I have done blocks for years and this is a wonderful video---I offered to teach other docs but sadly, so often, they declined----it is SO useful. Now that I am retired, I am getting calls to help patients, and NOW an interest in learning techniques for various cranial blocks.
You better go work on your pain instead of taking those shots. And that docter has to learn uncoventiional thinking but therefore he isnt wise enough he dont know as you do any better. Both happy is the solutiion. Listen to pain be happy with pain no life whitout pain! Pain lets us know where doing something wrong like i already saw you sitting and your eyelids are telling me something aswell go find your self. Dont see the doctor unless you really need him
@@mrvvrm5951 Obviously you have never suffered from occipital neuralgia. Imagine burning, shooting, zapping pain in the back of your head that never goes away. it will ruin your life if you don't get treatment. Its tantamount to torture. It make people suicidal, no joke. And yes you do need to work on other things (posture, muscle strengthening, relaxation, diet) and not just rely on shots, but these shots can offer much needed relief to people who are in complete and debilitation misery.
Just had a patient that I suspected was suffering from occipital neuralgia, learned how to do the block from your video, blocked the greater occipital nerve with full resolution of her pain! Thanks a lot!
I don’t know how you guys have the confidence to do this. I’m a nurse, I also get these injections and watching this video even more-so makes me amazed that doctors can do this. It’s just so much responsibility makes me so nervous working with nerves 😬 like how do you know you are at the right spot when you are going in and out like that. So stressful lol
I just got diagnosed with this and will start this process soon. I'm scared but actually so excited because before I was just being treated for migraines and cluster headaches and I just knew there was something deeper than that. Thank God for all doctors especially pain doctors #LeudaPainCenterFortWorthTx
Don’t be scared! It really isn’t that bad! I just had my second one today ♥️ just be prepare you might be sore for a day or so after don’t let that discourage you! Mine take a couple days to go into effect but SO worth it! 😊 Good luck!!
I live in Arlington, TX. So not far from Fort Worth? About how long did it take from when you first saw them about your pain until they diagnosed and did the procedure? I have been seeing my pain management doctor for about 2-3 months now as I had a fall late last year where I injured my back and neck/head area. I feel like I have occipital neuralgia because they tried diagnosing me with migraines but none of the three different migraine medications they have given me have worked. Also curious how you feel now that you have possibly gotten it done. Thank you.
Thank you for your very informative video from a nurse ;). I just had this done for Cluster headaches, i reallllllly hope it helps as i have tried so many medications and daily lithium to try control them but unsucsessful so i am looking forward to the relief this could bring. Do not be alarmed by the injection it is not bad at all. My neurologist just told me to put my head on her desk and did 3 block on the left and i barley felt the needle !
How have felt since the injection?? ANY improvements??I had two today with minimal results so far.... Staying optimistic, but pain came back as numbing went away.
Sorry late reply to the updated. I had this done twice and unfortunately it did not work either time and I am now getting a neuro stimulant. The injections are not bad and have helped so many people so don’t be scared and just try it - if it works that’s amazing and a good solution. If not go back to neurologist they will see what else is available for you.
@@sgcc4477 Sorry late reply to the updated. I had this done twice and unfortunately it did not work either time and I am now getting a neuro stimulant. The injections are not bad and have helped so many people so don’t be scared and just try it - if it works that’s amazing and a good solution. If not go back to neurologist they will see what else is available for you
I've had severe headaches since ninth grade.(40 years) and tried many physical and chemical ways to treat them. I've had two ONB's a year apart. Within 8 hours I get the WORST headache! So they don't work for everyone, and there is risk. So far indocin works best to relieve my pain , but it's hard on my organs long term.
I've been experiencing occipital neuralgia pain for about 2 months. Im now waiting for a neurologist office to call and schedule me to possibly have this done. The shooting pain in the nerve feels like someone is stabbing me in the back of the head. I've tried the chiropractor, oral anti-inflammatories, ice and heat but nothing gives me 100% relief.
