Occipital neuritis - symptoms and treatment of occipital neuritis

Occipital neuralgia

Neuralgia is a disease in which peripheral nerves are damaged. Characterized by inflammation, compression or irritation of nerve fibers. The target of the disease are fibers located outside the brain and spinal cord, which function as connections between the central nervous system and individual parts of the body.

In the case of occipital neuralgia, damage to 2 large and 2 small nerves, located in pairs on both sides of the back of the head, symmetrically with respect to the axis of the spine, is possible. The larger ones continue the posterior branches of the 2nd cervical nerve. They come out from under the inferior oblique muscle of the head, pass through the trapezius muscle in the back of the head under the skin, providing its sensitivity.

The small ones come from the cervical plexus and consist of fibers of the first and third nerves. They innervate the lateral parts of the back of the head, partially the auricles.

Causes of pinching and inflammation of the occipital nerve

Before studying the causes of inflammation of the occipital nerve, you need to familiarize yourself a little with the anatomy of this structural fiber. There is a division into the minor or major branch of the occipital nerve. The axons arise in part from the radicular nerve, which emerges between the first two cervical vertebrae. The second part arises from the radicular nerves emerging between the third and fourth cervical vertebrae. In the area of the acromial humeral joint, these two parts are connected and directed to the occipital region.

Pinching of the occipital nerve can be observed both at the level of the roots extending from the spinal cord in the region of the spinal column, and along the entire remaining length. Depending on the existing clinical symptoms, an experienced vertebrologist or neurologist will be able to accurately determine the location of the pinching. And after removing the obstacle to this nervous structure, you can quickly and effectively relieve pain, increased skin sensitivity and many other negative manifestations of pathology.

Now we can move on to the probable causes of this disease:

neuralgia of the occipital nerve can be provoked by osteochondrosis with degeneration of the cartilage tissue of the intervertebral disc;
pinching often results from a disc herniation;
spondylosis, spondyloarthrosis and instability of the position of the vertebral bodies lead to compression of the radicular nerves;
inflammatory processes in the area of the acromial and humeral joints prevent the normal passage of axons;
tumor and infectious processes;
injuries, bruises, blows, sprains and bone cracks.

There are risk factors that provoke the development of an inflammatory response. These are physical activity that is not typical for a given person, excess body weight, a sharp change in the usual lifestyle, violation of the rules for organizing one’s place for night rest and work. Compression of the collar area of the neck by tight collars, bulky scarves and ties can also cause pinching of the occipital nerve.

Causes

The disease occurs under the influence of various factors. The exception is primary neuralgia. It is still unknown what causes it.

One of the most common causes of secondary neuralgia is the effect of unfavorable occupational factors. Constantly being in an uncomfortable position, forced to bend the neck or maintain it in a certain position provokes severe muscle tension and inflammation of the cervical nerve. Most often, this path of neuralgia formation is found in drivers and employees of banks and offices.

Symptoms

With neuritis of the occipital nerve, the tubercles of the same name hurt. The pain spreads to the neck, ear, lower jaw, and eye sockets. May be felt in the shoulder blade, area around the collarbone. Usually one-sided. In case of severe lesions, it affects both sides.

The pain is paroxysmal in nature. Appears abruptly, as if from an electric shock. Accompanied by lumbago and pulsation. Attacks last from several seconds to several minutes, and during exacerbation they can be repeated very often - up to hundreds per day. The pain intensifies due to coughing, sneezing, unsuccessfully tilting the head, scratching, or touching the head.

During the interictal period, a person is exhausted by headache, tingling, burning, and a feeling of crawling. Painful sensations may be accompanied by vomiting, nausea, a feeling of cold, and lacrimation. It is impossible to touch the painful area. However, sometimes the affected area loses sensitivity and becomes numb. If you touch it, it seems that you have touched not yourself, but some other object. There is no pain even from the injection.

The inability to predict the time of onset of attacks, their duration and intensity leads to the fact that the patient is constantly in tension, thereby further worsening his condition. On the other hand, the frequency and severity of pain attacks lead to disability.

When the nerve processes are damaged, photophobia and intolerance to loud sounds occur. Sometimes hair loss and hyperemia occur in the affected area.

If there are signs of neuritis, you should definitely consult a doctor.

