Occipital Neuralgia Natural Treatment

Occipital neuralgia causes pain in the neck, head and eyes.

Neuralgia is a medical condition characterized by tingling, burning or numbing sensations due to overactive nerve stimulation, damage or compression. Occipital neuralgia specifically involves the occipital nerves located at the base of the skull.

Function

Injury, compression or inflammation of the nerves housed in the occipital region triggers pain stemming from the neck and traveling to the scalp, ears and behind the eyes. The goal of treatment is largely aimed at reducing symptoms.

Capsicum

According to the Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, a substance in peppers called capsicum may help to inhibit substance P, a neurotransmitter involved in relaying pain signals from nerves to the brain. As a natural treatment for occipital neuralgia, topical capsicum creams are available.

Acupuncture

Some people report a reduction in the severity and frequency of attacks with acupuncture treatments. A study published in the Sep. 28, 2008 issue of the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine supports this claim.

Neurostimulation

According to researchers at Washington University School of Medicine, there is evidence to suggest that neurostimulation may be helpful in treating primary headache disorders, including occipital neuralgia.

Other Considerations

Additional natural treatments used to reduce pain associated with occipital neuralgia include massage, meditation and visualization exercises.

References

• FindArticles.com: Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine
• US National Library of Medicine: Forty-two cases of greater occipital neuralgia treated by acupuncture plus acupoint-injection.
• US National Library of Medicine: Neurostimulation for primary headache disorders.

Resources

• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Occipital Neuralgia Information