what causes occipital neuralgia
What causes occipital neuralgia? Occipital neuralgia is caused by multiple factors. The most common cause of occipital neuralgia is head trauma. Injury to the neck, such as whiplash, may result in inflammation and damage to the occipital region, causing nerve irritation and pain. Occipital neuralgia may be caused by pinching or trapping of the nerve root in the neck, with tight muscles, tumors, and certain spine conditions being the most common causes. Less commonly, occipital neuralgia may be caused by diabetes or gout. In some cases, however, the cause is not known.