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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can Occipital Protuberance Cause Stress On The Occipital Nerves?

Hi, I suffer from chronic daily migraines (as diagnosed by a neurologist). Recently, I had a lidocaine nerve block for the occipital nerves; it was the first time I ve ever been pain free--for as long as I can remember, I ve always had a low level headache that sometimes evolves into a migraine. While the nerve block didn t last more than an hour, the experience was extraordinary.Interestingly, my physical therapist has noted something about my external occipital protuberance (previous to the nerve block). It s unusually knobby; it sticks out much more dramatically than the average person s. What s more, a load of muscular tension tends to be centered around that point, as well as a minor amount of swelling near the greater occipital nerves. (I ll add that I don t have all of the symptoms of occipital neuralgia--no burning or tingling.) My question is this: could an external occipital protuberance that s grown in such a way cause any amount of stress on the occipital nerves, therefore triggering a 24/7 low level headache? If you could please give your opinion, I m 21 and I m miserable--it was just an idea I ve had.
Tue, 19 Apr 2016
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Neurologist, Surgical 's  Response
Hi,

I am Dr.Bruno. I have read your question and understand your concerns. Let me try to help you

Question 1 : could an external occipital protuberance that s grown in such a way cause any amount of stress on the occipital nerves, therefore triggering a 24/7 low level headache?
Answer 1 : No

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Now
There is something that can cause a big External Occipital Protuberance as well as the headache you have mentioned
It is constant stress and over action of your neck muscles
The pain also will be relieved by nerve block

So, From What You have told me, I think you are suffering from neck muscle fatigue

I suggest you to
1. stop driving 2 wheelers
2. Avoid Pillows
3. Take Bed Rest as much as possible
For two weeks and see whether there is any improvement in the headache

In Most Cases, you will see appreciable improvement

If you need any clarification / have doubts / have additional questions / have follow up questions, then please do not hesitate in asking again. I will be happy to answer your questions.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care.
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Can Occipital Protuberance Cause Stress On The Occipital Nerves?

Hi, I am Dr.Bruno. I have read your question and understand your concerns. Let me try to help you Question 1 : could an external occipital protuberance that s grown in such a way cause any amount of stress on the occipital nerves, therefore triggering a 24/7 low level headache? Answer 1 : No Hope you found the answer helpful. Now There is something that can cause a big External Occipital Protuberance as well as the headache you have mentioned It is constant stress and over action of your neck muscles The pain also will be relieved by nerve block So, From What You have told me, I think you are suffering from neck muscle fatigue I suggest you to 1. stop driving 2 wheelers 2. Avoid Pillows 3. Take Bed Rest as much as possible For two weeks and see whether there is any improvement in the headache In Most Cases, you will see appreciable improvement If you need any clarification / have doubts / have additional questions / have follow up questions, then please do not hesitate in asking again. I will be happy to answer your questions. Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care.