A night’s sleep is vital for good health and well-being, but it can be challenging to get a good night’s sleep when dealing with occipital neuralgia. Occipital neuralgia is a headache that can cause severe pain in the back of the head and neck. The severe pain is often worse at night, making it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Botox injections are often used to treat occipital neuralgia. The injections help to relax the muscles in the back of the head and neck, which can provide relief from pain.
Read more: Is Relief From Botox Injections Instant?
Read on to understand occipital neuralgia and how you can sleep with it at night.
What Is Occipital Neuralgia?
The occipital nerves are the nerves that run from the back of your head to your scalp. Occipital neuralgia is a type of headache when these nerves are irritated or compressed. It can cause pain in the back of your head and neck, as well as in your temples and behind your eyes.
There are several causes of occipital neuralgia, including:
– pinched nerves
– muscle tension
– inflammation
– injury
What Is It Difficult to Sleep with Occipital Neuralgia?
Here are some reasons why it may be challenging to sleep with occipital neuralgia:
-The pain may wake you up at night.
-You may have trouble falling asleep because of the pain.
-The pain may make it difficult to get comfortable.
-You may have headaches during the day that make it difficult to sleep at night.
-The scalp tenderness may make it difficult to wear a hat or lay your head on a pillow.
Tips To Sleep Better
If you’re one of the people who suffer from chronic pain, you know how difficult it may be to get a good night’s sleep. Pain can make it hard to fall asleep and even harder to stay asleep, leading to fatigue and other problems. Here are tips to help you sleep better with chronic pain.
1) Choose the Right Pillow
If you have neck pain, choose a pillow that supports your neck and keeps your head aligned with your spine. A memory foam pillow or one with built-in neck support is ideal. If you have back pain, choose a pillow that will support your lower back and keep your spine in alignment.
2) Avoid Bending the Neck
When you sleep on your side, place a pillow between your knees to keep your spine in alignment. If you sleep on the stomach, place a pillow under your hips to avoid bending the neck and causing pain.
The proper sleeping position can make a big difference in chronic pain. Sleep on your side or back to avoid putting pressure on the neck or lower back.
3) Use a Cold Pack
Placing a cold pack on your neck for about 15-20 minutes can help to numb the pain and reduce inflammation. Wrap the ice pack in a thin towel so it doesn’t come into direct contact with your skin. You can also try using a low heating pad for short periods throughout the day. Be sure not to fall asleep with the heating pad, as this could cause burns.
4) Avoid Caffeine or Alcohol Before Bed
Caffeine and alcohol can interfere with sleep, so it’s best to avoid them before bed. Caffeine is a stimulant that will keep you awake, while alcohol can make you feel drowsy and wake you up later in the night. Try herbal tea or water if you need to drink something before bed.
APAC is the best pain management center in Indiana. Our team of pain management doctors offers the latest and best treatments for various types of pain, including occipital neuralgia.
