Everyone has two occipital nerves that originate in the cervical spine and enter the scalp. When inflamed or compressed, these nerves can generate pains to the back of the head, which can radiate into and around the eyes. Occasionally, the occipital headache, also know as a tension headache, can be paired with sinus pain--indicating a potential sinus infection. Natural ways to treat occipital headaches with sinus pain should not preclude a visit to the doctor.
Acupuncture and Massage
Followers of Traditional Chinese Medicine believe that occipital and sinus headaches may be contributed to a blockage of Qi, or life-force, in the back of the neck. Acupuncturists use tiny needles to balance the Qi and relieve neck tension, therefore relieving occipital and sinus pains. Massage therapy may relieve tension and renew blood supply to the neck and the back of the head.
Posture Correction
Sitting hunched over a computer for eight hours may contribute to a person's occipital headaches. A repetitive flexed position of the neck places pressure on the occipital nerves and can elicit occipital and sinus pain. Adjusting the workspace to facilitate a straight posture without neck flexion can treat and minimize occipital headaches. The computer screen should be placed at eye level to avoid constant flexion of the head and neck.
Neti Pot
Nasal irrigation has been used for hundreds of years to correct nasal problems. When the sinus and occipital headache is due to sinus congestion, a neti pot may be the answer. A small pot is filled with a saline, or salt, solution and poured into one nostril. The solution gathers excess mucous and debris and flushes it back out the opposite nostril. This procedure is then repeated on the other nostril. According to a report at NPR.org, using a neti pot can reduce sinus pains by 30 to 40 percent.