@J Justice I’ll DEFINITELY check back in. I’m optimistic. The Pain MD wanted to put this on facet joint issues when my last cervical ESI didn’t work, but the pain was sudden and different. I’ve HAD the facet joint issue for a long time. 2 minutes with the neurologist and he landed straight on occipital neuralgia, when I looked it up... it fit SO much better. I avoided the RFA because it also entailed 3 Covid tests and now glad I waited for the neuro consult. I don’t need the Covid Test for this procedure and I TRULY believe this is the answer. To NOT feel like my eyeball is being shoved out of my head will be a huge relief. Not to mention that struck in the back of the skull with a baseball bat pain.
@J Justice ok, he did just the right side since that was where the pain was worse. Admittedly I was concerned it wouldn’t work because it really DID feel like it was both sides thing. It wasn’t a painful injection but when he was fanning around injecting the medication there WAS one particular spot that was pretty intense (but anyone that’s had injections near an irritated or inflamed nerve knows when you FEEL that, it means they are in the right place so you stick it out). It really is only a few seconds of discomfort because the numbing agents work fast. About 5-6 minutes afterward, I actually felt relief and my VISION was notably clearer. I hadn’t even realized HOW blurry my vision was becoming until it cleared. Ever see those allergy medicine commercials where things suddenly get clearer ? Like a veil lifted. That’s exactly what happened and I didn’t expect it. I was surprised by that AND the fact I really didn’t need bilateral injections. Pain is gone from both sides. The entire back side of my head, behind my ear, down the back of my head was pretty numb for several hours. I didn’t wake up with the jabbing pain behind my head and eyes. First time in MONTHS. The injection site IS tender today so there will be no hair brushing. I wish I could get the same pain relief in other regions as quickly and efficiently. How long this will last ? I guess I’ll check back in !! I’m hoping this isn’t a recurring thing. I’ve never had this before. Fingers crossed. Good luck !! I have an AMAZING pain management doctor. I mean really great, so I hope you have an equally good result.
I just had a second round of injections after 6 months. Mine went in the back of my neck though... definitely still in pain. Last time took 3 weeks before I got relief from constant head pain.
@@medicatedforyoursafety9349 I get very severe migraines no lights sounds can't lift my head migraines. Neurologist wanted me to do the ajovy injections but I've seen to many horrible reviews on it
@@teresat5503 same, I’ve had this migraine since my injury in 1999. Everyday. Helps me by 50-70%. If enough meds aren’t used I can tell and or doesn’t last as long. Usually looks like I have some pretty large lumps left and right of the inion area. Lumps from meds go away within a few hours. Sore to lay down on back of head for 2-4 days but I’ll take a little soreness over this migraine everyday. I mean it’s still there. But at least I’m not vomiting everywhere all the time.
@@medicatedforyoursafety9349 mine make me so nauseous it isn't funny. I can barely lay with a lil blanket behind my head that will instantly give me a headache. Only thing that help even just a little bit is sleeping with ice packs(cold packs not frozen lol) on my forehead and back of my head. I'm nervous but I can't wait to not have migraines. How often do you have to get them
I had an attack of Vertigo/dizziness about 2 months ago. ENT physician suggested it was BPPV, but I've also had a sore occipital process on the right side of my head, with soreness extending down into my right trapezius. I occasionally get sharp pains in the occipital area and behind my right ear. Dizziness has subsided mostly, but my balance is still off. I'm doing PT for vestibular issues and that helps. I saw a neurologist a couple of days ago and I mentioned I thought the BPPV diagnosis was incorrect and suspected my imbalance was more related to my neck pain/sore shoulder and sensitive occipital process on the right. She agreed and suggested she could do this Nerve Block treatment to help with the pain. Does it also improve the balance issues? Balance is getting better, but after 2 months I'm at about 90% of normal. I'm continuing Physical Therapy and push myself to get up and out doing stuff in the yard, that makes me feel better. BTW, I'm well into my 60's and recently retired-a seasoned citizen!
@@prellia I ended up not getting it. PT helped me get my balance back and I've made some changes in my lifestyle to put less stress on the occipital part of my head. I don't use a pillow when I sleep, just a folded up towel, for example. Small things, but they all add up to less strain on that part of your body.
I had these sorts about once a month for 2.5 years after a severe concussion. They saved my life, . The pain was so severe that I was suicidal more than once. Thank God for my pain doctor. The nerve healed itself and the pain just stopped.
