Occipital Neuralgia
Occipital neuralgia causes sharp, shooting or throbbing pain from the base of the skull through the back of the head and often behind the eyes. It is caused by irritation or compression of the occipital nerves, and it is one of the most misdiagnosed and misunderstood pain conditions. We have lived with it for more than 20 years. These guides cover symptoms, triggers, home treatment, the best pillows, massage techniques, exercises, and how to sleep through a flare-up, all written from real experience.
How Long Do Occipital Neuralgia Flare-Ups Last?
Jolts last seconds, flares run hours to days, and the condition cycles for years. The three timescales of occipital neuralgia…
Why Occipital Neuralgia Feels Worse Lying Down (and What to Change)
When lying down triggers the very pain sleep should relieve: the four mechanisms behind nighttime occipital neuralgia and the specific…
Best Way to Sleep With Occipital Neuralgia: 5 Tips That Work
After 10+ years of managing occipital neuralgia, here is what actually helps at night – from sleeping position to pillow…
The Occipital Neuralgia Flare-Up Kit: What We Keep at Home
After a decade of occipital neuralgia, this is the flare-up kit that turns three bad days into one bad afternoon:…
The Best Pillow for Occipital Neuralgia in 2026
We have lived with occipital neuralgia for over a decade. This is the pillow that finally made a real difference…
Occipital Neuralgia vs Cervicogenic Headache: How to Tell
Two conditions at the same junction of skull and neck, routinely confused. How occipital neuralgia and cervicogenic headache feel, behave…
Headache at the Base of the Skull: Causes and Relief
A headache at the base of the skull usually starts in the neck. The three most common causes, how they…
TENS for Occipital Neuralgia: Placement, Settings and Safety
A TENS unit can genuinely help occipital neuralgia, if the pads go in the right place. Safe placement, starting settings,…
Does Cervical Traction Help Occipital Neuralgia?
Cervical traction can genuinely ease occipital neuralgia by decompressing the upper neck. What it does, what it cannot, and how…
How to Treat Occipital Neuralgia at Home: Our 3 Essentials
A practical, day-to-day home routine for managing occipital neuralgia using three simple tools and a handful of consistent habits.
Heat or Ice for Occipital Neuralgia: What Actually Works
Heat or ice for occipital neuralgia? Heat wins for most flares, and there are two specific situations where ice is…
What Triggers Occipital Neuralgia? 10 Common Causes of Flare-Ups
Understanding your occipital neuralgia triggers is the fastest way to reduce flare-up frequency. Here are the 10 most common triggers…
Best Exercises for Occipital Neuralgia: 5 Stretches That Help
These 5 exercises target the exact muscles that compress the occipital nerves. Done consistently, most people see a real reduction…
Occipital Neuralgia Massage: How It Helps and What to Use
Massage is one of the most effective home treatments for occipital neuralgia. Here is how to do it correctly, and…
What Is Occipital Neuralgia? The Complete Guide
Occipital neuralgia causes sharp, shooting pain from the base of the skull. This complete guide covers causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment…