Do you ever feel a sharp, stabbing pain in the back of your head? Does the pain travel up your scalp or behind your eyes? If so, you might be dealing with a condition called occipital neuralgia. Though it’s not as well-known as migraines or tension headaches, it can be just as painful and disruptive to your life.
The good news is that occipital neuralgia is treatable. And for many people, gentle chiropractic care—especially upper cervical care like NUCCA—can make a big difference.
What Is Occipital Neuralgia?
Occipital neuralgia is a condition that affects the occipital nerves. These are the nerves that run from the top of your spinal cord at the base of your neck and travel up through your scalp. When one or both of these nerves become irritated or inflamed, it can cause sharp, shooting, or burning pain at the back of the head and upper neck.
People with occipital neuralgia often describe the pain as:
- Stabbing or electric-like
- One-sided (but sometimes on both sides)
- Starting at the base of the skull and spreading upward
- Tender to the touch
- Worse with head movement or pressure (like lying down or brushing your hair)
It’s not the same as a migraine, but it can feel just as severe. Some people even mistake it for a migraine at first.
What Causes Occipital Neuralgia?
Occipital neuralgia can happen for a few different reasons. Common causes include:
- Injury or trauma to the neck (such as whiplash)
- Poor posture, especially from sitting at a desk or looking down at a phone
- Tight muscles in the neck and upper shoulders
- Pinched nerves from misaligned spinal bones
- Arthritis or disc problems in the neck
- Stress and muscle tension
One of the most common causes is misalignment in the upper neck, especially involving the top two bones in the spine: the atlas (C1) and the axis (C2). These bones are located very close to the occipital nerves. If they shift out of place, they can put pressure on the nerves and cause the pain associated with occipital neuralgia.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help
Chiropractic care works to restore proper alignment to the spine. When your spine is aligned correctly, there is less pressure on the nerves, better circulation, and improved communication between your brain and body. For people with occipital neuralgia, this can mean less pain and fewer flare-ups.
At Atlas Chiropractic, Dr. Emily Staples focuses on a gentle form of chiropractic called NUCCA. This technique is especially helpful for people with occipital neuralgia because it directly targets the upper cervical spine—the exact area where the occipital nerves can get irritated.
As a trusted chiropractor Fort Wayne residents turn to for upper cervical care, Dr. Staples uses precise imaging and a soft-touch correction to gently realign the atlas vertebra. There’s no cracking, popping, or twisting—just a gentle, guided adjustment based on detailed measurements.
What to Expect with NUCCA Care
Your first visit usually includes a consultation, a health history review, and digital x-rays. These special x-rays help the doctor see exactly how your atlas is positioned. With this information, a personalized correction plan is created.
During the second visit, you’ll receive your first NUCCA adjustment. The chiropractor uses light pressure near your neck to move the atlas into its proper position. After the adjustment, another x-ray is taken to make sure the correction was successful.
Most patients are surprised by how gentle the adjustment feels—but also how powerful the results can be. Many people with occipital neuralgia report:
- Reduced pain in the back of the head and neck
- Less tension in the shoulders
- Better sleep
- Fewer headaches or episodes
- Improved posture and mobility
As the body starts to heal and stay in alignment, many patients need fewer visits over time.
Why Choose NUCCA for Occipital Neuralgia?
Occipital neuralgia can be difficult to treat with medication alone. Pain relievers, nerve blocks, or muscle relaxers may offer short-term relief, but they don’t fix the underlying problem. NUCCA chiropractic care, on the other hand, addresses one of the main causes: spinal misalignment.
Because NUCCA is gentle and does not involve forceful movements, it’s a good option for people who may be sensitive to traditional chiropractic techniques. It’s also a natural and drug-free approach, which many people prefer.
When you work with a skilled chiropractor Fort Wayne like Dr. Staples, you get care that is tailored to your body and your needs. NUCCA care is based on science, personalized imaging, and a commitment to helping the body heal from within.
Final Thoughts
Living with occipital neuralgia can be painful and frustrating, but you don’t have to face it alone. Chiropractic care—especially NUCCA—offers a gentle, effective way to relieve pressure on the occipital nerves and reduce pain at the root.
If you’re tired of sharp head pain, stiff neck muscles, or constant flare-ups, it may be time to explore upper cervical care. Many patients find lasting relief and improved quality of life after addressing spinal alignment.
To learn more or see if NUCCA care is right for you, reach out to Atlas Chiropractic—the chiropractor Fort Wayne families count on for precise, compassionate care.