What is the occipital nerve

Occipital nerves are peripheral branches of the nervous system, responsible for the timely receipt of impulses from the central parts of the brain to the organs and tissues that are located in the back of the head. There are two nerves that provide sensitivity to the skin in the back of the head:

Large - located in the plexus of the 2nd pair of spinal nerves of the cervical spine, located between the first two vertebrae.
Small - is a branch of the 2nd, 3rd, 4th pairs of nerves, passes in the lower part of the back of the head from the side, therefore it is often called the suboccipital.

Compression of the roots of these nerve processes leads to their irritation, the development of inflammation, a change in the frequency of impulses and the appearance of intense pain in the back of the head.

Diagnostics

It is quite difficult to establish an accurate diagnosis for this pathology. The doctor collects medical history data and records the patient’s complaints. It is necessary to clarify whether the patient has concomitant diseases. In some cases, he presses on so-called trigger points. Exposure to them leads to pain.

The trigger point for the lesser occipital nerve is in the area where the mastoid process connects to the back of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. The trigger point of the greater occipital nerve is detected by drawing a conventional line between the back of the head and the mastoid process.

To clarify the diagnosis, the following are prescribed:

CT scan. This study is the most accurate. Using X-rays, tissue is scanned layer by layer.
Magnetic resonance imaging. Irradiation with electromagnetic waves allows for the examination of soft tissues and bones.
Radiography. The bone structures of the neck and head are assessed.

If no diseases are found in the anamnesis and the results of the study, the doctor diagnoses primary neuralgia.

Inflammation of the nerve of the cervical muscle

Inflammation of the nerve of the neck muscle can occur during purulent throat infections, inflammation of the lymph nodes of the neck, inflammation of the tonsils, inflammation of the mastoid muscle, rheumatoid diseases and discopathy of the cervical spine .

Inflammation of the cervical spine muscle can also be caused by a herniated disc or injury to the cervical spine, such as a dislocated or fractured vertebra, inflammation of the bone marrow, and cancerous tumors in the neck.

Inflammation of the cervical spine muscle can develop due to sudden movement of the neck and incorrect position of the head during sleep. Visual and hearing defects can also cause inflammation of the neck muscles - through a continuous increase in unnatural head position due to deafness or amblyopia.

When it is difficult to find the cause of inflammation of the nerve of the neck muscle, the basis of the disease is defined as idiopathic.

Inflammation of the neck muscles can occur as a result of everyday situations, especially when the body is overcooled, overloaded with severe stress and fatigue.

Pain in the back of the head, neck and limitation in head movement are the first signs of inflammation of the cervical spine muscle.

Treatment

To treat neuralgia, conservative or surgical methods of therapy are used. Conservative include the use of medications, massage, therapeutic exercises, traction, acupuncture and physiotherapy. Traditional medicine is also used to alleviate the condition. The described treatment methods are aimed at relieving the symptoms of neuralgia. In the case of secondary neuralgia, treatment of the underlying disease is also required.

Treatment of acute forms of neuralgia is sometimes carried out in medical institutions. When the intensity of signs and symptoms subsides, treatment is continued at home.

Drug therapy

The prescription of drugs and medications depends on the treatment tactics determined by the doctor.

Muscle relaxants help eliminate muscle spasms - medications aimed at reducing muscle tone, in particular Mydocalm and Tizanidine (Sirdalud).

To treat inflammation of the occipital nerve and eliminate pain, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used - Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Meloxicam, Diclofenac.

Pain can be relieved through an occipital nerve block. Hormonal or anesthetic drugs are injected into trigger points, or where nerve endings emerge between the back of the neck muscles. Among hormonal drugs, Hydrocortisone, Dexamethasone, and Diprospan have proven effective. The most commonly used anesthetics include Lidocaine or Novocaine.

If the pain does not disappear, anticonvulsants and antidepressants are prescribed. The first group includes Pregabalin, Carbamazepine, Gabapentin. They reduce muscle tone and reduce pressure on the nerve. Antidepressants include Duloxetine and Amitriptyline.

