The occipital nerves are located on the back of the neck at the top of the spine and run up into the back of the head. For patients who suffer from headaches that steam from the neck (due to injury, trauma, or nerve inflammation), an occipital nerve block may relieve pain symptoms. The occipital nerve block, is a diagnostic and treatment procedure, consisting of an injection of local anesthetic into the area surrounding the occipital nerves. If the patient experiences relief from pain, a series of injections may be recommended to provide long-term pain relief. Additionally, if pain is severe, occipital nerve stimulation may be recommended to manage the pain more thoroughly.