Hi
Occipital pain is generally caused by C2. If the patient also has retro orbital area pain, C7 can be involved as well. Posture is important. Check to see if the patient has a 'chin poke' posture, eg jutting chin, hyperextended upper Cx, and protracted shoulders.If so, teach shoulder retraction exercises, with the arms held at 90 degrees abduction, elbows at 90 degrees flexion. shoulders, elbows, and wrists are to be held parallel with the floor during an active retraction movement, bringinging the scapulae together.
The patient holds the position for 3 seconds, repeats 3 times, per session, and does 3 sessions daily for a week. In the second week the patient holds for 4 seconds, but repeats 3 times a session 3 times daily. The aim is to build up to 5 second hold 5 times , 5 times a day. This takes a total of 7 weeks, which not only re educates the patients posture, but strengthens the weak rhomoids and stretches tight pectorals.

The patient should be warned of possible increased occipital headache for up to 10 days, sore rhomboids and deltoids.
The levatore scapulae muscles should be checked for trigger points, with deep friction massage, stretches, or dry needling applied as appropriate.