brand new to ON
 

I have been diagnosed with Occipital Neuralgia. It took six years to finally find a doctor that would play nice and really look into what was wrong. I am sick everyday. I am sorry to say I am glad to find others with ON. This condition has made me absolutely crazy. I have got to where I cannot think clearly because the pain is so intense. I had neck surgery a couple of months ago for 2 herniated discs. I actually had relief for about a week and half, but then the pain gradually returned. I believe the nerve is compressed in some way. Boy , do I want some hope for "fixing" it.
I so understand the alcohol use. The only time I get real relief is when I have several drinks. But then I end up plastered because I don't want it to come back. I don't even like the taste of it but can't wait to get it for the relief. Nothing else touches it.

I wonder if it is the relaxation from alcohol that gives the relief, in which case that would indicate something that is tense or tight is letting go, and the pain eases.
Sounds to me like a soft tissue problem, like sore, tense and knotted muscles. We all have these to some extent, but when we have other problems they can wreak havoc.
You'd be surprised (maybe not) at just how much pain angry muscles can cause. This is what I had-awful headaches for over 20 years. Pain tabs, injections just touched the edges.
My research led me to think I had ON, but my new pain doc found the tight neck muscles.
Remedial massage gave immediate relief, but the problem always came back after 2-3 weeks.
About 6 months ago I found the cure, and have been steadily improving ever since, with not one of those bad headaches since.
I drink 2 teaspoonfuls of magnesium oil, heavily diluted in water, over the day.
Noticed a benefit in a week or 2. Magnesium deficiency is well known as a prime cause of sore muscles.
Just don't expect your doctor to know anything about a non-drug treatment.
You can also get a gel for rubbing directly onto a sore area.
It is magnesium chloride, known as magnesium oil as well.
Highly recommended.

on pain
 

hey man, the beers help me also.I live in Denver and marijuana is a option,what do you think,does it help you?How long have you had on?Do you think you will heal?How did yours happen?Steroid injections seem to help me quite a bit.H ave you tried a series of those?