Third occipital nerve block and radiofrequency ablation

Abstract

Pain stemming from the C2–C3 zygapophyseal (facet) joint is named “third occipital headache” as the joint is innervated by the third occipital nerve. It is seen in 27 % of patients presenting with cervicogenic headache after whiplash injury. Tenderness over the C2–C3 joint is the only suggestive physical examination finding, and a diagnostic third occipital nerve block is essential to confirm the diagnosis.