If you suffer from frequent migraines or tension headaches that disrupt your daily life, you’re not alone. Millions of Americans experience chronic head pain, often without finding lasting relief from medications alone.
At TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre Indiana, we offer a targeted, non-surgical solution: sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) nerve blocks. This innovative treatment can significantly reduce the frequency, intensity, and duration of migraines and facial pain by calming overactive nerve signals.
What Is the SPG?
The sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) is a bundle of nerves located behind the nose, deep within the skull. It’s connected to several areas responsible for pain perception, including the brainstem, face, eyes, jaw, and sinus cavities.
When overactive or irritated, the SPG can contribute to:
- Chronic migraines
- Cluster headaches
- Tension headaches
- Facial pain
- TMJ-related headaches
By gently blocking this nerve cluster, we can “reset” the pain pathways and provide lasting relief from headache cycles.
How Does an SPG Nerve Block Work?
The procedure involves applying a small amount of anesthetic to the SPG through the nasal passages using a soft, flexible applicator. This numbs the nerve bundle temporarily, which helps break the cycle of pain and reduce inflammation in surrounding tissues.
At TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre Indiana, we use a minimally invasive, non-needle technique that is well tolerated by most patients.
Benefits of SPG Nerve Blocks
✅ Fast-acting relief – Many patients feel better within minutes
✅ Non-surgical and drug-free – No long-term medications required
✅ Can reduce the frequency and severity of future headaches
✅ Safe, well-tolerated, and repeatable
✅ Effective for both migraines and facial pain
This treatment is particularly helpful for patients who haven’t found success with traditional migraine medications or want to reduce their dependence on prescription drugs.
What Conditions Can SPG Blocks Help With?
- Migraine headaches
- Cluster headaches
- TMJ-related headaches
- Atypical facial pain
- Trigeminal neuralgia
- Post-traumatic headache
- Tension-type headaches
It’s also sometimes used as part of multi-modal pain management for complex cases of facial or neck pain.
What to Expect During the Procedure
- Consultation
- We’ll review your symptoms, headache history, and prior treatments.
- If SPG blocks are a good fit, we’ll explain the steps and schedule the treatment.
- The Procedure
- While lying down, a small device is inserted gently into each nostril to deliver the anesthetic.
- The entire procedure takes about 10–15 minutes.
- Aftercare
- You’ll rest for a short time afterward. Some patients experience mild nasal numbness or a slight bitter taste, but no downtime is needed.
- Results
- Relief can be immediate, though some patients may need a series of blocks for full benefit.
Are SPG Blocks Safe?
Yes—SPG nerve blocks are very safe when administered by trained professionals. There’s no cutting, needles, or sedation involved. Side effects are rare and typically mild.
Many patients report fewer headache days per month and an overall reduction in the need for migraine medications after a series of treatments.
FAQs About SPG Nerve Blocks
Is this treatment painful?
No. It may feel like a light pressure or cooling sensation in the nose, but most patients tolerate it very well.
How long does the relief last?
Some patients feel immediate relief that lasts for days or weeks. A series of treatments may offer longer-lasting results.
Is this covered by insurance?
In many cases, yes—especially if migraines or facial pain have been previously diagnosed. We’ll help you verify your benefits.
Can I combine this with other treatments?
Absolutely. SPG blocks often work best as part of a broader care plan that may include TMJ orthotics, laser therapy, or regenerative injections.
Take Control of Chronic Headaches
If you’re living with frequent migraines, facial pain, or TMJ-related headaches, you don’t have to keep pushing through the pain. SPG nerve blocks offer a fast, targeted way to calm overactive pain pathways and finally find relief.
Let our experienced team at TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre Indiana create a personalized treatment plan that works for your lifestyle and long-term wellness.
👉 Request an Appointment to see if SPG nerve blocks are right for you.