Occipital Nerve Block in Napa: Relief for Cervicogenic Headaches and Occipital Neuralgia

Understanding Occipital Nerve Blocks: A Medical Guide to Treatment for Chronic Headaches

By Dr Jackie Weisbein, DO, Board Certified in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine, Fellowship-trained in Interventional Pain Management

Quick Insights

Occipital nerve block is a minimally invasive procedure that delivers targeted medication to the nerves at the base of the skull, offering relief for cervicogenic headaches, occipital neuralgia, and chronic migraine when conventional treatments prove insufficient. Clinical studies demonstrate that this evidence-based intervention can reduce headache frequency and intensity, with favorable safety profiles and minimal downtime. Many patients experience meaningful improvement in daily function, allowing them to return to work, family activities, and quality of life with renewed confidence..

Key Takeaways

• Occipital nerve blocks can reduce headache intensity and frequency for many with cervicogenic headaches or occipital neuralgia.
• Studies show multiple treatments may help patients unresponsive to oral medications or prior therapies.
• Safety profiles are favorable, though minor side effects (like brief soreness) sometimes occur.
• Patientsoften choose local nerve block care to restore daily activities.

Why It Matters

For those exhausted by persistent headaches linked to neck issues,an occipital nerve block offers hope beyond temporary relief. Research indicates this procedure may empower you to reclaim family life and simple joys lost to chronic pain.

Introduction

As a double board-certified pain specialist in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine, I see first-hand how many patients hit a wall searching for occipital neuralgia and cervicogenic headache relief—especially when every pill and therapy has failed. That’s where the occipital nerve block comes in: this focused procedure targets the nerves at the base of your skull to help break the cycle of pain and get you back to living.

Occipital nerve blocks deliver medication right where nerve irritation occurs. By calming inflamed nerves at their source, this minimally invasive treatment can offer meaningful relief and restore lost mobility. Personalizing care is key, so we tailor every approach to your lifestyle, recovery goals, and history.

Recent research suggests these nerve blocks can reduce headache intensity for many people who haven’t found success elsewhere—supporting their use as part of modern pain management reviewed here.

If you’re exhausted by “try this next” and want evidence-based help, you’re not alone—I’m here for the patients who feel like they’ve tried it all.

Occipital Nerve Block: Advanced Relief for Headaches and Neck Pain

When I meet patients, I often hear the same story: “I’ve tried everything for my headaches, but nothing sticks.” For people like Lena, who’s exhausted by neck pain and constant headaches, the occipital nerve block can be a game-changer. This procedure targets the nerves at the base of your skull—right where many neck-related headaches start. In my practice, I’ve seen how this approach can help restore hope and function, especially for those who feel like they’re out of options. Studies suggest that occipital nerve blocks can reduce headache days and intensity for many who haven’t found relief with medications or physical therapy . If you’re tired of being told to “just try another pill,” you’re not alone—and you’re not out of options.

From my years of treating patients throughout Napa Valley, I’ve witnessed that many who felt stuck—resigned to living with managing chronic pain long term—often experience renewed optimism after this procedure. Especially for active adults who want to return to hiking or family activities, having a local, evidence-based alternative to daily medication can be truly life-changing.

For more on the science behind this, you can read a recent review here.

What Is an Occipital Nerve Block?

An occipital nerve block is a simple, minimally invasive procedure where I inject a small amount of numbing medicine (sometimes with a steroid) near the occipital nerves at the base of your skull. Think of it as pressing the “mute” button on the nerves that are firing off pain signals. For many of my patients, especially those who’ve bounced from one treatment to another, this is the first time they feel real relief.

I’ve noticed that people like Mark from Vallejo—who are skeptical after years of failed treatments—often appreciate how straightforward and quick this procedure is. The evidence shows that occipital nerve blocks are generally well-tolerated and can be repeated if needed .

