chronic headaches not getting better

Through many tests they have found that I have occipital neurolgia. I am on a muscle relaxer, pain killers, and I get steroid shots in the back of my neck to help stop these headaches. The shots tend to help sometimes but within a week(sometimes less) my headache comes back. I have therapy twice a week and get massages regularly. I've been doing all these shots for about 4 months now and nothing is improving. I am 28 years old and have 2 small children. These headaches keep me away from doing anything in their day to day activites. I am so frustrated and don't know where to go from here. Please give me any advice you can possibly provide. I really need someone to care about my situation. I'm suffering. Thank you.

[Dr Sharma]

Hi there.  Treatment of occipital neuralgia is generally symptomatic and includes massage and rest. Apart from heat, anti inflammatory medications and muscle relaxants, certain drugs like anti depressants are used when pain is particularly severe. Nerve blocks, and steroid injections into the affected areas, peripheral nerve stimulation, steroids, rhizotomy, phenol injections and occipital cryoneurolyis , surgical neuroloysis and micro decompression are used when conservative measures fail. Talk to your neurologist about  these more interventional options since you are in such deep agony. Take care.

[selmaS]

Hi...I am wondering how ur drs got ur dx...what tests were done...and what conditions were ruled out.....????

I am curious to if u ever had a brain MRI?

"selma"

[SLadylani]

One other thing I can add to Dr. Sherman's post is that if you do not have a pain specialist, it might be a good idea to get one. Pain specialist are very knowledgeable in pain management and often times know what other interventions to take what the first choice treatment doesn't work. And the thing I always advocate for is to remember to be a good advocate for yourself, as you certainly do not have to tolerate living in pain, so don't let anyone tell you you do! Let us know how everything is going, and in the meantime, I wish you a painfree nights rest. Take care.

Sara RN