Tell us about your symptoms and treatment experience. Take our survey here.

caret icon Back to all discussions

Any Help for Neck Muscle + Occipital Nerve Based Migraine?

My migraines are increasing every week and it's insane. I'm taking sumatriptan and it helps, mostly. But I am taking more than I'd like and having too many migraines every week. I've tried all kinds of stuff to try to reduce the neck muscle strain that seems to cause the occipital nerve to flair and the migraines to kick off. But in my reading and research, I haven't seen much about this type of migraine. Any pointers?

  1. Hi Communityguy, thank you for reaching out! I hear how much pain you are enduring with your neck and the ways it seems to be contributing to your migraine symptoms. I hope you are able to find a treatment and/or techniques to offer you some relief! Constantly increasing pain is so miserable. Please keep us posted on how you are managing. Wishing you a gentle day. ~Allyson (Migraine.com team)

    1. Hi communityguy,


      I’m so sorry to hear about your ON pain. I have this condition as well, and the pain is everyday and gets unbearable at times.
      I get nerve blockers every 3 months, give myself an Aimovig shot once a month, and take Zomig. The only thing that really helps is dry needling that my PT does. It releases a lot of the neck muscle tension and is more effective than all of the other treatments. I would definitely look into this as an option!


      Keep me posted please!

      1. Thanks so much for taking the time to share the various strategies that work for you to manage occipital nerve pain. It's great that you were willing to take the time to share the wisdom you've earned and resources you've gathered. Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).

    2. Yes ma’am, I know how miserable, painful debilitating it is. Glad to help any way I can!

      Please read our rules before posting.