I have been teaching self administration of SPG Blocks for over 30 years as an effective, patient friendly method of controlling orofacial pain, migraines, cluster headaches, tension headaches, sinus headaches, anxiety and many other common problems. I just came across this article from over 20 years ago endorsing this great technique.
The Sphenopalatine Ganglion is also known as the Nasal Ganglion, the Pterygopalatine Ganglion and Sluder’s Ganglion. It is located in the Pterygopalatine fossa behind the nose.
The transnasal approach is easily learned by patient allowing them incredible control over pain with utilizing opiates. The use of cotton-tipped nasal catheters rather than Q-tips is an enormous advancement.
Injections of the Sphenopalatine Ganglion can often quickly turn off even the most severe migraines in minutes. The SupraZygomatic Injection is especially effective, does not require fluoroscopy or anesthesia.
While acute migraine or cluster can be turned off by SP:G Blocks they can also be prevented when utilized prophylactically.
SPG Blocks are one of the most effective prophylactic approaches to migraines.
Combining SPG Blocks with trigger point injections, spray and stretch techniques, ULF-TENS and Neuromuscular Orthotics can eliminate or ameliorate almost all headaches.
Unlike Botox no dangerous neurotoxins are involved in SPG Blocks. It is a safer and are effective alternative to BOTOX.
The book “MIRACLES ON PARK AVENUE” was written about a NYC ENT DrMilton Reder whose entire practice was the use of SPG Blocks to treat a wide variety of painful and dangerous medical conditions. Dr Reder would utilize SPG Blocks on patients with back pain and fibromyalgia and many other disorders. These videos are patients I have taught to eliminate pain with transnasal spg blocks that are self administered. The first one is back pain:
This second video is Jaw pain and neck pain after an accident:
The third video is a Fibromyalgia patient:
I have been treating patients in the Midwest and specifically the Chicago area with SPG Blocks for over 30 years. Patient frequently come from out of town to learn to self administer SPG Blocks.
Self administration can often be a life changing treatment. Allowing patients to avoid countless trips to ER’s and physicians offices, save thousands and thousands of dollars and avoid unnecessary suffering.
Cranio. 1995 Jul;13(3):177-81.
Sphenopalatine ganglion block: a safe and easy method for the management of orofacial pain.
Peterson JN1, Schames J, Schames M, King E.
Author information
Abstract
The sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) block is a safe, easy method for the control of acute or chronic pain in any pain management office. It takes only a few moments to implement, and the patient can be safely taught to effectively perform this pain control procedure at home with good expectations and results. Indications for the SPG blocks include pain of musculoskeletal origin, vascular origin and neurogenic origin. It has been used effectively in the management of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, cluster headaches, tic douloureux, dysmenorrhea, trigeminal neuralgia, bronchospasm and chronic hiccup.