Superficial Lymph Nodes. 1. While the exact number of lymph nodes varies from individual to individual, there are roughly about 500 to 700 of them in the body. Toxins and debris that drain from the scalp can lead to an infection and cause your occipital lymph nodes to swell. The superficial lymph nodes of the head and neck receive lymph from the scalp, face and neck. Hundreds of lymph nodes make up the human body’s lymphatic system. If you have occipital lymph node swelling, it usually means you have an infection in the scalp or in the head. Lymphatic congestion occurs when the lymphatic system fails to properly drain, and toxins and cellular waste products will therefore accumulate. Occipital lymph nodes are lymph nodes found at the back of the head and near the skull’s occipital bone. Occipital: There are usually between 1-3 occipital lymph nodes. Your lymph nodes are bean-shaped organs that are found all over your body. Knowledge of which nodes drain specific areas will help you search efficiently. Anterior cervical lymph nodes: Lymph nodes nearest the front of your neck are referred to as anterior cervical lymph nodes.It is these nodes that most people have felt at some time when battling the common cold or strep throat. You don’t want to reduce the swelling in your lymph nodes. The occipital purpose is to drain lymph from the scalp and nearby areas. Learning how to drain lymph nodes is not limited to self-massage; you can also go to nurses, physicians, OCT, PTs, and massage therapists to receive manual lymphatic drainage massage. The leaves and flowers activate lymph circulation and can be useful for swollen glands, especially when lymph nodes in the throat, neck, arms, and groin swell or are congested. Following infection, lymph nodes occasionally remain permanently enlarged, though they should be non-tender, small (less the 1 cm), have a rubbery consistency and none of the characteristics described above or below. Lymph nodes block the viruses, bacteria, abnormal cells, or diseased cells that pass through the lymph channels. Manual Lymph Drainage Massage. As the muscles tighten, lymph nodes are squeezed, and lymph is filtered through lymph nodes. The occipital lymph nodes are 1 to 2 cm oval or ball shaped glands. The occipital lymph nodes are located in the back of the head, near the occipital … Large groups or chains of lymph nodes can be found in your neck, under your arms and in your groin (see the image below). 2. This can cause an accumulation of excess lymph fluid in the tissues with damaged drainage, and subsequent swelling which is called lymphedema. Surgery or radiation to your lymph nodes damage your lymph nodes and vessels. In case of occipital lymph nodes, the most likely culprit in cancer is a squamous cell carcinoma of the scalp. When they swell, it can be a sign of infection of the scalp or nearby area. They ultimately drain into the deep lymph nodes. Swollen lymph nodes indicate that there is an infection in your body. If during the removal of lymph nodes the lymph ducts are also damaged, that can prevent normal drainage of lymph through the lymphatic system. It looks like an ulcer or a non-healing wound. ; Posterior cervical lymph nodes: Lying behind the band of muscle that runs on the lateral side of the neck (sternocleidomastoid) lie the posterior nodes. Why Do Lymph Nodes Swell? Things to avoid if you have swollen lymph nodes and thyroid illness The therapist will stroke, tap, push or rub your skin gently in directions that follow the lymphatic system’s structure. Thus, lymph nodes form an important part of the immune system of the body. They are arranged in a ring shape; extending from underneath the chin, to the posterior aspect of the head. Causes of Swollen Occipital Lymph Node. Mullein – this herb treats lymph congestion. Similar to other lymph nodes, occipital lymph nodes are linked to lymphatic vessels, and therefore have an active role in the immune defense system. lymph vessels. That swelling you feel in your lymph nodes – so common in thyroid illness – that is a protective mechanism. A very thorough examination of the area drained by the affected group of lymph nodes is required. It helps in cases of lymphatic congestion and swollen lymph glands, and it also helps to cleanse and nourish the blood. The main function of the lymphatic system is to cleanse toxins and protect against harmful organisms. You don’t want to get lymphatic drainage when you’re dealing with autoimmune conditions.