reflecting on months of missed plans and lingering pain, of treatments that did not deliver the relief they desired. For others, however, this time is a natural opportunity to re-evaluate care for migraines — not least as the deductible on insurance resets, the allowance for flexible spending vanishes and a new year brings the hope of a clean slate. One alternative discussed more and more in the wake of this is the occipital nerve block, which is a occipital nerve decompression procedure, a method being taken into consideration to provide much-needed relief from certain types of migraine pain and offers relief by pinpointing their source.
What if There are Continued Migraines?
Oral medications, preventive treatments and lifestyle changes are offered first before most individuals. But if migraines are chronic, with or without resistance to these approaches, doctors may recommend an occipital nerve block for migraine as a subsequent intervention. In fact, this treatment is especially attractive because it is localized. The medication targets a specific nerve involved in transmission rather than the whole body. In these cases, a localized approach may be of particular value for patients who may be exposed to adverse effects of their daily migraine medications or may have medication contraindications. As the year winds down, many patients go back to the option after struggling for months to suppress their migraines. IAt end-of-year conferences, one’s mind frequently turns to whether additional treatments might increase quality of life for the future.
What Happens During an Occipital Nerve Block Procedure?
It is a quick outpatient procedure in and of itself. After cleaning the area around the base of the skull, the provider administers a small dose of medicine near the occipital nerve. The injection will typically include a local anesthetic and, if necessary, a corticosteroid to minimize inflammation. Most say they feel pressure or a fleeting sting. Numbness on the back of the head is common soon after those complaints, and can last for hours or more. In the event, patients can typically resume some type of ordinary activities the same day but we may briefly discourage vigorous physical activity. Knowing the process can alleviate anxiety, especially for patients who are undergoing a nerve-based treatment for the first time.
What do you Expect to See with an Occipital Nerve Block?
The relief from an occipital nerve block varies. For some they come back within minutes, but for others it benefits over days in a slow and deliberate way. Similarly, the duration of feeling relief is very variable (weeks, and up to several months depending on the individual and the migraine and its basis). For some patients, the block significantly reduces migraine prevalence or its intensity. For others, that’s a means to shorten the duration of an attack, or perhaps make them more responsive toward drugs. Even incremental improvements can make a difference for someone who has lived with chronic pain. And most importantly, providers frequently treat the response to the first injection as diagnostic information. That is a positive response which can verify whether the occipital nerve is playing a role in contributing to migraine pain.
Dealing with Fears of Worse Pain as a Result of Occipital Nerve Block
One of the most queried questions about this treatment is worse pain after occipital nerve block. Though many patients respond quite well after the injection, some have a brief period during which they feel more pain. Such a reaction can be uncomfortable; especially to the pain already present in patients living with chronic pain. Local tissue irritation, muscle tightness or a short-term inflammatory over-reaction can be the cause of post-injection pain. In some instances, the nerve itself is heightened briefly, before returning to normal. Headache flares, scalp pain and soreness at the injection site may set in. That increased pain generally comes up within days and doesn’t signal any longer-term damage. However, continuing or severe pain must be discussed with a doctor and will always need to be evaluated further so that complications are ruled out and future therapeutic management and plans adjusted if necessary.
How Frequently Can You Face Repeated Occipital Nerve Blocks?
An occipital nerve block doesn’t work a single time for chronic migraine attacks. For at least some patients, repeat injections are given at interval intervals, in particular if they feel a great deal of relief. The timing, and frequency of return visits, depends on whether one responds differently to them, general health and what they receive from their provider. Repeat injections can be combined with preventive medications, physical therapy, posture correction or even stress management as part of a coordinated attempt at managing migraine. End-of-year visits are a common way to consider how you might need continuing nerve blocks to be integrated into care this coming year.
Why the End of Year Is a Wise Season for Migraine Treatment?
When it comes to medicine, time is important. As deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums reset in January, treatments for migraine such as an occipital nerve block could be cheaper in the last months of the year. The expenses now, versus waiting, may be much lower for patients who have already fulfilled their deductible. And the holiday season can bring migraine triggers such as disrupted sleep, stress, travel and dietary change. To treat nerve pain before these triggers peak, to reduce the extent or frequency of attacks at an already trying time. From a planning standpoint, end-of-the-year care allows patients and providers to assess what worked, what didn’t, and how to continue to adjust treatment accordingly.
Conclusion
An occipital nerve block may be effective for some patients with migraine, but is not appropriate for all migraine patients. It’s important to assess to determine whether the irritation in the occipital nerve is causing the symptoms. History of headache pattern, neck involvement and previous treatment response all play a part. Patients who have had continued migraines and are going to have other kinds of options before the year ends will better understand that treatment, when spoken with a qualified provider, can provide clarity and direction. Conclusion. Migraines can feel volatile and demoralizing, but with appropriate treatment, they can be life-altering. In the final months of the year, an occipital nerve block would be a good way to regain that mastery and to better manage the pain around the new year. Even for those afraid of bigger pain after occipital nerve block, understanding how it works and having some kind of reasonable expectations can blunt the fear and worry. All of this could be a big step to a reduction in migraine days and indeed a rise in one of the best quality-of-life rates in the year to come. With the right guidance, this treatment could potentially serve as an important first step for patients with migraine’s number of days spent in the future decreasing.
