SPG Nerve Block and Allergy Testing

What is SPG?

The Sphenopalatine Ganglion (SPG) is a collection of nerve cells located behind the bony structures of the nose. These nerve cells are closely associated to the main nerve involved with headache pain called the trigeminal nerve. The pain attributed to cluster headaches and migraines can be caused by the inflammation of the blood vessels in the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord, the meninges. This inflammation activates pain receptors that send pain impulses through the trigeminal nerve, to the sensory area of the brain, and are then perceived as pain.

What is a SPG Nerve Block?

In a SPG block, an anesthetic agent is administered to the collection of nerves in the ganglion through the noise. The procedure is performed with a small applicator inserted through the nostril to the back of the nasal cavity. The anesthetic agent is then applied and absorbed into the SPG, effectively blocking those pain impulses.


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How Long Does The Nerve Block Last?​​​​​​

The duration of pain relief is variable, with most patients experiencing relief after the first few treatments. Our clinic standard protocol dictates two applications a week for six weeks, resulting in reduced frequency and severity of chronic migraine pain. These benefits should continue, with most patients not experiencing any recurrent migraines during that time.


How would I know if SPG is right for me?

If you notice your headaches and migraines have not decreased in either severity and/or frequency after several adjustments, ask your chiropractor to help you set up a consultation with one of our medical providers. The medical staff at VSC will be able to answer any questions you may have and get you on your way to a headache free life! Sometimes non-severe allergies can cause pesky, constant, and dull headaches. After a few chiropractic adjustments and working the muscles in the area, if those headaches have not gone away, we will recommend allergy testing. VSC is not only a chiropractic office, but we are also a wellness clinic trying our best to make you better any way we can!​​​​​​​


Allergy Testing

Allergies start with the immune system mistaking harmless, everyday, common substances for something dangerous.
The immune system will create antibodies to try to protect the body and keep those antibodies on alert in case they come in contact with the allergen again.

What are some common allergy symptoms?

Drug Allergy: hives, itchy skin, rash, facial swelling, wheezing, or anaphylaxis.
Insect Bite/Sting: swelling around the site, itching or hives, cough, wheezing, shortness of breath.
Food Allergy: tingling in the mouth, hives, nausea, anaphylaxis, or swelling of lips, tongue, and throat.
Allergic Rhinitis: sneezing, itchy nose or eyes, headaches, running nose, watery or swollen eyes.


Why Would I Get Tested At My Chiropractic Office?

Sometimes non-severe allergies can cause pesky, constant, and headaches. After a few chiropractic adjustments and working the muscles in the area, if those headaches have not gone away, we will recommend allergy testing. VSC is not only a chiropractic office, we are a wellness clinic trying our best to make you better any way we can!