Definition

Occipital neuralgia is a persistent pain that is caused by an injury or irritation of the occipital nerves located in the back of the head.

Description

The greater and lesser occipital nerves run from the region where the spinal column meets the neck (the sub-occipital region) up to the scalp at the back of the head. Trauma to these nerves can cause a pain that originates from the lower area of the neck between the shoulder blades.

Demographics

Although statistics indicating the frequency of persons with occipital neuralgia are unknown, the condition is more frequent in females than males.

Causes and symptoms

Occipital neuralgia is caused by an injury to the greater or lesser occipital nerves, or some irritation of one or both of these nerves. The repeated contraction of the neck muscles is a...