Occipital Nerve Block

If you're experiencing persistent headaches, neck pain, or sharp shooting pain at the back of your head, an occipital nerve block may provide the targeted relief you need. Our experienced pain management specialists at Synergy Health Partners use this minimally invasive procedure to interrupt pain signals and help you return to comfortable daily activities.

Comprehensive headache and neck pain care—all under one roof.

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Take the first step toward lasting relief with a personalized consultation from our board-certified pain management specialists.
(947) 243-2604

Your Treatment Options for Occipital Nerve Block

At Synergy Health Partners, we offer both diagnostic and therapeutic occipital nerve blocks performed by fellowship-trained pain management physicians. Our comprehensive approach includes advanced imaging guidance and personalized follow-up care to maximize your treatment success.
  • Board-certified pain management specialists with extensive nerve block experience
  • Fluoroscopy-guided precision for optimal needle placement and safety
  • Comprehensive evaluation to identify underlying causes of your pain
  • Coordinated care with physical therapy and other specialists as needed

Non-Surgical Treatments

Start With the Least-Invasive Options

Most patients improve without surgery. Our team takes a conservative-first approach with treatments designed to reduce pain, improve strength, and prevent future flare-ups.

Non-Surgical Pain Management Treatments

  • Diagnostic Occipital Nerve Block This initial procedure helps confirm that your occipital nerves are the source of your pain. Using fluoroscopic guidance, our specialists inject a local anesthetic near the affected nerves to temporarily block pain signals.
    • Confirms diagnosis of occipital neuralgia
    • Provides immediate but temporary pain relief
  • Therapeutic Occipital Nerve Block For longer-lasting relief, we combine local anesthetic with corticosteroid medication. This treatment reduces inflammation around the nerves and can provide pain relief lasting several months.
    • Extended pain relief lasting 3-6 months
    • Reduces inflammation and nerve irritation
  • Ultrasound-Guided Blocks Our advanced ultrasound technology allows for real-time visualization of nerve structures, ensuring precise medication placement while avoiding blood vessels and other sensitive tissues.
    • Enhanced safety with real-time imaging
    • Improved accuracy for optimal results
  • Physical Therapy Integration Following your nerve block, our physical therapists work with you to address muscle tension, posture issues, and movement patterns that may contribute to occipital nerve irritation.
    • Targeted exercises to reduce muscle tension
    • Posture training and ergonomic education
Star
Many patients experience significant pain reduction within hours of their occipital nerve block, with therapeutic blocks providing relief lasting 3-6 months in most cases.

Surgical Options

If Surgery is Right for You

Procedures are determined after evaluation—this list is for education only.

Surgical Pain Management Procedures

  • Radiofrequency Ablation For patients who achieve good but temporary relief from nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation offers longer-lasting results. This procedure uses controlled heat to interrupt pain signals from the occipital nerves for 6-12 months or more.
  • Occipital Nerve Stimulation This advanced treatment involves placing small electrodes near the occipital nerves to deliver mild electrical impulses that modify pain signals. The procedure is typically considered for patients with chronic occipital neuralgia who haven't responded to other treatments.
  • Peripheral Nerve Decompression In select cases where occipital nerve compression is caused by tight muscles or fascial bands, surgical decompression may be recommended. This outpatient procedure creates more space for the nerve to reduce irritation and pain.
Star
Over 85% of our patients who undergo radiofrequency ablation experience significant pain reduction lasting 8-12 months, with many able to reduce their pain medication usage.

What to Expect

1

Comprehensive Evaluation

Your pain specialist will review your symptoms, medical history, and imaging studies to confirm that occipital neuralgia is the source of your pain and determine if you're a good candidate for nerve blocks.

2

Pre-Procedure Preparation

We'll explain the procedure, answer your questions, and provide specific instructions. The treatment is performed as an outpatient procedure, typically taking 15-30 minutes.

3

Image-Guided Injection

Using fluoroscopy or ultrasound guidance, your physician will precisely place the needle near the affected occipital nerve and inject the medication. Most patients experience minimal discomfort during the procedure.

4

Recovery and Monitoring

You'll rest in our recovery area for 15-30 minutes while we monitor your response to the injection. Most patients can return home the same day with a driver.

5

Follow-Up Care

We'll schedule follow-up appointments to assess your pain relief and determine if additional treatments are needed. Our team coordinates with your other healthcare providers to optimize your overall care plan.

REAL EXPERIENCES—FROM EVALUATION THROUGH RECOVERY.