I did not see any aspiration before and in between injections. This is really important if you’re injecting bupivacaine all around an artery. Intravascular bupivacaine can cause some major problems. Also no mention of having intralipids immediately available. Since this is a teaching video for other practitioners to perform this block it seems prudent to mention it. Otherwise very instructional!
Getting my first today. Ordered by doc. Not sure why because I don’t have pain, but we’ll see what happens! Lol. Not really sure what effects I’m supposed to be looking for 🥴
Still waiting to be accepted for this medicine. They wanted me to try everything else they could think of first. Years have gone by. Hope I will get this medicine soon🙏🏾
I do this procedure. When I insert the needle I withdraw the plunger (aspirate) to see if there's blood. If there's none that means to say it's safe to push the Lidocaine knowing that I did not hit an artery. I always withdraw/aspirate the plunger when I target the greater and lesser occipital nerves to make sure I did not hit the occipital artery. It was not done in this video.
what is the difference please, between this treatment, and a cortisone injection for occipital neuralgia? And, which is more commonly used for this condition? Thank you.
These treatments are just numbing agent (lidocaine, etc), and will usually only offer short term relief. Cortisone injections are usually a combination of a numbing agent and a steroid. The numbing agent will offer immediate although short term numbing of the area (days to maybe weeks), and the steroid will help reduce inflammation long term (weeks to months). Its kind of like a one two punch.
Had this procedure done today (9/11/20) UK London....Both sides! without boast, i could hardly feel it and was speaking pretty much through the whole procedure.
@@RelishWithReCheil Got worse for 2 weeks....overall since then...i personally dont think its lessened my pain...but maybe after a 2nd procedure it will.....i'll update again
I have chronic ON from a whiplash injury. I’m needle phobic & was wondering if getting injections is painful. I’ve heard Botox injections help but read you should only do 2 injections a few months a part. It’s not recommended as long term treatment as too many of the injections can lead to other health problems. Also, finding a good pillow is key to helping this condition. But, I haven’t found one that relieves the aching. I’ve tried memory foam, memory foam & down, down & polly fiber, down, Sleep Number pillows, and other foam neck support pillows and they’re either too firm or need fluffing.
The needle stick is not painful, but the medication thats administered can burn/sting a little when its injected. Its worth the discomfort in my opinion because it really helps ease the pain.
RollerCoasterLisa Hi I had car accident last sept 29,2019 up to now Im still having headaches all the time I’ve tried a few medications like Naproxen, maxalt, Amitriptyline, duloxetine, Keterolac and gabapentine. Ketereloc and gabapentine is the only one that helps for a while but up to now Im still having headaches and pain. My doctor adviced me to consider this Occipital nerve block injection. How long ago is your car accident if you dont mind.
Jsarumi allen-kehinde agreed, the pain is nothing compared to the pain and suffering you are already experiencing. They use this numbing spray that makes you not really feel anything
You don’t have to do Botox, my doctor uses steroid one visit then will skip the steroid the next visit and just use lidocaine the next visit and then so on and so on. Some people only use lidocaine and no steroid at all. They know how much steroid they can use and are careful not to overdo it. My doctor explained to me that sometimes just poking the muscles and nerves with the needle is enough to help some people reduce that tension. I’d highly suggest going and getting the nerve block I’ve had it and it’s made a significant difference in my migraine and muscular tension pain. It doesn’t barely hurt you will only feel a little tiny tiny sting as the medicine is going in as another poster posted but it’s so minor it isn’t even worth saying.
Have the Doctor sedate you, then you won't feel any pain at all. Just tell them. They will do it unless your Insurance won't pay for it. I've had the shot's done for 6 years and 5 Radio Frequent Ablations. They always sedate me.
I have had this pain for a year and a half. Saw a pain management dr, gave me trigger point injections, but i felt worse. Had x-rays done yesterday and the tech told me it seemed like i have occipital neuralgia. I googled it and ..BANG!!! YUP THATS IT. I have all those symptoms. Will ask my dr when they call me for x-ray results. 🤔🤔🤔
Went to the doctor for migraines for 10 years and gave up. Began doing my own research and found your video, I was 100% sure this was my issue...on both sides. Can this issue be caused by air accessing the nerve from an opening such as a TBI of some kind?
