UTAH HEADACHE AND
MIGRAINE SPECIALISTS

Greater Occipital Nerve Injection

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A greater occipital nerve injection is a medical procedure involving administering a steroid and an anesthetic medication near a nerve located at the back of the head, just above the neck region. It’s important to note that there are two greater occipital nerves, one on each side of the head. Depending on your specific headache condition, your doctor may decide to inject one or both of these nerves.

This procedure is typically recommended for patients who experience challenging-to-treat or highly debilitating headaches. It serves as a short-term relief measure to alleviate symptoms. The injection is performed safely and conveniently within our office setting.

After the Treatment

After the injection, patients may experience immediate but temporary pain relief due to the local anesthetic. However, as the effects of the anesthetic wear off, the pain may return, and some soreness at the injection site might be experienced. It may take around 3 to 5 days for the full benefits of the injection, including longer-lasting pain relief, to become noticeable.

It’s important to highlight that many patients report experiencing weeks to months of improvement in their headache symptoms following this procedure. Each individual’s response may vary, but the goal is to provide meaningful and lasting relief from the headaches.

If you are considering a greater occipital nerve injection or have further questions, we encourage you to consult with your healthcare provider, who can provide personalized advice and guidance based on your specific situation.

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