Effective Acupuncture in Treating Decade-Long Occipital Neuralgia in an Elderly Patient

BACKGROUND Occipital neuralgia is a headache caused by irritation or damage to the occipital nerves situated at the rear of the head and neck. It is characterized by sharp, stinging, or electric shock-like pain in the distribution area of the occipital nerve, which often causes patients acute pain and discomfort. To report on the feasibility of non-drug therapy in addressing this condition, we present a case report showcasing the remarkable improvement in occipital neuralgia symptoms achieved with a single acupuncture session, followed by a brief period of care. CASE REPORT The patient was a 76-year-old man who had persistent head pain for over a decade. This pain significantly disrupted his daily activities and diminished his quality of life. Seeking to avoid pharmacological treatments, with their associated adverse effects, and invasive surgical procedures, the patient opted for acupuncture treatments. Over a period of 12 days, the patient underwent 6 acupuncture sessions, each carefully planned and performed by a skilled acupuncturist, ensuring utmost safety and precision. Astonishingly, following the very first session, the patient reported significant alleviation from his head pain. CONCLUSIONS Although the initial approach to managing occipital neuralgia often primarily revolves around conservative drug treatment, acupuncture has emerged as a highly effective modality in alleviating pain symptoms associated with this condition. The favorable outcome of this case report provides convincing evidence that acupuncture can serve as a highly advantageous treatment approach for occipital neuralgia. This case report acts as an encouraging starting point, facilitating the investigation of non-invasive and non-pharmacological pain management strategies.