Inflammation of Blood Vessels
Vasculitis is the medical term for blood vessel inflammation. [3] Blood vessel inflammation can cause the blood vessels to thicken and narrow the space available for blood to pass through to vital organs and tissues.
Although the mechanism is not certain, inflammation of blood vessels in the neck or back of the head can cause occipital neuralgia. This may be because inflammation of blood vessels in these areas causes reduced blood flow to the muscles. This may, in turn, increase tension or tightness in the muscles. [4]
Vasculitis is a rare condition and occurrences may be short-term or chronic (long-standing). Some may improve with treatments but most require medication to keep the inflammation in check.