How Do You Relieve Pain At The Base Of Your Skull?

Occipital Neuralgia also known as neck pain at base of skull  is a condition in which the occipital nerves, nerves that run through the skin, are injured or swollen. This causes a headache that feels like a hard piercing, throbbing or pain similar to a shock in the upper part of the neck, behind the head or behind the ears.

However, It could be the result of tight nerves or stiffness in the neck muscles. It can also be caused by head or neck injuries. Occipital neuralgia can be primary or secondary. The second condition is associated with the underlying disease.

Anatomy Of Neck:

The base of the skull is a complex area. It involves the upper cervical spine, facet joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. Irritation or injury to any of these structures can cause pain under the skull. Unfortunately, this location is not understood by most providers. This can lead to delayed treatment and unnecessary pain and suffering.

Have A Look At The Causes Of Neck Pain At The Base Of Skull?

1. Muscle Tension/Strain

Near the base of the skull is a group of muscles called the suboccipital muscles. There are 4 paired muscles attached to the two upper cervical bones. Suboccipital tissue can become stiff and soft due to factors such as stiffness of the eyes, wearing new eyeglasses, poor ergonomics in the computer work environment, poor posture, and trauma. This can cause neck pain under the skull.

1. Facet Joint Injury

The facet is a small, cartilage-lineline joint at the back of the spine. It is a paired joint with one right and one left at each level of the spine. For example, there is a C2 / 3 and C3 / 4 facet combined right and left and so on. The facet joint guide also limits spinal movement. Parts are at risk for injury due to deterioration, trauma, surgery, and instability. A facet injury can lead to further neck pain under the skull

1. Disc Injury

The disc is a shock absorber that is inserted between each spinal cord. As a facet joint, it is at risk of injury due to degeneration, trauma, infection, surgery, and instability. Disc injury can cause swelling, restricted movement, and neck pain under the skull.

1. Ligament Injury

Lines are thicker pieces of tissue that connect one bone to another. There are a large number of lines that provide stability to the neck. Examples include supra and interspinous ligaments. Lines may also loosen due to connective tissue disorders such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or hypermobility. Damaged or loose lines can cause damage or irritation to suboccipital muscles, facet joints, discs, and nerves. Instability can cause many injuries and symptoms that include the basis of neck pain in Hillsboro.

1. Nerve Irritation

The large, small, and third occipital nerves extend from the upper cervical region and down to the base of the skull. Unfortunately, they can be compressed by the muscles of the neck, ligaments, and fascia as they move down the skull. Compression of these nerves can cause a number of symptoms including headache and neck pain under the skull.

Testing & Diagnosis

Diagnosis of occipital neuralgia is complicated, because no physical examination will reveal a positive or negative diagnosis. Typically, physical examinations and emotional tests will be performed to determine abnormalities. If physical and neurological exercises are incomplete, the doctor may prescribe additional images to rule out any other possible causes. A computed tomography scan (CT or CAT scan) will show the shape and size of the body structures. Some doctors may use occipital nerve blocks to confirm their diagnosis. However, you may also get turkey neck or military neck. 

What is a military neck?

Military neck syndrome is a condition characterized by abnormal bending near the cervical spine. As a condition, military neck disease is a form of lordosis, an umbrella term for abnormal bending of the spine.

In a healthy adult, the spine naturally has small curves to help the body absorb shock, stabilize the pelvis during movement, and support the weight of the cranium.

There are several possible causes for military neck syndrome, including degenerative disc disease, iatrogenic disorders, birth defects, and physical abuse, such as whiplash or ligament injury in the cervical canal.

People suffering from military neck disease often experience one or more of the following symptoms: stiffness, generalized headache, neck pain, neck weakness, communication impairment, spinal impairment, bowel control problems, and, in extreme cases, paralysis. The severity and severity of these symptoms will depend on the severity and duration of the disease.

Here’s how you can treat it?

Here’s how you can ease painful occipital neuralgia symptoms:

• Apply ice/heat therapy 

Ice treatment may reduce local inflammation and relieve pain. Place a packet of ice under the base of your skull as you sleep. However, you can get more relief using heat treatment, such as an electric heating pad.

When you apply heat to the affected area, the local blood vessels expand and blood flow to the neck increases, which can reduce muscle stiffness. Do not use a cold / heat source for more than 20 minutes at a time. Always use a barrier, such as a hand towel, between your skin and a source of cold / heat.

• Take NSAIDs

Non-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are illegal drugs such as ibuprofen (e.g., Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (e.g., Aleve). Taking them can help reduce inflammation and relieve headaches / neck pain. Follow the instructions on the label and consult your doctor or pharmacist to make sure you are using these medications safely.

• Give yourself a neck massage 

Apply gentle pressure from your fingers under your skull. This massage can help to relax strong muscles and relieve tension. You can also place a folded towel under your head and neck as you lie down. Towel pressure can provide a gentle massage. Stop immediately if the massage increases your pain.

• Do chin tucks regularly

Some cases of occipital neuralgia or neck pain at base of skull may be associated with improper posture that suppresses the nerves. The chin tuck exercise aims to stretch the muscles and connective tissue in the painful area and tighten the muscles that guide your head over your shoulders.

Stand with your back up against the wall, feet apart at shoulder width apart. Look ahead, put your chin down, and pull your head up against the wall. Try to keep your head in a straight line without turning it back or shaking your head forward. Hold the stretch for 5 seconds before resting, then repeat 10 times. If this exercise increases your pain or discomfort, stop immediately.

If these self-care tips do not alleviate your pain of occipital neuralgia, visit your healthcare provider. You can get relief from prescribed pain medication and / or a prescribed physical therapy program. The doctor may consider giving a steroid injection to help relieve inflammation and reduce pain.