@@thegrowthmindsetchannel4627 My doctor always giving me a pain reliever and not even doing anything like injecting steroid to stop the pain i guess ill be goin to neuro surgeon.Bothers me everytime at work SMH😪
@@the_vukeim gonna do mine soon as well. im wondering do they help? like do they give pain relief? i saw many people saying they last for couple of days only.
@@joudi7184 I’m not going to lie it did nothing for my migraines. But I have a friend that swears by them so it seems it’s very hit or miss. Good luck! I hope it works wonders for you!
I’ve been having this done for the past 2 months now and I was just curious exactly what he is doing. Watching this makes me a little nervous. My doctor has been doing this for 25 years, he doesn’t push on my head first to make sure if it hurts worse or not, and he also doesn’t have me hold pressure. He just feels around makes marks and does it. He also gives me trigger point injections up and down my neck and upper back. It helps amazing I can’t complain, I just hope I don’t get nerve damage lol
Thank you, I wil do it with Procain on the Occipitalis major. I have nothing else here, the pain kills me. And I don’t want to go to hospital, because there is corona everywhere. 🙏
My doctor gave me 12 injections at a time in neck, back sides of neck... With a minute my pain is gone but I still feel dizzy. I have total 6 seatings and feel 50% pain free .
I had this done (Gon and lon blocks "injected local unaesthetic, not steroid") I got more pain right after it. Especially the night was horrible. I felt like my head is gona explode. I talked to my doctor. The doctor gave me decort (anti inflamatory ) ivy . Today is "day 2". I am kind of better but am afraid the pain will come back and little discouraged if it helped or not. My doctor said it is normal to have more pain for 2-3 days but after day the pain will stop. Did you experience something like that with your patiences? For the readers: The needles were not that bad. Especially not as bad as your pain in the head.
sorry to hear that! im waiting to do mine soon. im wondering if the nerve blocks worked well on you? do u feel better now? and how much pain relief do they give u? im scared mine won’t last for long. i hopw you are feeling better.
@@joudi7184 Hello Joudi, turns out I had neuro-sarcoidosis and needed prednisone (a corticosteroid) for treatment. Still on it. It got worse before it got better but I am much better. These blocks help to those who have no underlying cause for the headaches. In my case, I had severe inflammation so these didn't help. But it helps a lot of chronic pain patients.
@@seda_in_wonderland happy to hear that you’re doing better! can you tell me you symptoms? im struggling with daily chronic headaches, neck stiffness, pain in the legs and left arms. My headache would come from the back of my head so my doctor said it could be ON.
@@joudi7184 It took me a year to get a diagnosis. My headache helped the doctors to find it. First they thought it is occipital neuralgia, then cluster headache. It was coming from the back of my head and on the right side. It got worse. I got an MRI, they saw some "spots" in my brain. They turned out to be inflammation. They did lots of tests to diagnose my sarcoidosis. After I got the diagnosis, I remembered having shortness of breath, heart palpitations, aches in different parts of my body. But since they were not as bad as my headache, I didn't think they are related. So I don't know if you have a chance to do it but maybe an MRI to make sure you don't have anything. And also a lot of autoimmune diseases causes aches and pain in the body. Just keep researching. It is hard to have a constant pain but I am sure you will find the right treatment. Also, watch out your diet, walk if you can, drink lots of water, no sugary foods and drinks... They also help...
@@seda_in_wonderland i did a DT to my brain but they told me by brain is as healthy as it could be and they don’t know what is the reason behind my chronic daily headaches :( i’ve been suffering for almost 6 months now without finding the right treatment. I live in sweden and it’s so hard to do MRI here or even get the chance to see a head specialist. it took me months and i had to travel to another town to see someone who could finally say to me that it could be ON and now im waiting to see him. Its so hard when no one is listening to you, nor feel your pain and doctors here tend to tell you that everything you feel is “anxiety”. i think my neck problems is causing my headaches that’s why im trying to get them to do a MRI for me, let’s see if they listen. im glad you found the right treatment and right diagnosis tho, hoping the best for you, Seda ❤️.