As someone who has performed thousands of these blocks, I can say that seeing a patient’s relief—sometimes within minutes—is incredibly rewarding. Many who come in feeling anxious about another “injection” walk out surprised at how manageable and gentle the process is, and often share that it didn’t feel nearly as intimidating as they feared.

If you’re curious about the technical details, the Practical Neurology review breaks down the basics.

How Does It Work for Headache Relief?

The occipital nerves carry pain signals from the upper neck and back of the head. When these nerves get irritated—by muscle tension, arthritis, or even posture—they can trigger headaches that just won’t quit. By delivering medication right to the source, I can help “reset” these nerves and break the pain cycle.

For patients like Lena, who’s tired of being told her MRI is “normal,” this targeted approach finally addresses the root of her pain. In my experience, many people notice a drop in headache intensity within days. Research indicates that greater occipital nerve blocks can significantly reduce headache frequency and severity, especially in chronic migraine and cervicogenic headache cases.

When reviewing recent studies, I look for results that feel meaningful in real life—not just on paper. What stands out to me is that in systematic reviews, patients who received occipital nerve blocks typically had fewer and less intense headaches in the weeks that followed, compared to those who didn’t. That means that, in my practice, people frustrated by “invisible” pain finally see interruptions in their headache cycle—and often, the simple act of finally finding something that works brings tremendous relief.

You can dive deeper into the mechanism in this systematic review.

Who Benefits From Occipital Nerve Blocks?

If you have headaches that start in your neck or radiate to the back of your head—especially if you’ve tried medications, physical therapy, or even other injections without lasting relief—you might be a good candidate. This includes people with:

• Cervicogenic headaches (headaches caused by neck problems)
• Occipital neuralgia (sharp, shooting pain at the base of the skull)
• Chronic migraine that hasn’t responded to standard treatments

For someone like Mark, who’s wary of “just another gimmick,” I always explain that this isn’t a band-aid—it’s a targeted, evidence-based option. Studies suggest that even patients who haven’t responded to oral medications can see improvement with repeated nerve blocks .

Over the years I’ve worked with patients who felt like nothing would ever help their headaches. What I’ve found is that those who benefit most are often people who are deeply motivated to regain control over their lives, but just haven’t had the right tool until now. It’s why I always encourage an honest, judgment-free conversation about what you’ve tried and what you hope for—because your story shapes the best path forward.

For more on who might benefit, check out this narrative review.

What to Expect: The Patient Experience

When you come to my Napa clinic for an occipital nerve block, I make sure you feel comfortable and informed every step of the way. The procedure itself usually takes less than 10 minutes. You’ll sit or lie down, and I’ll carefully locate the occipital nerves before giving a small injection at the base of your skull. Most people describe the sensation as a quick pinch, followed by a feeling of pressure.

For busy parents like Lena, or retirees from St. Helena who want to get back to gardening, the minimal downtime is a huge relief. In my experience, most patients can drive themselves home and return to normal activities the same day. I always encourage questions—your comfort and understanding are my top priorities.

Having a small, attentive practice allows me to tailor the environment to each person—from relaxing music to extra time for questions. Many patients tell me that simply knowing their procedure is done by the same board-certified specialist they consulted with creates a sense of trust and calm that’s rare to find.

If you want a step-by-step overview, the Practical Neurology article offers a helpful breakdown.

Risks, Safety, and Recovery

Safety is always my first concern. Occipital nerve blocks are generally considered safe, with minor risks like temporary soreness, mild bruising, or a brief headache after the procedure. Serious complications are rare, but I always review your medical history and discuss any concerns before we proceed.

For older adults like George from Sonoma County, or anyone with other health conditions, I coordinate care with your primary physician if needed. Many of my patients also rely on local hospitals such as Providence Queen of the Valley Medical Center or Adventist Health St. Helena for ongoing support, especially if you have complex medical needs.