Physiotherapy

To cure neuritis of the occipital nerve, various physiotherapy procedures are used:

Phototherapy. Light of different colors is applied to the affected area.
UHF. Prescribed after blocking the occipital nerve and reducing the severity of symptoms. Warms up soft tissue areas and subcutaneous tissue.
DMV therapy. Decimeter waves have an anti-inflammatory effect, improve the absorption of oxygen and nutrients.
Electrophoresis with novocaine, vitamins or Dibazol. This method combines drug therapy and physical influence.
Laser therapy. Irradiation with light from laser LEDs occurs. It has virtually no contraindications.
Inductothermy. Under the influence of a magnetic field, currents are formed in fluids and organs, heating the affected area.

Massage

Massage effectively reduces compression of nerve receptors and relieves muscle spasms. The area behind the mastoid process and the area between it and the upper cervical vertebra are massaged. Massage of the occipital region begins with stroking, then squeezing, straight, zigzag and circular rubbing are carried out.

After 3-5 sessions, straight and circular rubbing of the neck along the spine is added, as well as rubbing and vibration of the sternocleidomastoid muscles. Session duration is 15 minutes. Number of sessions – 12-14.

Sometimes acupressure is prescribed, based on the impact on certain points.

It is permissible to do self-massage at home. The back of the head area is rubbed with circular, straight, zigzag movements, and stroked.

Surgical treatment of occipital neuralgia

Operations are performed in cases where neuritis of the occipital nerve cannot be managed with conservative methods. There are 2 methods of surgical intervention:

Microvascular decompression. This method is used to compress nerve fibers. During the operation, a protector made of synthetic materials or a muscle is inserted between the compressive vessel and the nerve. The pain syndrome is relieved.
Neurostimulation. A device is implanted under the skin in the neck area that generates electrical impulses. At the painful point, the patient feels warmth and vibration. The patient adjusts the neurostimulator independently.

Treatment with folk remedies

Using only traditional methods of treatment will not help get rid of neuralgia. However, in some cases they will help speed up recovery and improve the patient’s condition:

Herbal bath. A tablespoon of peppermint, thyme, oregano is poured into a glass of boiling water and left for a few minutes. The strained infusion is added to warm water. The duration of the bath is 10 minutes every day. Duration of treatment – 1 month.
Bath with essential oils. A teaspoon of spruce oil is mixed with the same amount of olive oil and milk. Pour into a warm bath.
Vegetable compress. Finely chop the potatoes, pickled cucumber, and onion. Vegetables are dipped in wine vinegar and left for several hours, shaking occasionally. The strained vegetables are wrapped in gauze and placed on the sore spot.
Horseradish compress. The root of a fresh plant is ground to a mushy state. Add half a spoon of vegetable oil or sour cream. Wrap in a cloth, apply to the painful area, tie with a towel and hold until a burning sensation appears. Make compresses twice a day.
Mustard compress. Mustard powder is diluted in water to form a thick mass. Apply to gauze and apply to the painful area. The back of the head and neck area is wrapped in a towel or scarf.
You can apply a freshly boiled egg or green geranium leaves to the sore spot.
Beetroot drops. Juice is squeezed out of grated beets. It is instilled 2-3 drops into the ear on the side of pain twice a day.
Yarrow decoction. Pour a glass of boiling water over the dry plant and leave for 1 hour. Take 1 tablespoon orally three times a day.

Self-prescription of traditional methods of treatment can lead to a worsening of the condition. They should be used only in consultation with a doctor.

Reasons for the development of the disease

Inflammation of the occipital nerve manifests itself in two forms: acute (primary) and chronic (secondary). In the first case, despite the occurrence of intense symptoms, the causes of the disease remain without an objective explanation. Secondary neuralgia occurs against the background of pathological processes developing in the body. Its appearance is caused by the following reasons:

Cervical osteochondrosis - damage to the nerve processes occurs due to degenerative changes in the structure of the vertebral discs.
Injuries to the upper back and neck, resulting in nerve fibers being compressed and pinched.
Poor posture caused by occupational factors (for example, when driving a car or working at a computer) - constant being in an uncomfortable position leads to muscle strain and inflammation of nerve fibers.
Stressful situations.
Unbearable physical activity.
Hypothermia, exposure to drafts.
Arthritis or osteoarthritis of the cervical vertebrae.
Infectious diseases affecting nerve tissue (encephalitis, meningitis).
Viral infections - neuralgia occurs as a complication.
Damage to joint tissues caused by gout.
Tumors and hematomas localized in the back of the head or cervical vertebrae.
Diseases related to the endocrine system (for example, diabetes).
Spondylitis caused by tuberculosis infection.
Diseases of the immune system (for example, lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis), under the influence of which nerve cells are destroyed.
Chronic intoxication of the body with alcohol or toxic substances.

