Arnold's neuralgia and osteopathy
What is Arnold's neuralgia?
Arnold's neuralgia, also known as large occipital neuralgia or Arnoldalgia, is a painful neurological condition that affects many people on a daily basis. It results from irritation or compression of the large occipital nerve, causing intense pain radiating from the neck to the head. As an osteopath in Versailles Chantiers, Marie Messager frequently sees patients suffering from this pathology, often linked to postural tension or trauma. This article, written by an osteopathic expert, aims to provide comprehensive information on Arnold's neuralgia, its causes, symptoms and treatment options, with a particular focus on the osteopathic approach. If you're looking for osteopathic treatment for Arnold's neuralgia in Versailles, find out how a personalized consultation can relieve your pain and restore your well-being.
Anatomy summary: the great occipital nerve (Arnold's nerve)
To fully understand Arnold's neuralgia, it's essential to review the anatomy of the nerve involved. The greater occipital nerve, or Arnold's nerve, is a sensitive branch of the cervical spinal nerve C2. We have two: one on the left and one on the right, symmetrical to cover both hemispheres of the skull.
Presentation: The Great Occipital Nerve is the posterior cutaneous branch that comes from the cervical spinal nerve C2. We have 2 of them, one on the left, one on the right.
Role: Innervation
- Motor of the neck muscles
- Sensitive of the posterior part of the scalp
Trajectory: It crosses the C1-C2 foramen between C1 and C2 via its cervical ganglion and then goes towards the surface of the head by crossing the suboccipital muscles.
Termination: scalp on one side or the other depending on the nerve.
What causes Arnold's neuralgia?
Arnold's neuralgia is not a disease in itself, but the result of nerve suffering due to compression or irritation. The causes are varied, but often linked to biomechanical factors that osteopathy excels at treating. Here are the main ones identified by reliable medical sources
Traumatic causes
- Whiplash: Common in car accidents, falls or contact sports, this trauma causes cervical hyperextension, irritating the nerve at C1-C2.
- Direct impact: Impacts to the head or neck can damage surrounding tissue.
Joint and bone causes
- Upper cervical joint blockages: Dysfunctions of the atlas (C1) or axis (C2) are common, often due to prolonged poor posture (computer work).
- Cervical osteoarthritis: Wear and tear of the joints with age, forming osteophytes that compress the nerve.
- Herniated cervical disc: Protrusion of an intervertebral disc pinching the nerve.
Muscular and postural causes
- Muscle contractures: tension in the sub-occipital or trapezius muscles, amplified by stress or bruxism (night-time teeth grinding).
- Bad posture: Sedentary work, excessive use of smartphones, or sleeping positions.
Other causes
- Inflammatory diseases: rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis.
- Peripheral neuropathies: associated with diabetes or infections.
- Iatrogenic factors: post-operative or misplaced injections.
In practice, as Marie Messager explains in her Versailles Chantiers practice, the most common cause is postural. A comprehensive osteopathic assessment can help identify these factors and prevent recurrences.
What are the symptoms of Arnold's neuralgia?
Main symptoms
- Sharp, radiating pain: A burning or throbbing sensation starting at the base of the neck and moving up towards the back of the head, forming a painful "helmet". It may extend as far as the eye, ear or temple.
- Variable intensity: from moderate to unbearable, often described as an electric shock.
Triggering factors
- Palpation: Pressure on the cervical spine or nerve emergence point (at the back of the skull) exacerbates pain.
- Head movements: Cervical rotation, flexion or extension.
- Prolonged positions: Sitting in front of a screen or lying on an unsuitable pillow.
Associated symptoms
- Increased scalp sensitivity (allodynia).
- Nausea, dizziness or visual disturbances if compression affects adjacent structures.
- Fatigue and irritability due to chronic pain.
Diagnosis of Arnold's neuralgia
Diagnosis is based on a thorough clinical examination. A qualified doctor or osteopath performs neurological and palpatory tests to reproduce the pain. Imaging (MRI, CT scan) can rule out other pathologies such as hernia or tumour. Electromyography is sometimes used to assess nerve conduction.
Treating Arnold's neuralgia
Treatment is aimed at relieving pain and correcting the underlying cause. Osteopathy stands out for its holistic, non-invasive approach, proven effective by numerous testimonials and clinical studies.
Symptoms of Arnold's neuralgia are typically unilateral (one side only), but can be bilateral in rare cases. They sometimes mimic a migraine or tension headache, making differential diagnosis crucial.
Osteopathy and Arnold neuralgia: a personalized approach
As an osteopathic expert, I can confirm that osteopathy effectively treats Arnold's neuralgia by releasing nerve compressions. Our osteopaths start with a complete assessment: tests of the cervical vertebrae, skull, sub-occipital muscles and the whole body (shoulder girdle, thoracic vertebrae, pelvis).
- Techniques: Gentle manipulation of the C1-C2-C3 vertebrae, myofascial release of tense muscles, and cranial techniques to harmonize tension. None is painful, and all are adapted to your age, history and pathologies.
- Benefits: Immediate pain reduction (often as early as the first session), improved cervical mobility and prevention of recurrence.
- Additional advice: stretching exercises (gentle cervical rotation), muscle strengthening (trapezius exercises), and postural ergonomics. If necessary, referral to a physiotherapist or orthoptist for multidisciplinary treatment.
- Kinesiotaping: Application of adhesive strips to relieve muscle tension and support healing.
Other treatments
Preventing Arnold's neuralgia
To avoid recurrences, adopt an ergonomic posture at work, practice daily stretching, and consult an osteopath in Versailles regularly for preventive check-ups. Manage stress through relaxation, and avoid trauma by wearing protective gear during high-risk activities.
Conclusion: consult an expert to relieve your Arnold's neuralgia
Arnold's neuralgia is a painful but treatable condition, especially with osteopathy, which addresses the root causes. At Versailles Chantiers, our osteopaths provide tailored consultations for fast, lasting relief. If you're suffering from radiating neck pain, don't wait: book an appointment via our website or Doctolib for a personalized assessment. Restore your everyday comfort with expert, caring osteopathic treatment for Arnold's neuralgia.
- Medication: Analgesics (paracetamol), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs such as ibuprofen) to manage acute pain.
- Physical therapies: physiotherapy for cervical rehabilitation, mesotherapy (local injections), acupuncture to stimulate nerve points.
- Invasive procedures: Corticosteroid or local anesthetic infiltration; transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TENS) to modulate pain.
- Surgery: Rare, reserved for refractory cases with severe compression.
- Transcutaneous electrical stimulation
An osteopathic-medication combination is often optimal.
Marie Messager
Osteopath
2 rue Alexis de Tocqueville
78000 Versailles