I found out I got occipital nerve damage I've been in pain for the last week..it feels so tight in my head..that needle going in is making me feel sick looks painful
@@lifessensational2944 ive had mine for a month now or 2, ive been using pain meds and got prescribed an anti-inflamatory cream to rub on the area and i got told to get a heat pack, its working for now but when i sleep the meds wear off and it starts aching again, usually lying on my back with a rolled up towel under my neck usually helps, but im really waiting to see a chiropractor to see if it can help
@lifes sensational I’ve had ON as well as another condition called NDPH for 9 months and the shots really aren’t bad! Yes it does hurt but it is so worth it in the long run! For me personally, it was more of a pressure than pain. I just had my second block today and would HIGHLY recommend asking about them. It helps my pain and makes it so much easier to sleep and lay on your head ♥️ a couple minutes of pain and a few days of soreness is completely worth WEEKS of relief
Swelling,pain, I feel like someone hit me in the back of the head with a claw hammer for the next 2 days. Ice pack it. Can cause sudden death or blindness..but rare. Your vision may be blurry or lightheaded afterwards so not supposed to drive after. But, it does help block the pain. Been getting them for 2 years.
I would assume it didn’t work. I have had 2 of these injections and it hasn’t touched my pain. I’m also on 1,800mg of Gabapentin and 40mg of prednisone daily. Nothing has helped so far
@@thetattooedguy1413 Damn that sucks. Prednison has helped me and made me try this injection again (3rd time) after 2 years of pain. It hurt like hell but now after 3 days it really seems to start to help a bit. I did go to a different doctor tho. It might be worth letting someone else give it a try?
@@Bones.x I’m in the process of getting a different doctor now. I was on prednisone for a while. I ended up gaining almost 50lbs ( which is a lot for me ) then when Covid broke out they said I needed to be careful with the steroids. I can’t understand why this isn’t better treated ! So many of us suffer and it’s difficult to treat or get help for it
Please any one knows the tablet of this neck pain nerve help me I'm feeling it 3 weeks my somalia doctor gives me declofine only 75bmg nothing get changed
Sir please I have one also problem.please tell me my head bone back side is some loag .and head look like eag so how can I change this head shape please
I have constant dizziness/vertigo and balance issues and vision issues. I have pain in my head on both sides in back and in front and my vision is messed up after one wrong chiropractor adjustment. Do you think this could help me?
I am in the US have had this for 10 plus yrs. I have gotten boxtox for years and it helps until a month out for next injection. I just had this done a few days ago and I am not really sold on it as it seems to have increased my pain. I know this does not work for everyone but a lot it helps. Why are the Norway doctor's against it?
Can someone please help me with something? So I was diagnosed with Occipital Neuralgia. They did a C2 nerve block shot, and put me on gabapentin. The shot seemed to work for a few days. However around day 4, all symptoms come right back. What can I do ? Any help would be appreciated thank you
Fred R I get intense pain, feels like electric shocks coming up back of my head, behind my ear, then on top of my ear/head. Then it causes this intense pressure like someone is squeezing my head/brain. It never goes away. It only gets worse. My head and scalp are very tender as well. But the pain and pressure of it all is unbearable. I take medication and it hasn’t done anything. I got 2 C2 nerve block injections and that hasn’t helped. I just don’t know what to do anymore
Fred R I’m sorry to hear that. This is absurd. I am unable to work, or drive a vehicle. The pain and the pressure are so intense I can’t focus or concentrate. It makes me dizzy and very tired. This is going on 4 months for me. I’ve been to 4 doctors. Going to my Neurologist tomorrow to see what else he can do to help if any. I do have a appointment coming up with Vanderbilt Neurology which I hope to get better care from them. It appears everyone’s pain and level is different. As to where ours is pain, shock stabbing pressure, some may not have that. I can’t take this anymore. I need some relief, so I can have my life back and get back to work.
@@thetattooedguy1413 oiiii....its like a carbon copy of my situation. Except mine has gone on for 2 years now. They keep increasing the seizure medication that gives some relief but then i feel like a vegetable. The compromises...lol 🤣 If i couldnt chuckle a bit id just be crying....lol I too am sorry for your situation.
this is why i’m a jehovas witness. God eventually cures all my headaches, no needles needed AT ALL. Just trust our the almighty Lord and have him in your heart and you can survive anything even cancer. He KNOWS when it’s your time and medicine is the devil trying to keep you from facing your fate.