Identifying the exact cause of inflammation of the occipital nerve at an early stage allows you to completely restore the affected nerve processes and get rid of severe symptoms in the form of painful occipital pain.

Inflammation of the occipital nerve, the symptoms of which are varied, manifests itself at the level of sensations.

The main sign of inflammation of the occipital nerve is acute pain that appears in paroxysms. The pain is localized in the area of nerve innervation in the back of the head. It can spread to the neck or ear, affecting both one side (quite common) and both, depending on the extent of the inflammatory process.

Painful sensations are of a peculiar nature. Patients compare their sensations to lumbago, the passage of an electric discharge, or a burning pulsation. Sensations spread along the location of the nerve fibers. The pain is acute, quite intense, and often brings suffering to the patient. Provocateurs include turning the head, sneezing, and coughing. In order for the discomfort to subside, patients hold their head in a position that is comfortable for them, slightly tilting it back or to the side.

Each attack lasts from several seconds to several minutes. The number of attacks per day varies from a single case to hundreds. A large number of attacks prevents the patient from leading a full life and causes a decline in working capacity. In some cases, during the period between attacks, a dull aching pain is noted in the back of the head.

A clear sign of the disease is the presence of trigger points. Pressing on them causes acute pain.

From a large nerve passing in the back of the head, a conditional line is drawn that connects the mastoid process and the occipital protuberance. It is divided into three parts. The location of the point is between the middle and inner third.

For the small nerve in the back of the head in the area of attachment of the pectoral muscle to the mastoid process, along its posterior edge (Kerer’s point).

Another indicative symptom of the disease is decreased sensitivity in the irritated area. The injection is regarded by the patient as a touch, and light pressure with the hand is not felt at all.

How else can inflammation of the occipital nerve manifest itself? Symptoms may include tingling, crawling, burning and other sensations. The structure of the skin in this part may become modified. Its pallor or, conversely, redness is noted.

The disease is also characterized by increased sensitivity to light. Bright light provokes aching pain in the inside of the eyes.

Signs of inflammation of the occipital nerve are similar to those of migraine. However, if they persist, you should seek help from a specialist.

How to treat inflammation of the occipital nerve yourself? Treatment with folk remedies will not be sufficient. They should be used in combination with the main drug therapy, the regimen of which is drawn up by a doctor.

How is inflammation of the occipital nerve treated at home? There are a number of proven methods that help relieve or completely eliminate pain caused by inflammation of the occipital nerves:

Using a herbal bath. Its basis is oregano, thyme, peppermint. Herbs should be taken in equal proportions. Take about one tablespoon per glass of boiling water. The mixture should be filtered through cheesecloth and added to the bath. The duration of the water procedure should be 10 minutes. The intensity of treatment depends on the degree of nerve damage. As a rule, the procedures last a month.
Application of compresses. Take chopped pickled cucumber, potatoes, and onions. Vegetables should be poured with wine vinegar and allowed to brew for two hours. At the same time, the mixture is stirred periodically. The compress is placed on the forehead and back of the head twice a day, morning and evening. Lasts one hour.
Ear drops. A few drops of raw beets are placed in each ear. Burak can be grated on a fine grater and placed in cheesecloth. The resulting tampon is placed inside the ear.
Taking the decoction orally. Two teaspoons of lumbago (you should use only dry herbs, since fresh herbs are saturated with poisonous oils) are poured with a glass of boiling water. Should be taken 50 ml during the day.

Is it possible to eliminate inflammation of the occipital nerve using these methods? Treatment at home is highly effective, but as already noted, it is carried out in conjunction with drug therapy prescribed by a doctor.

Consequences

Incorrectly selected treatment or lack of therapy leads to destruction of nerve tissue, constant intense pain, and other negative consequences. You can get rid of some of them only through surgery and long-term rehabilitation. The most common consequences:

Neuropathy. With this degenerative-dystrophic lesion of the nerve fibers, excessive sensitivity appears, accompanied by severe pain.
Blindness occurs when inflammation spreads to the optic nerves.
Changes in the position of the vertebrae (torticollis) can lead to disability.
Against the background of constant pain, mental disorders appear.

