Chronic Migraine Treatment Nerve Block: What You Need to Know

Failed pills and constant light pain leave chronic migraine sufferers with few clear options for relief. Expert nerve blocks target specific clusters to reduce the frequency and intensity of your worst headache days. Our team in Schertz provides these exact treatments in a kind and calm clinical environment.

A chronic migraine treatment nerve block works by injecting a numbing agent near specific nerve clusters to stop pain signals from reaching the brain. This direct approach helps patients who do not find success with standard drugs or who suffer from fifteen or more headache days every month. Clinical studies in The Journal of Headache and Pain show that these outpatient blocks reduce attack count for weeks or months.

Book Appointment with our team to find out if nerve blocks are right for your migraine care plan.

Many patients wonder if their symptoms qualify for this type of direct care. Finding the right path starts with understanding chronic migraine and when nerve blocks can help.

Understanding Chronic Migraine and When Nerve Block Treatment Can Help

Chronic migraine affects about 1 to 2 percent of the global population and is defined by 15 or more headache days per month. When oral medications fail to provide relief, interventional treatments like nerve blocks offer a targeted alternative that stops pain signals at their source.

Living with chronic migraine can be a heavy burden that affects every part of your daily life. It is more than just an occasional bad headache. People with this condition deal with persistent, severe pain that makes it hard to work, spend time with family, or enjoy hobbies. When standard pills do not provide enough relief, interventional options like nerve blocks may offer a path toward better function and less pain.

What defines chronic migraine

Medical experts use specific rules to diagnose this condition. According to the ICHD-3 criteria, headache and migraine pain management becomes a focus when a person has 15 or more headache days per month. This pattern must last for at least three months, and at least eight of those days must meet the full criteria for a migraine attack. This definition helps doctors separate chronic cases from episodic ones.

About 1 to 2 percent of the global population suffers from chronic migraine. For many of these people, the pain is not just a physical problem but also a mental and social one. Constant symptoms can lead to missed days at work and a lower quality of life. Finding a treatment that works is vital for returning to a normal routine.

The limits of oral medications

Most people start their journey with oral preventive drugs. These pills aim to reduce how often attacks happen. However, they do not work for everyone. Many patients try and fail two or three different types of preventive medications before they look for other options. Some find that the side effects are too hard to handle, while others simply do not get enough relief from the pills.

When oral drugs fail, doctors may suggest interventional treatments. Nerve blocks are now a recommended option for cases where medications do not work well. This shift in care is supported by research in the Neurotherapeutics journal. Unlike pills that must travel through the whole body, these treatments target the specific nerves that send pain signals to the brain.

How nerve blocks offer a different path

Nerve blocks work by stopping pain at the source. A doctor injects a numbing agent near specific nerves to interrupt the signals that cause a migraine. This direct approach can help calm the overactive pain system in the head and neck. It is a quick procedure that can be done in an office setting, often with the help of ultrasound for better precision.

Recent studies show that different types of blocks can be very helpful. A 2025 study in the Journal of Headache and Pain found that both greater occipital nerve (GON) blocks and sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) blocks are effective. These treatments helped reduce how often headaches happened and how severe they felt.

Book Appointment to discuss your migraine symptoms with Dr. Ybarra and learn which nerve block option may fit your needs.

How Occipital Nerve Blocks Work for Migraine Relief

Occipital nerve blocks deliver numbing medication near the greater, lesser, and third occipital nerves at the base of the skull. This blocks pain signals before they reach the brain, providing relief that can begin within minutes and last for weeks or months.

Occipital nerve blocks are a focused chronic migraine treatment nerve block choice for people who do not get enough help from pills. This process works by giving numbing medicine right to the nerves that send pain signals from the back of the head to the brain. By calming these active nerves, the block can stop a migraine now or keep new ones from starting.

The anatomy of occipital nerves

It helps to know where the pain starts. Three main occipital nerves sit in the upper neck. These are the greater, lesser, and third occipital nerves. They come from the C2 and C3 spinal nerves and travel up to the scalp. When these nerves get irritated, they can trigger the sharp pain of chronic migraine. Stopping these signals at the source is the main goal of the treatment.

