Occipital neuralgia can be complex. We help you find relief.
Sharp, shooting, or electric pain starting at the base of your skull and radiating up, often mistaken for a headache or migraine, can be occipital neuralgia. We identify what’s compressing or irritating the nerve and treat that directly.
Override specializes in chronic pain. Our virtual care team looks at the physical, neurological, and emotional factors that can influence ongoing pain, then builds a personalized care plan around your needs, goals, and life.
of appointments are fully virtual. In-network with most insurance plans in select states.
of patients report improvement*
satisfaction with Override providers*
*Source: Internal Override Health patient-reported outcomes data
What Causes Occipital Neuralgia?
Occipital neuralgia is pain caused by irritation or compression of the occipital nerves, which run from the top of the spinal cord, through the muscles at the base of the skull, and up into the scalp. It’s often triggered or worsened by tight neck muscles, poor posture, or a pinched nerve at the base of the skull.
Common symptoms:
Sharp, shooting, or electric shock-like pain starting at the base of the skull
Pain that can radiate up over the scalp, sometimes toward the forehead or behind the eyes
Tenderness at the base of the skull, sometimes worse with touch
Pain triggered by certain neck movements or prolonged positions
Sensitivity of the scalp to light touch
Chronic pain from occipital neuralgia is also a nervous system story. When nerve irritation at the base of the skull continues for months, the nervous system can become more sensitized, which can keep discomfort present even after the initial trigger has settled.
When Occipital Neuralgia Becomes More Than a Headache Problem
Occipital neuralgia is often mistaken for tension headache or migraine for months before it’s properly identified. That delay can take a toll on its own.
Pain can change how you turn your head, how you rest against a pillow, or how frustrated you feel being told it’s “just a headache.”
That’s why Override doesn’t treat occipital neuralgia as only a headache to manage generically.
We look at the whole pain experience and build a personalized plan around your symptoms, history, goals, and the factors that may be contributing to your pain.
A Whole-Person Approach to Occipital Neuralgia
You may have already tried headache medication or seen a doctor without a clear answer. Maybe something helped for a while. Maybe nothing did.
Override isn’t about asking one more treatment to solve every part of a complex pain experience.
It’s about bringing the right care together.
Depending on your needs, your personalized care plan may include:
Pain Medicine
Pain specialists trained in pain neuroscience and non-opioid chronic pain management who can oversee your care plan and adjust medications when appropriate.
Physical Therapy
Movement specialists trained in chronic pain who address neck and upper-scalp muscle tension, often the primary driver of occipital nerve irritation.
Pain Psychology
Pain-focused therapists who help address the frustration of a pain condition that’s often initially misdiagnosed.
Coaching & Peer Support
Certified pain coaches help you build sustainable posture habits and stay supported between visits.
Your care is personalized to you. You may not need every service. The difference is that your providers can work together as one team, with one shared understanding of your pain and your goals.
Real Results
Brandie C., Override patient
How Is Occipital Neuralgia Treated?
Occipital neuralgia typically responds well to treatment that identifies and relieves the underlying nerve irritation.
Treatment can include physical therapy targeting neck and upper-scalp muscle tension, along with posture coaching and trigger-point management.
We’ve created a complete guide to headache and migraine treatment options, including how different approaches work and when they may be considered.
When Should You Consider Override for Occipital Neuralgia?
Override may be a good fit if:
Your symptoms have lasted three months or longer, or keep recurring
You’ve been treated for tension headache or migraine without lasting relief
Pain is affecting your work, sleep, mood, or the things you want to do
You’re looking for a more comprehensive approach to managing recurring headaches
Override isn’t emergency or acute care. If you have a sudden, severe headache unlike any before, seek appropriate in-person medical care right away.
Related Conditions
Trigeminal Neuralgia
a related but distinct facial nerve pain condition
Headache & Migraine
occipital neuralgia is often initially mistaken for tension headache or migraine
Neck & Shoulder Pain
Frequently Asked Questions
It isn’t dangerous, but the pain can be significant and disruptive. The good news is it typically responds well to identifying and treating the underlying nerve irritation.
Mild cases sometimes ease with rest and reduced strain on the neck, but recurring or worsening symptoms usually mean the underlying cause needs to be directly addressed.
Common triggers include tight neck muscles, poor posture, especially prolonged forward head position, and pressure on the nerve from tension at the base of the skull.
No, though they can feel similar and are often confused. Occipital neuralgia tends to be sharper and more localized to the base of the skull, with tenderness to touch, while migraine involves broader throbbing pain and other neurological symptoms.
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