Reasons for the development of the disease

It is unlikely that neuralgia can be cured solely with folk remedies, but home methods can become a very important component of complex therapy - in combination with other therapeutic methods:

Herbal baths. Prepare an infusion of thyme, oregano, and peppermint (1 tablespoon of each herb per glass of boiling water), pass the liquid through cheesecloth and add it to a bath of hot water. Then lie in the bath for 10 minutes. Do it every day for a month.
Compresses. Chop the vegetables: potatoes, pickled cucumber, onion. Pour diluted wine vinegar over the slurry, let the mixture sit for several hours (stir occasionally). Compresses are applied to the frontal and occipital areas, morning and evening. The procedure lasts one hour.
Ear drops. Place a couple of drops of raw beet juice into your ear. Or you can wrap grated beets in gauze and put a tampon in your ear (for pain).
Herbs inside. Pour in 2 tsp. dried open lumbago grass (under no circumstances use fresh, it is poisonous!). Take once a day, 50 milliliters.

Attention once again: do not use folk remedies alone. You may not only not get rid of neuralgia, but also aggravate the current condition. Competent elimination of the disease is based on identifying its causes.

If you do not undergo treatment in a timely manner, you can cause serious, irreparable damage to your health.

The condition of the occipital nerves will worsen, and the destructive processes will worsen.

Nerve damage can lead to the following serious consequences and problems:

persistent, drug-dependent headache;
blindness;
torticollis (often patients remain disabled for the rest of their lives);
concomitant mental disorders caused by constant pain.

In the absence of appropriate treatment, the pain begins to progress. The occipital nerves are destroyed. In addition to permanent pain, you can get such a serious complication as blindness.

Intense pain occurs when inflammation of the occipital nerve transforms into neuropathy. At the same time, nearby soft tissues become sensitive and receptive even without moving the head. The neck may become deformed.

Eliminating the consequences is more difficult than treating the underlying disease. It is not always possible to correct a crooked neck. Often a person becomes disabled.

If occipital neuralgia is treated incorrectly, or is completely absent, the inflammatory process can spread to nearby nerve endings and soft tissues, and lead to the following unpleasant consequences:

Neuropathy. As a result of a pathological change in the structure of the nerve sheaths, their excessive sensitivity appears, while the patient constantly experiences excruciating occipital pain. which can only be removed with medication.
Blindness. Occurs when the inflammatory process spreads to the optic nerves.
Deformation of the cervical vertebrae (torticollis). Pathology has irreversible consequences and leads to disability.
Mental disorders. They occur against a background of constant pain.

Compared with the treatment of the primary condition caused by occipital neuralgia, the elimination of the described consequences is significantly more difficult. In such cases, the patient requires repeated major neurosurgical operations and subsequent long-term rehabilitation.

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Inflammation of the nerves is a fairly common problem that doctors of various specializations have to deal with. There are a huge number of nerves in the human body, and a significant proportion of them can be subject to inflammation and attack by various aggressive substances. Inflammatory processes of this kind in most cases cause unpleasant painful sensations, which are often difficult to withstand. One of this type of ailment is inflammation of the occipital nerve, the symptoms and treatment of which we will now discuss in a little more detail.

Inflammation of the occipital nerve is also known as occipital neuralgia. This is a very uncomfortable illness that causes severe pain. This disease can be caused by an infectious process, injuries, brain tumors, various systemic diseases and other pathological conditions.

Symptoms of inflammation of the occipital nerve

The classic manifestation of inflammation of the occipital nerve is headache. Most often, this symptom is quite specific. The pain occurs suddenly and can be caused by turning the neck or touching the area of the occipital nerves. Unpleasant symptoms occur in the lower neck area, as well as on the back of the head and behind the ears.

Unpleasant symptoms are acute, they are similar to a lumbago. The pain occurs as unexpectedly as it appears. Patients complain of severe discomfort and pain that appears when touching the scalp. They are concerned about noticeable sensitivity to light exposure. Bright light provokes pain, as it were, “inside the eyes.”

