Occipital neuralgia is a condition that arises from compression or damage to the occipital nerves located at the back of the head. It is associated with factors such as neck injuries, degenerative changes in the cervical spine, neck muscle tension, spinal cord injuries, or certain medical conditions (e.g., osteoarthritis). In some cases, there is a type called idiopathic occipital neuralgia, where the cause cannot be identified.

Occipital neuralgia typically causes sharp, burning, throbbing, or shock-like headaches. The pain is felt at the back of the head, behind the ears, or in the neck area, often unilateral but occasionally bilateral.