Chronic Headaches and Migraines: Step-by-Step Guide to Relieving Occipital Nerve Blockage

Occipital nerve pain relief Exercises for occipital nerve pain Occipital neuralgia treatment Chronic headaches relief Nerve pain in the neck and head Occipital nerve block at home How to relieve occipital nerve tension

YEET MAGAZINE

19 Sep 2024 • 7 min read

Yeet Magazine's Health & Fitness section:

General Nerve Pain and Headaches:

Chiropractic and Stretching:

Vitamins and Supplements for Nerve Health:

Chronic headaches and occipital nerve pain can be debilitating, affecting millions of people globally. But now, a chiropractor from Apex, North Carolina, has gone viral on TikTok for sharing simple, effective techniques to alleviate this discomfort. The practice, Apex Soft Tissues and Spine, has become a go-to source for headache and neck pain relief, and their latest TikTok video is gaining attention for its step-by-step guide to relieving occipital nerve blockage.

The chiropractor, known for their holistic approach to musculoskeletal issues, demonstrates easy, at-home exercises aimed at relieving pressure on the occipital nerve—the nerve located at the base of the skull that can cause tension headaches, neck pain, and sometimes even eye strain. Below, we’ll walk you through the chiropractor's viral video and the exercises they shared.

1. Occipital Release with a Tennis Ball

The first move in the video involves using a simple tennis ball to relieve tension at the base of the skull.

Step 1: Lie flat on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
Step 2: Place a tennis ball under the base of your skull, right at the occipital bone where the head meets the neck.
Step 3: Slowly move your head from side to side, allowing the ball to massage and release tension in this area.
Step 4: Hold this position and gently nod your head up and down for about 1-2 minutes, focusing on slow and controlled movements.

This technique helps alleviate tension in the occipital muscles, which can contribute to nerve impingement and chronic headaches.

2. Chin Tucks for Postural Correction

Poor posture is a leading cause of occipital nerve pain and tension headaches. The chiropractor demonstrates chin tucks as an effective exercise to correct forward head posture.

Step 1: Sit up straight in a chair or on the floor with your back against a wall to maintain proper posture.
Step 2: Gently tuck your chin down and back, as though you’re trying to make a “double chin.”
Step 3: Hold the tuck for 5 seconds, then release. Repeat 10-12 times.

This exercise helps elongate the neck muscles, reducing the compression on the occipital nerve and improving posture, which can significantly reduce the occurrence of headaches.

3. Neck Extension Stretch

Another effective move shown in the TikTok video is the neck extension stretch, which helps to release tight muscles around the base of the skull.

Step 1: Sit in a comfortable position with a straight spine.
Step 2: Place your hands on the back of your head and slowly tilt your head backward, gently pressing your head into your hands to deepen the stretch.
Step 3: Hold this stretch for 10 seconds, then slowly return to a neutral position. Repeat this 3-4 times.

This stretch opens up the space between the vertebrae in the neck, reducing pressure on the occipital nerve and relieving tension in the upper cervical spine.

4. Scalene Muscle Stretch

The scalene muscles run along the sides of the neck and often become tight due to poor posture, contributing to nerve pain. In the video, the chiropractor demonstrates a gentle stretch to relieve tension in these muscles.

Step 1: Sit or stand with a straight back.
Step 2: Gently tilt your head to one side, bringing your ear toward your shoulder, while keeping your shoulders relaxed.
Step 3: Use your opposite hand to gently pull your head toward your shoulder for a deeper stretch.
Step 4: Hold for 10-15 seconds and repeat on the other side.

This exercise helps improve flexibility and releases tension in the neck muscles that can irritate the occipital nerve.

5. Self-Massage Technique

The final move is a self-massage technique focusing on the muscles around the neck and base of the skull.

Step 1: Using your fingertips, gently press into the muscles at the base of your skull, focusing on any tight or tender spots.
Step 2: Apply gentle, circular pressure for about 1 minute, working your way along the length of the upper neck.
Step 3: Gradually increase the pressure as the muscles start to relax, but always avoid pressing directly on the spine.

This massage helps improve circulation and reduce muscle tightness, which can significantly reduce occipital nerve compression and headache severity.

