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5/5
“Susan has been my ‘go-to’ practitioner for many years. I have a history of headaches, TMJ and neck pain and she has provided the least invasive treatments
with the greatest benefits.”
Randee G.
Randee G.
WHAT DOES OCCIPITAL NEURALGIA FEEL LIKE?
- Intense pain that can be sharp, piercing, throbbing, jabbing, or electric shock in the upper neck and into the back of the head.
- It typically starts at the junction of the upper neck and base of the head and travels upward into the scalp
- Pain on one or both sides of the head
- Pain behind the eye
- Sensitivity to light
- Tender scalp
- Pain when you move your neck
WHAT IF MY OCCIPITAL NEURALGIA PERSISTS?
Occipital neuralgia can become chronic, even causing debilitating pain. Your body may try to compensate to accommodate occipital neuralgia pain by changing the position of the head and neck. These compensations may lead to dysfunction and pain in other areas of your body, including your neck and back. Therefore, it is important to seek attention for your occipital neuralgia before it causes additional problems.
HOW DOES OCCIPITAL NEURALGIA DEVELOP?
Occipital neuralgia develops from pressure to the greater and lesser occipital nerves, which are located at the back of the head. The nerves become entrapped and irritated, resulting in inflammation and pain. This can be precipitated by tight neck muscles, a prior injury or even scar tissue from surgery.
WHAT ARE SOME WAYS I CAN MANAGE MY OCCIPITAL NEURALGIA?
You may benefit from the use of moist heat for 15-20 minutes, gentle massage, and rest to help reduce the symptoms. Be sure to use only one pillow to cradle your head while sleeping at night.
HOW CAN BALTIMORE HOLISTIC PHYSICAL THERAPY HELP?
Occipital nerves are the source of some headaches.
Baltimore Holistic Physical Therapy addresses the cause of the nerve irritation, which is most important in order to reduce inflammation and pain. Your program includes correcting the postures which cause nerve irritation, and reducing tension and restrictions in the neck and back of the head. This is achieved by a combination of manual therapies, exercises and instruction in proper positioning.
This holistic approach is designed for you to minimize your time spent in the physical therapy office and maximize your quality of life as quickly as possible. This will help you achieve both, short term and long term health.
What Our Patients Have To Say
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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
A: Firstly, I don’t believe in doing what didn’t work before. Many physical therapy practices approach a problem by going to the painful region. Oftentimes, this is a very temporary fix. By taking a holistic, hands-on approach, I understand that your pain may be coming from another part of the body, or even have multiple sources, including posture. By individualizing your treatment, I concentrate on healing and re-balancing the body, to manage your pain and lessen the chance of it returning. Then, I teach you how to manage your posture and movement.
A: Treatments for headaches or other pain from a recent problem will generally benefit from 2 treatment sessions for the first 2 weeks, then 1 session per week. Older conditions will benefit from 2 treatment sessions for the first week and then 1 session per week. Wellness sessions to rebalance and optimize the body for healthy aging range from a single session every month to once every six months and will be recommended on an individual basis.
A: An initial evaluation will take 1 hour. (Scar adhesion or sinus treatments only require 45 minutes.) Most follow-up treatments will be done in 30 minute sessions; multiple body areas may require 45 minutes
A: Any heavy exercise or recreational program should be done prior to the physical therapy or wellness session and then not for 24 hours after, in order for the body to adjust itself to the changes in muscle balance.
A: I will teach you techniques to perform on yourself if there is a flare-up and instruct you on proper body mechanics and ergonomics.
A: It is a facial aesthetics program of wrinkle reduction and facial rejuvenation using hands-on physical therapy and osteopathic techniques which may reduce the signs of aging in the face and neck. A FREE HEALTHY AGING CONSULTATION is available. See Refacée®
A: Wellness programs for healthy aging are not covered by most insurances, but may be reimbursable through a Healthcare Savings Account (HSA). A written bill and receipt will be provided upon your request. Although I do not participate in or bill insurance directly, I will provide a bill for you to submit to your insurance for reimbursement, upon request. As there are many types of insurance plans with each provider, it is your responsibility to understand the terms of your insurance. *Those with Medicare Part B insurance from CMS will only be allowed to be part of the Healthy Aging program, NOT for physical therapy treatment. Please see Payment Terms and Policies.
A: Appointments may be made in the following ways: Please call 410-665-3223 Email: Dr.Susan@baltimoreholisticpt.com
