Occipital Neuralgia

Occipital neuralgia — shooting, electric pain in the back of the head — is caused by compression of the greater occipital nerve. Upper cervical chiropractic correction directly releases this compression.

What Is Occipital Neuralgia?

Occipital neuralgia is caused by irritation or compression of the greater or lesser occipital nerves as they exit between the C1-C3 vertebrae and pierce the suboccipital muscles to supply the scalp. It causes distinctive shooting, electric, or stabbing pain from the base of the skull up over the scalp — sometimes radiating to the eye. Upper cervical subluxation, tight suboccipital muscles, and cranial distortions at the occiput-atlas junction are the primary structural causes. It is frequently misdiagnosed as migraine.

Common Symptoms

Shooting, electric, or stabbing pain from the base of the skull to the top of the head
Tenderness at the base of the skull when pressure is applied
Pain radiating to the eye or forehead on the affected side
Sensitivity of the scalp to light touch or hair brushing
Neck stiffness and limited rotation
Dull ache between attacks

Common Causes & Contributing Factors

C1-C3 subluxation compressing the emerging occipital nerves
Suboccipital muscle hypertonicity entrapping the nerve
Cranial distortion at the occiput-atlas junction
Prior head or neck trauma
Forward head posture chronically loading the suboccipital muscles
Whiplash injury inflaming the upper cervical joints

The Pura Vida Protocol: Chiropractic Care for Occipital Neuralgia

Upper cervical SOT correction and cranial adjusting at the occiput-atlas junction is highly effective for occipital neuralgia. Dr. Foss identifies the specific C1-C3 subluxation pattern entrapping the occipital nerve and applies gentle, precise corrections to restore joint mobility and decompress the nerve. Suboccipital muscle release techniques relax the muscles mechanically compressing the nerve at its piercing point. Cranial adjusting normalizes the occiput-atlas relationship. Most patients experience significant or complete relief from the shooting pain within a few visits.

At Pura Vida Chiropractic, Dr. Foss uses Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT) — a gentle, category-based system that addresses the spine, pelvis, and craniosacral rhythm as one integrated unit. SOT restores proper biomechanics, reduces nerve interference, and creates the neurological environment your body needs to heal itself.

Advanced Therapies We Combine With Chiropractic

For many patients, combining spinal correction with regenerative therapies produces faster and more lasting results. Depending on your condition, Dr. Foss may incorporate one or more of the following:

Class IV Laser Therapy

Photobiomodulation with a 10–15W Class IV laser delivers therapeutic light energy deep into tissue, reducing inflammation, blocking pain signals, and speeding healing at the cellular level.

Why Choose Pura Vida Chiropractic in San Antonio?

Pura Vida Chiropractic is a family-friendly, bilingual (English/Spanish) clinic serving San Antonio, TX. Dr. Dan Foss is trained in Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT), a comprehensive chiropractic system that addresses the whole body — not just the area of pain. We combine hands-on spinal correction with the latest regenerative technology to help patients resolve the root cause of their condition rather than masking symptoms.

We are insurance friendly with most insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Aetna, Ambetter, Oscar Health, Community First, and Molina Healthcare. New patient appointments are available promptly.

Ready to Get Relief from Occipital Neuralgia?

Schedule your new patient appointment with Dr. Foss at Pura Vida Chiropractic in San Antonio, TX. We'll identify the root cause and build a personalized care plan.

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