OCCIPITAL NERVE INJECTION: is used to treat pain related to the occipital nerve. This nerve is a common source of pain in the back of the head often radiating up the back of the head from the base of the skull. A small needle is inserted into the area and a local anesthetic with corticosteroid is injected. Injection of medication blocks the signal from the nerve and the steroid will reduce inflammation around the nerve and thus alleviate pain.