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This is a painful condition caused by an injury or inflammation of the occipital nerves that run through the scalp. Symptoms include headaches such as piercing neck pain, throbbing headaches at the back of the head, and pain behind the ears. This condition has symptoms similar to migraines and other types of headache. Nevertheless, different treatments are available for these conditions, which is why you should consult your pain physician in Dallas for the correct diagnosis. Depressive headaches are caused by muscle tension and the points begin to accumulate in the surrounding muscles of the neck and head. All the muscles that control the movement of the neck are very small. They are all responsible for the subtle movements of the upper cervical spine and skull. These muscles can be subject to discomfort for a variety of reasons such as:

• Eyestrain

• Accepting the position of slouching

• Depression

• Harassment

This condition is also known as occipital neuralgia (neck pain at the base of the skull). Below you will find the causes, common symptoms, and the most limited treatment for this condition.

What are the Common Symptoms?

Occipital neuralgia can cause intense pain that feels like a sharp, jabbing, electric shock in the back of the head and neck. Other symptoms include:

• Aching, burning, and throbbing pain that typically starts at the base of the head and goes to the scalp

• Pain on one or both sides of the head

• Crick in neck

• Pain behind the eye

• Sensitivity to light

• Tender scalp

• Pain when you move your neck

Pain At The Base Of Skull: Causes

At the base of the skull, the occipital nerves reside. There is no cure for pain at base of skull due to any condition that affects these nerves. Sometimes it also radiates to other sides of the neck and causes front of neck pain. The back of the neck may also be painful as a result of conditions involving ligaments, tendons, or the cervical spine. 

Here are some causes of pain in the neck and skull base:

• Muscle Tension or Strain 

A group of muscles called suboccipital muscles is located near the base of the skull. In addition to eye strain, newly-adapted eyeglasses, poor ergonomics at a computer workstation, poor posture, and trauma, the suboccipital muscles may become tense and tender. Also, ligament injury/instability can lead to overwork. Neck pain can result from this.

• Facet Joint Injury 

An injury to a facet joint in the neck can cause neck pain.In addition to guiding and protecting the spine's motion, the facet joint also provides stability. Due to their complexity, facet joints are susceptible to injury from degeneration, trauma, or surgery. An injury to the neck's facet joints may cause persistent neck pain . 

• Disc Injury 

Degeneration, trauma, infection, surgery, and atlantoaxial instability can all damage these intervertebral discs. The upper vertebrae have lax ligaments that contribute to this condition. Inflammation and restricted movement are some of the symptoms that can result from disc injuries at the base of the skull, as well as neck pain.

• Ligament Injury

Accidents involving motor vehicles and falls are common causes of ligament damage. In addition to hypermobility and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, certain connective tissue disorders may also lead to lax ligaments. Disc problems also affect nerves, muscles, tendons, and facet joints. Nerve IrritationThe upper cervical nerve, lesser occipital nerve, and third occipital nerve all enter the skull from the upper cervical area. Nerves at the base of the skull can be compressed by muscles and fascia around the neck. Compression of these nerves can result in headaches and neck pain.

How To Prevent Pain At Base Of Skull

The Premier Pain Centers offer a range of evidence-based treatment options. Providing patients with premier pain management services can help them recover from pain at the base of the skull.

To reduce the symptoms of occipital neuralgia, follow these steps:

• Ice therapy may reduce inflammation and pain. While lying down, place an ice pack beneath the base of your skull.

• The use of heat therapy, such as an electric heating pad, may be more helpful in providing relief, however. 

• Heat increases blood flow to the neck by dilation of local blood vessels in the affected area. This method can reduce muscle tightness. 

• Ibuprofen (e.g., Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (e.g., Aleve) are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Pains in the neck and headaches may be relieved by taking them. 

• Consider a neck massage. At the base of your skull, use your fingertips. In addition to calming tight muscles, this massage relieves tension. 

• A rolled towel can provide support for your head and neck while you are lying on your back. You should discontinue the massage immediately if you feel your pain aggravated by the towel pressure. 

• Poor posture may contribute to occipital neuralgia. Performing chin-tuck exercises will stretch the muscles and connective tissues of the area that is experiencing pain. Additionally, it strengthens the muscles responsible for aligning the head and shoulders. 

• A healthy lifestyle should be introduced through yoga or meditation.

Moreover, it is essential that you comply with this requirement. 

• Sleeping enough 

• Smoking is prohibited, 

• Exercise on a regular basis, 

• Keeping a healthy and balanced diet is essential. 

• Keep hydrated and limit your intake of alcohol, caffeine, and sugar. 

Diagnosis Of Pain At Base Of Skull

Doctors sometimes use local anesthetics to temporarily block the occipital nerves in order to diagnose occipital neuralgia. Occipital neuralgia is likely to be diagnosed if the pain decreases. The pain specialist in Dallas may also check for other underlying conditions as occipital neuralgia can be a symptom of other disorders. Patients with nerd neck and other neck problems can receive help from Premier Pain Management experts in order to recover soon.

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