There are some things in life that we expect to happen at some point, including occasional back pain, a broken bone, etc. However, there is one condition that may catch us off guard—throbbing neck pain.
At Virgin Islands Neurology, we have helped many find out what is causing their throbbing neck pain and receive the relief they are looking for. If you would like to receive an accurate diagnosis, schedule an appointment at our U.S. Virgin Islands location today!
There could be several reasons why you’re experiencing pulsating neck pain. Throbbing neck pain can have neurological, muscular, spinal, or, rarely, vascular or infectious causes. Some of the common causes of neck pain include the following:
During the rest of this article, we will focus on the condition occipital neuralgia. We will explain what it is, how it is diagnosed, and the treatment options available.
Occipital neuralgia is a condition in which the occipital nerves (the nerves that run from your spinal cord up through your scalp) are injured or inflamed. This can result in severe headaches and throbbing pain in your upper neck, back of your head, or behind your ears.
It is common for people to confuse occipital neuralgia with a migraine because of the similarity of their symptoms. However, since these conditions require very different treatments, receiving an accurate diagnosis is essential.
Occipital neuralgia can result from pressure or irritation of your occipital nerves, whether from a head or neck injury, overly tight neck muscles, or a pinched nerve.
Symptoms of occipital neuralgia may occur anywhere along the path of the affected nerve. This is usually at the base of the skull, through the back of the head and up to the scalp. The pain may feel sharp, shooting, throbbing, or pulsating, and in some cases, sharp pain may radiate toward the eye.
If you experience any of the following symptoms along with throbbing neck pain, seek emergency medical care:
Your doctor may use several steps to determine the cause of your throbbing neck pain. The evaluation will usually begin with your medical history and a discussion of your symptoms. They may ask when the pain started, where it is felt, whether it radiates, and whether you have other nerve-related symptoms.
During a physical examination, your doctor may check for tenderness along the occipital nerve and evaluate your neck’s range of motion. Imaging tests may be ordered if your doctor suspects a structural problem involving the cervical spine, such as a herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, or a bone spur.
In some cases, a temporary nerve block may be used to help confirm whether an irritated occipital nerve is contributing to the pain. If the block provides significant temporary relief, it may support the diagnosis. If you have persistent neck pain, particularly when it is accompanied by numbness, weakness, or other neurological symptoms, further testing may be recommended to identify the underlying cause.
The goal of occipital neuralgia treatment is to decrease your neck pain. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and whether your symptoms are temporary or have developed into chronic pain. There are non-surgical and surgical treatments that can help alleviate your pain.
Non-surgical treatment may include:
Depending on the cause of your pain, your doctor may recommend medications such as:
If your body does not respond to non-surgical treatments, your specialist may recommend surgical intervention. Surgical treatment for occipital neuralgia may include occipital nerve stimulation or spinal cord stimulation.
The outlook for occipital neuralgia is often favorable with appropriate treatment, although persistent or changing symptoms should be evaluated to rule out other causes. Symptoms may improve as the irritated nerve heals, although some people may continue to experience pain or require ongoing treatment.
If you’re experiencing persistent or unexplained sharp neck pain, a neurological evaluation may help identify the underlying cause. Schedule an appointment with Virgin Islands Neurology today to discuss your symptoms and explore appropriate treatment options.
Pulsating neck pain can have several possible causes, including occipital neuralgia, muscle strain, herniated discs, and degenerative changes in the cervical spine. Rarely, vascular problems such as a cervical artery dissection may also cause unusual neck pain and require urgent medical attention.
Yes. Occipital neuralgia may cause different types of pain, including throbbing, pulsating, sharp, or shooting pain. Symptoms often affect the upper neck, back of the head, or scalp and may sometimes radiate toward the eye.
Persistent neck pain may warrant medical evaluation, particularly if it does not improve or is accompanied by numbness, weakness, severe headaches, or other neurological symptoms. Sudden or severe symptoms should receive prompt medical attention.
Your doctor will typically begin by reviewing your medical history and asking about your symptoms, including when the pain started and where it is located. A physical examination, imaging studies, or a temporary nerve block may also be used to help determine whether the pain is related to the nerves, cervical spine, or another underlying condition.
Physical therapy may help some people with chronic neck pain by addressing muscle tightness, movement problems, and other factors that contribute to pain. Your treatment plan will depend on the underlying cause of your symptoms and may be combined with other approaches when appropriate.
