Head, face & jaw · Rochester, NY

Occipital Neuralgia

Sharp or shooting pain from the upper neck into the head.

Understanding occipital neuralgia

Occipital neuralgia involves irritation of the nerves running from the upper neck over the back of the head. Pain is often sharp, shooting, or electric, and can be mistaken for migraine or tension headache.

Symptoms you may notice

Shooting or stabbing pain at the back of the head
Pain starting in the upper neck
Scalp tenderness
Pain on one side of the head

Why an individual evaluation matters

Neck injuries, muscle tension, and joint irritation at the top of the spine can contribute. Because head pain has many causes, a medical diagnosis matters — especially if the pattern is new or changing.

Where One Life’s care may fit

The upper cervical spine is Dr. Jon’s focus, so he can examine whether mechanical factors at the top of the neck are involved and discuss whether One Life’s approach fits. Nerve pain may also need medical management, and care should be coordinated with your provider.

Explore our upper cervical approach

When to seek medical care

Seek emergency care for a sudden worst-ever headache, or head pain with weakness, confusion, trouble speaking, vision loss, or fever with a stiff neck.

This is not a complete list of warning signs. If you think you may be experiencing an emergency, call 911 rather than wait for an office appointment.

Educational information, not a diagnosis or individualized medical advice. Care recommendations and results vary. Discuss treatment risks, benefits, and alternatives with your provider.

MedlinePlus: Neuralgia

YOUR FIRST VISIT

A thoughtful start, not a one-size-fits-all plan.

We listen first.

Tell us about your health, your concerns, and what you want to get back to doing.

We look at the whole picture.

Your history and a specific examination help us understand your needs and whether we’re a good fit.

We make a plan, together.

Understand your findings and the next steps in a care plan built around you.

Questions about occipital neuralgia

How is this different from migraine?

Occipital neuralgia usually causes sharp, nerve-type pain from the neck upward, while migraine is a neurological disorder with its own pattern. A clinician can help distinguish them.

Can an upper cervical evaluation help?

It can identify whether mechanical neck factors are contributing, which guides whether chiropractic care is appropriate alongside medical care.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related concerns

View all concerns

Spine & movement

Neck Pain

Stiffness, soreness, or discomfort when turning your head.

Explore neck pain

Head & balance

Headaches

Recurring head pain, tension, or headaches with neck discomfort.

Explore headaches

Head & balance

Migraine

Headache episodes that may include nausea and light sensitivity.

Explore migraine

YOUR NEXT CHAPTER

You have one life. Feel more like you.

Let’s start with a conversation about your health and your goals.

Book Your First Visit