As a double board-certified physician, I prioritize not just the technical side of safety, but also making sure every patient fully understands what to expect during recovery. Most people experience only brief discomfort and are able to resume their day almost immediately. Still, if you’ve had unpleasant experiences elsewhere or are nervous about possible side effects, I’m always happy to talk things through at your pace.

Real Results: Research and Clinical Outcomes

I know that many of you—especially those who’ve tried everything—want to see the data before making another leap of faith. The good news is, recent research supports the use of occipital nerve blocks for chronic headaches and neck-related pain. For example:

• Recent clinical studies indicate that occipital nerve blocks may reduce headache frequency in certain patient populations.
• A 2024 meta-analysis showed a meaningful reduction in headache intensity for people treated with greater occipital nerve blocks, with no major safety concerns.
• Clinical guidelines now recommend considering this treatment for cervicogenic headache, occipital neuralgia, and even some migraine cases .

Every statistic or guideline comes alive for me when I see my Napa patients return for follow-up, describing improvements in how often they miss work or family events. Not everyone gets the same level of relief, and this isn’t a cure-all—but for many, even a moderate decrease in headache severity feels like a huge win and helps them regain confidence in their bodies and their lives.

If you’d like to see what our patients say about their own treatment journeys and results, you can learn even more about what to expect.

For a closer look at the research, you can review the systematic review here.

Why Choose Dr. Weisbein for Nerve Blocks in Napa & North Bay

Choosing the right physician matters—especially when you’ve been let down before. As a double board-certified pain specialist and fellowship-trained interventionalist, I personally perform every occipital nerve block at Napa Valley Orthopaedic Medical Group. My approach is boutique and highly personalized, blending advanced procedures with holistic support—like exercise, wellness, and ergonomic coaching.

Many of my patients travel from places like Sonoma, Fairfield, and even Marin County because they want expert care that’s both high-tech and deeply human. I’ve performed thousands of advanced pain procedures and train other physicians nationally, but what matters most to me is helping you get your life back.

I firmly believe that true recovery isn’t just about the procedure—it’s about empowering you to live fully in Napa and the North Bay. Whether you’re hopeful, skeptical, or just exhausted from the search, my commitment is to walk this journey with you, always combining the latest science with true empathy and individualized attention.

If you’re ready to move beyond “just managing” your headaches, I invite you to explore what’s possible here in Napa. For more about my background and approach, you can visit Napa Valley Orthopaedic Medical Group.

Voices from Our Community

As someone who’s dedicated my career to restoring function and quality of life—whether through occipital nerve blocks, spinal cord stimulation, or advanced procedures like Intracept and SI-BONE fusion—I’m always moved by the trust our Napa Valley and North Bay community places in my care. My approach is deeply personal: every treatment is tailored, every story matters. One Google review shared a perspective that really speaks to the heart of our boutique, patient-centered model here at Napa Valley Orthopaedic Medical Group:

Google Review Spotlight

dianacambron: I can't say enough about the skill and talent of Dr. Weisben at Napa Valley Orthopedics. She recently preformed a procedure for my low back that gave me the ability to walk again without pain! She's done this procedure for me in the past it's been successful every time. After moving three hours away from Napa I still travel back to be treated by her. She's sharp and to the point. I for one totally appreciate that about her. View Review

Hearing these voices from our community reminds me why I do what I do—combining advanced pain management with genuine, individualized care.
Read the full review on Google

Conclusion

In summary, an occipital nerve block can offer meaningful relief for those struggling with neck-related headaches and occipital neuralgia—especially when other treatments have failed. Studies suggest this targeted procedure can reduce headache intensity and frequency, helping you reclaim daily activities and confidence. I understand how exhausting it is to feel like you’ve tried everything, only to be told your pain is “just from your neck.” You’re not out of options.

As a double board-certified physician in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine, and President of Women Innovators in Pain Management, I’m committed to providing evidence-based, compassionate care for communities. You don’t have to live in pain—there are real options. Schedule your consultation today at www.drweisbein.com/contact-1.

This article is for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment options. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.