Occipital Neuralgia

Trauma such as car accidents or falls can lead to microfractures in the cervical facet joints, ligament damage, and fascial scar formation, which chronically irritate the greater occipital nerve (originating from the C2 nerve root). If accompanied by limited rotational function of the first and second cervical vertebrae, the nerve is repeatedly compressed, causing the pain to become more entrenched. Even if imaging tests show no abnormalities, a clinical evaluation is essential because functional joint limitation and myofascial adhesions may be the underlying causes. From a Korean medicine perspective, traumatic occipital neuralgia corresponds to a type where clotted blood accumulates and vital energy (Qi) becomes stagnant at the site of injury. If localized blood stasis remains after a blow, the circulation of Qi and blood is blocked, preventing the passageway from opening, and pain persists in proportion to the blockage. To relieve the stagnation of Qi and blood flowing along the neck and back that has accumulated in the occipital region and the back of the neck, adhesions are separated using standard and micro-blade needles, while heated needles are used to induce the regeneration of damaged ligaments and fascia. In terms of oral treatment, the focus is on reducing recurrence by formulating herbal medicine tailored to the patient's condition to dissolve clotted blood and promote Qi and blood circulation.