What Patients Say

VM
I love this doctor office and the staff is so very nice
TJ
Dr.Kassa is very pleasant, genuinely shows care & concern. He asks questions, answer questions & listens with intent. The Medical Assistants are friendly & professional as well as the office staff.
SM
I had never seen a Pain Management Doctor. I saw Dr Kassa because that’s who my spine doctor recommended. Dr Kassa is down to earth, and I didn’t feel any pressure from him to have a procedure done. I’ve tried PT and medication. Which hasn’t helped. He suggested injections which were my next option. My spine doctor said the same thing. He explained the procedure. He even said if he doesn’t feel comfortable and can’t locate the right spots for the injections he will not continue. That is being honest and he’s looking out for my best interest. Not all doctors would do that. I had questions and he politely answered all of them. Never rushed me. He told me his surgical schedule will contact me either that day or the following to get this scheduled. I saw him on Tuesday. It’s now Friday and haven’t heard from Michelle the surgical schedule. Who’s dropping the bomb on this? I’m not happy not hearing from her and getting my procedure scheduled. I will be sedated so I need to have a drive. This puts me in a predicament without much notice. I was hoping to have this scheduled this week so I could take care of what I need to do and not feel rushed. I know everyone is busy with their jobs and maybe she didn’t get my paperwork. I hope I get a call from someone today (1/30/27). *You will not be disappointed with Dr Kassa!
SL
Dr. Kassa is knowledgeable, caring, and takes the time to really listen. I always feel comfortable, respected, and confident in the care I receive. Highly recommend!
SK
Amazing Dr. Great staff highly recommend this office to everyone possible. If you have a problem, come here, they will help you
RM
Dr. Brian Kassa listens to his patients and address the issue as needed.
RS
Wonderful meeting with Dr. Kassa- he is genuine with his care and support of his Patients, including me!
MM
Dr. Kassa, he explained everything he was going to do before the test, NO SURPRISES. Dr Kassa was easy to talk to, we shared a few stories and a few laughs. 👍👍👍👍👍
KR
Such a wonderful dr and wonderful place
LM
I saw Dr. Kassa on Thurs Jan 8th for help on my destroyed neck due to crashing head first into the back of a surf pool. I've lived with this for 15 yrs. Listen my friends, Dr. Kassa took his time discussing my injury. He offered two choices for me. Surgery or injections. I chose the injections for the time being. If the injections don't work we'll do the surgery. This Dr is spot on. I truly respect this man and would choose no other but him to work on my neck! If at all possible plz choose Dr Kassa for any neck procedure. Love this Dr. He's respectful, listens to his patient and seems to be extremely knowledgeable. Nothing but respect for him!
KG
Dr.Kassa and staff was very nice and patient with me , I was able to ask questions and get answers, love this here
JW
Mike was very thorough.
JM
Always friendly, the whole staff
J
Dr. Kassa is very knowledgeable. He has worked with me, offering best in care and providing me options and choices as we treat my ongoing conditions. Dr. Kassa is a God Send 🙌
JL
Very extremely disappointed! No American Sign Language interpreter today. I wanted to share very important issues but I prefer interpreter cuz they can explain better than I do. Dr. Kassa did good job for injected my back. I hope?
JL
Very good and truthfully .
IR
He is a very good doctor who knows what he’s doing!!!
HC
Love Dr Kassa and staff is great I recommend if you need pain Dr
DP
Very short wait. Friendly staff. Dr Kassa was too busy to see me, but saw his PA instead. That was fine. She was very knowledgeable and thorough. Answered all my questions and gave me helpful suggestions 🙂
CF
It was great🫶🏾
CC
The entire staff was professional and very friendly , Dr. Brian Kassa is very competent and compassionate Doctor that cares about his patients. 5 Star service !!
AB
Dr Kassa is the best. He actually cares about you which is so uncommon in the world we live in nowadays. 5/5 would recommend to my mom or my sister.

Your Pain Management Experts

Meet the providers who specialize in Pain Management

Pain Management

Anthony J. Oddo, DO

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4.9
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Pain Management

Brian Kassa, DO

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4.8
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Pain Management

Hanish Singh, MD

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4.6
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Pain Management

Jack Belen, MD

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5.0
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Pain Management

Kevin R. Lee, MD

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5.0
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View Pain Management Team

Pain Management Care Near Me

Auto Accident Care

Troy

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5107 Rochester Rd.,Troy. MI 48085 • (855) 750-5757
Auto Accident Care

Sterling Heights

Directions
35735 Mound Rd, Sterling Heights, MI 48310 • (586) 261-1960
Surgical Centers

Synergy Surgery Center

Directions
5504 E. 12 Mile Road, Warren, MI 48071 • (586) 838-2035
Full-Service Clinics

Southfield

Directions
29275 Northwestern Hwy, #207, Southfield, MI 48034 • (855) 750-5757
Auto Accident Care

Port Huron

Directions
600 Fort St #100, Port Huron, MI 48060 • (810) 987-9871
Surgical Centers

Genesys
Surgery Center

Directions
35735 Mound Rd, Sterling Heights, MI 48310 • (855) 750-5757
Auto Accident Care

Livonia

Directions
36622 Five Mile Rd, Suite 101, Livonia, MI 48154 • (855) 750-5757
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PROVEN RESULTS

Why Choose Synergy?

Our fellowship-trained pain management specialists have performed thousands of occipital nerve blocks, combining advanced techniques with comprehensive care coordination.
0 %

Patient Satisfaction Rate

(6 Month Follow-up)

0 %

Significant Pain Reduction

(First Treatment)

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Return to Normal Activities

(Within 1 Week)

Data Source: CODE Technology PRO Surveys (2025).