Relief from Occipital and Cervical Pain Through Upper Cervical Care and IMS

by Son’s Rehabilitation Medicine & Chiropractic Clinic in Seoul

A patient recently visited our clinic with persistent pain in the back of the head and neck. The discomfort was mainly located in the bilateral occipital area and sometimes radiated behind the eyes. The patient also reported stiffness in the neck and a constant pulling sensation during movement. Due to the location of the pain, they were deeply worried that it might be a sign of a serious brain disorder.

However, after conducting a thorough neurological and physical examination, no red flags suggesting intracranial pathology were found. Instead, we identified segmental dysfunction in the upper cervical spine (C1 and C2), along with significant tension in the suboccipital muscles, including the rectus capitis posterior major and minor.

We initiated a treatment plan consisting of:

  • Upper cervical chiropractic care tailored to the patient's functional findings

  • Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) targeting the suboccipital and deep cervical muscles

IMS was especially effective in releasing chronic muscular tension and reducing referred pain originating from trigger points. After just a few sessions, the patient reported a dramatic improvement in their symptoms:

  • The occipital headache subsided significantly

  • Neck mobility improved markedly

  • Most importantly, their anxiety about a possible brain disease was greatly relieved

Understanding the Functional Causes Behind Head and Neck Pain
Occipital headaches are often misunderstood and misdiagnosed. In many cases, they are not due to brain issues but are instead linked to mechanical dysfunction of the upper cervical spine and surrounding deep muscles.

Rather than relying on medication or unnecessary imaging, a precise functional diagnosis followed by conservative care such as chiropractic adjustment and IMS can be both effective and empowering for patients.

At Son’s Rehabilitation Medicine Clinic, we are committed to providing non-surgical, evidence-informed solutions to help patients restore function and peace of mind.

👍Consultation and Appointment Information

Son PMR & Chiropractic Clinic( 2nd floor, 229-1 Gucheonmyun-Ro, Gangdongu, Seoul, South Korea) 

by  Dr Son MD & DC 
Contact: 02-482-8875 in Seoul( +82-2-482-8875)

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