Pain Behind Your Eyeball? What Is It and How Can You Get Rid of It?

Many people experience headaches or tension in the neck and shoulders, but when pain radiates behind your eyeball, it’s a whole new level of discomfort and you start to wonder what is going on?! And more importantly, how can you get relief?

Do you feel pain along your neck that shoots across your face or to the top of your head, eventually settling behind your eyes? Are you left wondering what’s going on and how to make it stop? If this sounds like you, you might be dealing with a condition called Greater Occipital Neuralgia.

What Is Greater Occipital Neuralgia?

Greater Occipital Neuralgia is a condition often diagnosed by an ophthalmologist or neurologist. It occurs when the greater occipital nerve — a nerve that exits the skull at the base of the neck — becomes compressed or irritated. This nerve irritation leads to the classic symptom of pain radiating behind one or both eyes.

This condition can be triggered by several factors, including:

The result? Persistent, sharp, or throbbing eye pain that often feels impossible to relieve.

Symptoms of Greater Occipital Neuralgia

While symptoms can vary, common signs include:

What Can You Do to Relieve the Pain?

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, don’t panic! Here are actionable steps you can take today to start alleviating the discomfort:

1. Apply Heat

Using heat along the back of your neck can help reduce muscle tension and ease the pressure these muscles are putting on the nerves that cause this discomfort. A heating pad or warm towel can work wonders when applied for 10-15 minutes at a time.

2. Incorporate Gentle Neck Stretches

Stretching can relieve tension in the neck and shoulders, improving flexibility and reducing nerve compression. Try these stretches:

Levator Stretch: Place one hand on top of your shoulder and the other on your head. Gently tilt your nose toward your armpit until you feel a stretch from the back of the neck to the shoulder blade. Hold for 30 seconds and repeat three times on each side.

Upper Trapezius Stretch: Bring one arm behind your back and tilt your ear toward the opposite shoulder. For a deeper stretch, use your other hand to gently guide your head. Hold for 30 seconds and repeat three times on each side.

3. Seek Professional Help

While self-care can be helpful, persistent pain often requires expert guidance. Are you struggling to find a solution for your neck or eye pain? A skilled physical therapist can:

• • Assess your neck alignment and posture

• • Identify muscle tension and trigger points

• • Evaluate your range of motion and ensure safe movement

• • Strengthen your upper body to support better posture

• • Develop a personalized plan to relieve eye pain and prevent it from recurring
  

Why Choose Physical Therapy for Eye and Neck Pain?

Unlike generic treatments or over-the-counter pain relief, physical therapy addresses the root cause of your symptoms. Here’s how:

Don’t Let Eye Pain Hold You Back

Living with unrelenting eye pain can be frustrating and even debilitating, but you don’t have to suffer in silence. Greater Occipital Neuralgia is treatable, and the sooner you address it, the sooner you can get back to doing the things you love.

Take the first step toward relief today. Call our office at 410-782-3152 to schedule a free phone consultation or a Breakthrough Visit with one of our skilled physical therapists. You’ll get personalized advice, answers to your questions, and a roadmap for recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I know if my pain is Greater Occipital Neuralgia or a migraine?While migraines and Greater Occipital Neuralgia can share similar symptoms, such as pain behind the eyes and sensitivity to light, Greater Occipital Neuralgia often involves sharp, shooting pain that starts at the base of the skull and radiates forward. A healthcare professional can help differentiate between the two.

2. Can poor posture really cause this condition?Yes! Poor posture, especially when working at a desk or using a phone, can strain the neck muscles and compress the greater occipital nerve over time.

3. How long does it take to see results from physical therapy?Most patients notice improvement within a few sessions. However, the exact timeline depends on the severity of your condition and your adherence to the recommended treatment plan.

4. Can I treat this condition at home?While home remedies like heat and stretching can provide temporary relief, they may not address the root cause. For lasting results, professional evaluation and treatment are highly recommended.

5. Do I need a referral to see a physical therapist?In many cases, you can see a physical therapist without a referral. Contact our office to find out how to get started.

Your Road to Relief Starts Here

Don’t let eye and neck pain disrupt your life. At Breakaway PT, we’re here to help you recover faster, feel stronger, and get back to the activities you enjoy. Call 410-782-3152 today—your eyes (and neck) will thank you!

We look forward to meeting you soon.

Shaina Clemons, DPT