Have you experienced a sharp pain at your head’s rear side? The pain slowly affects the part near your eyes and scalp. People with occipital neuralgia also experience these symptoms. This condition causes significant discomfort, which affects your everyday life. Simple tasks become challenging if you feel the aching sensation. Many patients take medications or choose injectable treatments to alleviate the symptoms. But, does occipital neuralgia go away with lifestyle adjustments?
How do occipital neuralgia patients feel?
Some people with occipital neuralgia feel symptoms similar to migraines. So, they consult migraine surgeons for treatment. Migraine is a chronic headache issue. However, headache pain from occipital neuralgia hits the front side of your head. Sometimes, both sides of your head become painful. Your scalp pain may become unbearable.
Lifestyle Tips for Occipital Neuralgia Management
Milder cases are manageable with OTC drugs. But, for severe symptoms, surgery is essential to mitigate your headaches. Although you should consult a doctor, modify your lifestyle for faster results.
1. Maintain sleep posture
A bad sleeping posture causes discomfort and pain. Moreover, you have to create a proper routine for better sleep quality. Every day you must go to bed and wake up at the right time. This practice will control your body’s normal clock. Use quality pillows and mattresses to sustain your neck and prevent pain.
2. Hydrate your body
Dehydration increases the headache risk and causes discomfort. That is why you must drink more water throughout the day. Most experts claim that an adult person should drink 8 glasses of water to maintain hydration and avoid other symptoms.
3. Reduce your stress
Muscle tension increases when you are stressed. So, you should choose stress management techniques like meditation and mindfulness. These are safe practices to lower muscle tightness relaxation. Gentle yoga poses will make your shoulders and neck flexible.
4. Improve your posture
Good posture is vital to every individual. On the contrary, unhealthy sitting posture leads to neck pain and nerve irritation. Especially daily office goers should use standing desks and ergonomic chairs. It is also essential to take a rest every few hours.
Proper alignments with chiropractic treatment help with spinal health restoration. You may also consider physical therapy to ensure better posture and strengthen your neck muscles.
Is a ketogenic diet good for mitigating occipital neuralgia pain?
Food with high fat and low carb is essential for a ketogenic diet. Your natural physiological response to this diet is similar to fasting. The scientifically proven diet helps you achieve ketosis, a metabolic condition. Ketoacidosis is a process when your bloodstream has ketone bodies.
Some researchers claimed it would also help you avoid occipital neuralgia symptoms like pain and inflammation.
But, you cannot manage your weight with a ketogenic diet. Foods included in this type of diet contain saturated fat (red meat and butter). But, you may also consume unsaturated fats, such as plant oils and oily fish.
Which vitamins are best for treating occipital neuralgia?
Vitamin C in citrus fruits helps you boost your immunity. However, it also helps you relieve your pain. Higher vitamin C dosage will alleviate your nerve pain. So, you can avoid taking painkillers for managing symptoms. Choose veggies and fruits rich in this vitamin.
Your food should also contain vitamin D, which facilitates mineral absorption. You will have stronger bones and reduced inflammation. Over time, your headaches will also go away. You may buy vitamin D supplements to get the best result.
What’s more, B vitamins in dairy products and grains improve your nervous system. Take B-complex supplements that will reduce your neuropathic pain and accelerate the nerve fiber repair process.
Other nutrients for occipital neuralgia symptoms
Your daily meal should contain-
- Omega-3 fatty acids- Some people consume fish oil supplements to repair their nerve damage. Consume fish oil, containing fatty acids to maintain your cardiovascular health. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, you will have healthy nerves.
- Magnesium– This mineral is used to treat pain. It blocks the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor, related to your nerve pain. Magnesium lets you treat neuropathic pain. Lack of this element leads to headaches. Thus, purchase high-quality magnesium-rich products for mild headache remedy.
- Alpha-lipoic acid- A rise in blood sugar leads to peripheral nerve damage. But, occipital neuralgia also causes this symptom. Go for leafy veggies especially broccoli as they contain alpha-lipoic acid that helps transform carbohydrates into energy.
What foods must you avoid to prevent occipital neuralgia?
Experts have not mentioned any particular food items that cause occipital neuralgia pain. You should track your regular diet to identify the foods that cause headaches and other symptoms. If your diet lacks supplements and vitamins, your symptoms will become worse.
Look for the best treatment provider
Head trauma and several other factors cause occipital neuralgia. Some patients have tried to adjust their lifestyles to cure the symptoms. Hydration and stress management regulate the pain and other discomfort. However, if you feel severe symptoms, contact the experts at Migraine Surgery Specialty Center. The certified healthcare provider will give you the best treatment for occipital neuralgia