If the patient has developed inflammation of the lesser occipital nerve, pain may be localized behind the ears. Therefore, the disease is often mistaken for ear problems.

Many manifestations of inflammation of the occipital nerve are similar to the symptoms of migraine. To make an accurate diagnosis, you must visit a qualified doctor.

Inflammation of the occipital nerve - treatment with drugs and surgery

There are two different methods for correcting inflammation of the occipital nerve: drug treatment and surgery.

Conservative therapy for occipital neuralgia is aimed at relieving pain. The patient is indicated for passive rest. The doctor may advise him to apply heat to the affected area. Massages will be beneficial.

Anticonvulsants such as gabapentin and finlepsin (carbamazepine) may be the drugs of choice. They are usually used to relieve particularly severe pain. In addition, conservative treatment involves the consumption of muscle relaxants, for example, Sirdalud. Mydocalma. Such remedies neutralize muscle spasms.

Among non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, preference is given to Ibuprofen. Sulindac, Naproxen and Ketorolac. In some cases, antidepressants such as Amitriptyline and Duloxetine can also be used. Patients are often prescribed B vitamins.

The most effective methods of treating occipital neuralgia include nerve blockade. For this purpose, doctors resort to the use of anti-inflammatory steroid drugs, represented by Metipred. Kenalog, Dexamethasone. Hydrocortisone and others. Such medications are injected subcutaneously into the affected area; they relieve pain very quickly; unpleasant symptoms disappear literally a couple of minutes after administration. And the next attacks will be less pronounced.

It is worth noting that the constant use of the above steroid drugs is impossible, despite their effectiveness. Such drugs can cause various unpleasant consequences and provoke side effects.

Conservative treatment of occipital neuralgia can be carried out using acupuncture, spinal traction and therapeutic exercises. Ultrasound, laser therapy and manual therapy have a good effect.

If pain due to occipital neuralgia is particularly severe or chronic, patients are advised to undergo surgery. Such treatment can be carried out according to two schemes.

In the first option, the patient is shown neurostimulation or stimulation of the occipital nerve. In this case, wires are connected to the nerves, through which electrical impulses are passed that can block painful sensations. In the place that previously hurt, patients feel either a slight vibration or even some pleasure, which can be compared to a feeling of spreading warmth.

In addition, surgical treatment of occipital neuralgia can be carried out by microvascular depression. To do this, the specialist resorts to microsurgical techniques. This method of intervention is aimed at deactivating the compression of the nerves, due to which the pain goes away.

Alternative treatment for occipital neuralgia at home

Traditional medicine specialists claim that to treat occipital neuralgia, you can use not only drug therapy methods, but also herbal remedies and improvised means.

Thus, taking medicine from yarrow gives a good healing effect. Brew a teaspoon of chopped herbs with two hundred milliliters of boiling water. Leave this mixture covered for one hour. Afterwards, strain the finished infusion and take it a tablespoon three times a day.

Traditional medicine experts also advise treating occipital neuralgia using willow bark. Grind it well. Boil a teaspoon of this raw material in a glass of water for twenty minutes. Cool this product under the lid, then strain it. Take the finished medicine three times a day, one tablespoon at a time.

There is evidence that occipital neuralgia can be treated with the help of a medicine based on black cohosh. Combine one part of the crushed rhizomes and roots of this plant with five parts of seventy-degree alcohol. Infuse this medicine for one week, then strain and squeeze out the plant material. Take the prepared tincture, twenty drops three times a day, dissolving in a small amount of water.

Prevention

You can reduce the risk of developing neuritis if you follow some recommendations:

You should not sit at your workplace in one position for a long time. You need to try to change your position, if possible, walk, stretch, and do small exercises.
Every day you need to do a special set of exercises. The effect is achieved with regularity. It's hard to start with, but after a few days, exercise becomes part of your daily morning or evening ritual.
When playing sports, you should avoid traumatic activities. Any activity involving physical exertion must be adequately assessed. Gravity should not be allowed to influence one area.
You should get a massage at least once a year. If symptoms of neuralgia or poor posture appear, you should consult a doctor about the advisability of physiotherapy.
In cold weather, you need to dress warmly, cover your head and neck, and prevent hypothermia.
Limit the consumption of alcoholic beverages.