What Is the Occipital Nerve?
Occipital Nerve is a group of sensory nerves that carries feeling from the back of the scalp toward the upper neck and head. These nerves arise from the upper cervical spine and help transmit signals related to touch, pressure, and pain. Irritation in this region can contribute to head or neck discomfort.
Quick Facts About Occipital Nerve
Category
Sensory nerve
Used for
Assessing head and upper-neck symptoms
Common confusion
Often confused with the spinal cord
Also called
Greater occipital nerve, Lesser occipital nerve
Often discussed with
Headache Treatment, Neck Pain Treatment
Key Takeaways About Occipital Nerve
- It serves the back and upper side of the scalp.
- Neck tissues can influence symptoms along its pathway.
- It is not the same as the spinal cord.
How Occipital Nerve Works
The Occipital Nerve carries sensory signals from skin and tissues at the back of the scalp. Its pathways begin near the upper cervical spine and travel through muscles and connective tissue toward the head. Pressure or irritation along that route may change how the nervous system processes touch or pain.
Related glossary terms: Cervical Spine, Cervicogenic Headache, Nerve Root.
Clinicians assess the nerve by reviewing symptom location, sensation, neck movement, and nearby muscle tenderness. The cervical spine and surrounding soft tissues can affect the nerve’s pathway. A headache that begins near the upper neck and travels across the scalp may involve this region, although similar symptoms can have other causes.
From the Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractic - Albany team
When we assess the Occipital Nerve during headache care, we review the symptom pattern and examine the upper neck, nearby muscles, and movement. We also consider whether findings fit a nerve-related pattern or point toward another source. Our team uses that information to guide the physical examination and care plan.
Occipital Nerve in Practice: A Real-World Example
A person with a headache that starts near the base of the skull may report tenderness that spreads toward the back of the scalp. During Headache Treatment, the clinician may examine neck motion and nearby tissues to determine whether the occipital nerve pathway appears involved.
Related Services
Related Terms
Cervical Spine
The cervical spine is the neck section of the spinal column, located between the skull and…
Cervicogenic Headache
Cervicogenic Headache is a secondary headache that begins in the neck and sends pain into the…
Nerve Root
A nerve root is the part of a spinal nerve that branches from the spinal cord…
Trigger Point
Trigger Point is a sensitive area within a tight band of skeletal muscle that may produce…
Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractic - Albany
Have Questions About Occipital Nerve?
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