Final Thoughts

The TikTok video from Apex Soft Tissues and Spine offers a simple yet powerful approach to managing occipital nerve pain and chronic headaches. With easy-to-follow steps and no need for fancy equipment, these techniques can be incorporated into any daily routine.

For those suffering from chronic tension headaches or neck pain, this set of exercises might provide much-needed relief. Always consult with a healthcare professional or chiropractor if your symptoms persist or worsen.

The full TikTok video can be found on their profile at @ApexSoftTissuesAndSpine, where they regularly share more tips for improving posture, flexibility, and overall spinal health.

Stay tuned to YEET MAGAZINE for more health and wellness tips, and follow us as we continue to spotlight innovative practitioners making waves in the holistic health space.

Understanding Nerve Pain Relief and Treatment Options
By YEET MAGAZINE

Nerve pain, often called neuropathic pain, can be a challenging condition that impacts millions worldwide. It arises from nerve damage or dysfunction, leading to symptoms such as tingling, numbness, or burning sensations. With a wide variety of medications and treatments available, managing nerve pain requires a tailored approach depending on its root cause.

What Pills Are Nerve Blockers?

Several medications are commonly prescribed to block nerve pain. The most prevalent include gabapentin, pregabalin, and duloxetine. These medications are specifically designed to alleviate nerve pain by affecting the neurotransmitters that send pain signals to the brain.

Gabapentin and pregabalin: These belong to a class of drugs known as anticonvulsants. Initially developed to treat seizures, they are now widely used for nerve pain.
Duloxetine: A serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) that also treats depression and anxiety, this drug can relieve nerve pain by altering the chemical balance in the brain.

While effective, these medications can lead to side effects such as drowsiness, nausea, dizziness, and dry mouth. The severity of side effects varies depending on the individual, and balancing the benefits against the downsides is essential.

What is the Best Nerve Pain Medication?

The "best" nerve pain medication depends on the individual case. For some, gabapentin or pregabalin might provide the most relief, while others might respond better to antidepressants like amitriptyline or duloxetine. Consultation with a healthcare professional is crucial to determine the best option based on the patient's medical history and the underlying cause of the nerve pain.

Which Tablet is Best for Nerve Problems?

Other than the medications mentioned, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen may sometimes be used in less severe cases, though they are typically more effective for inflammatory pain rather than neuropathic pain. However, topical treatments like lidocaine patches may also offer temporary relief by numbing the affected area.

What Stops Nerve Pain Immediately?

Immediate nerve pain relief often requires fast-acting treatments, and while medications may take time to work, topical treatments or nerve blocks can provide more immediate relief. For instance:

Lidocaine patches or creams can numb the skin and temporarily stop pain signals from traveling along the nerve pathways.
Nerve blocks involve injecting anesthetics or steroids directly into the affected area to block pain transmission.

In more severe cases, advanced interventions such as spinal cord stimulation might be recommended.

Which Vitamin is Best for Nerve Repair?

B vitamins, particularly B12, B6, B3, and B1, are crucial for nerve health and repair. These vitamins are known as "neurotropic" because of their role in promoting healthy nerve function. A deficiency in any of these can lead to nerve damage, so supplementation is often recommended to aid in the healing process.

Vitamin B12 is especially vital as its deficiency is directly linked to nerve damage symptoms, including numbness and tingling.

Incorporating a diet rich in these B vitamins or taking supplements under medical supervision can significantly contribute to nerve repair and alleviate symptoms.

What Drink is Good for Nerve Damage?

Staying hydrated is essential for overall nerve health. Water is a fundamental part of nerve function as it helps reduce nerve stress and promotes faster recovery from damage. Consuming sufficient water daily, along with a balanced diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals, supports the body’s natural repair mechanisms.

Other helpful beverages include herbal teas like chamomile or peppermint, known for their anti-inflammatory and calming properties, which may aid in reducing nerve pain.

Final Thoughts

Managing nerve pain requires a multifaceted approach. From medications like gabapentin and duloxetine to essential vitamins and lifestyle changes, there are numerous options available. Whether you’re seeking immediate relief through nerve blockers or aiming for long-term recovery with vitamins and hydration, understanding your condition and working closely with healthcare professionals can significantly improve your quality of life.