Interrupting the pain cycle

During the visit, a doctor puts a local numbing drug like lidocaine or bupivacaine near the nerves. At times, a steroid is added to help lower swelling for a longer time. As noted by the Cleveland Clinic, this works by blocking pain signals before they reach the brain. This break in the pain path can give relief that lasts for weeks or months.

For many, the help is very fast. Facts from NYU Langone Health show that pain can drop within minutes of the shot. This quick fix makes the block a top tool for breaking a bad cycle of headaches. Beyond fast help, the Migraine Trust reports that greater occipital nerve (GON) blocks help cut how often attacks happen and how much they hurt.

Long term benefits and precision

One shot can help, but more shots may offer even better results. Some research suggests that repeated nerve blocks might help reset the pain system. This change can lead to longer times without a migraine. At ReleviiMed, we focus on care that fits your needs to get the best result for your health and function.

Using ultrasound tools helps the doctor place the needle with great care. A 2025 study in The Journal of Headache and Pain found that these guided blocks are safe and work well for tough cases. This level of accuracy ensures the medicine hits the right spot to dull the pain.

Sphenopalatine Ganglion (SPG) Blocks: An Alternative Approach

The sphenopalatine ganglion block targets a nerve cluster deep behind the nose that acts as a relay station for migraine pain signals. This approach is especially helpful for patients who experience pain near the temples or have autonomic symptoms like tearing or nasal congestion during attacks.

While blocks for the back of the head are common, the sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) block is a powerful other choice. This treatment targets a deep nerve cluster to help manage pain that has not got better with other drugs.

What is the Sphenopalatine Ganglion?

The sphenopalatine ganglion is a large group of nerve cells found deep in the skull behind the nose. Think of it as a busy relay station for the brain. It is part of the trigemino-vascular system, which is the main path for pain signals during a migraine. This cluster also controls the autonomic nerves that affect the eyes, nose, and mouth.

When this nerve cluster is too active, it can cause the blood vessels around the brain to widen. This process often leads to the intense throbbing pain people feel during a migraine attack. By using nerve block treatments for chronic pain, doctors can help quiet these nerves.

Success with SPG and GON Blocks

Doctors often compare the SPG block to the greater occipital nerve (GON) block. A 2025 study in the Journal of Headache and Pain looked at how well these two methods work. The research looked at patients with chronic migraines that did not get better with standard drugs. The study found that both blocks were just as good at helping these patients.

Patients in the study saw a big drop in their headache scores. The doctors used the Headache Impact Test (HIT-6) and the Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) to track progress. Both tools showed that patients could do much more in their daily lives after the treatment.

Choosing the Best Block for Your Pain

While both blocks work well, an SPG block might be a better fit for some people. It may work best for those who have pain on the sides of the head near the temples. It is also helpful for patients who have autonomic symptoms during a migraine. These symptoms include things like red eyes, tearing, or a stuffy nose during an attack.

A doctor can perform this block in a few different ways. One way is through the nose with a small tool, and another is with a thin needle through the side of the face. At ReleviiMed, we often use ultrasound to guide the treatment.

What to Expect During a Nerve Block Procedure

A nerve block procedure takes 15 to 30 minutes in an outpatient clinic and does not require an overnight stay. The doctor uses ultrasound or fluoroscopy to guide a small needle to the target nerve, and most patients can return to daily activities the same day.

Many patients feel nervous before a new treatment. But a chronic migraine treatment nerve block is a quick and simple process. It takes place in an outpatient clinic and usually lasts only 15 to 30 minutes. You do not need to stay in a hospital. Most people find the process easy to fit into a busy day. At ReleviiMed, we focus on your comfort and safety during every step.

Preparation and Setup for Your Procedure

Before the treatment starts, our team will talk with you about your health and pain history. You will sit or lie in a relaxed way. The doctor will clean the skin at the injection site to prevent germs. This often happens at the back of the head or near the nose. It depends on the type of block you need. Our staff will make sure you feel at ease and answer any last questions.

The Injection Process and Precision Guidance

The main part of the process involves a small needle. The doctor uses it to place medicine near the targeted nerves. To ensure the best results, we use advanced tools like ultrasound or fluoroscopy. According to the Cleveland Clinic, these tools help the doctor see the exact spot for the injection. This high level of precision makes the treatment safer and more helpful. The medicine is usually a mix of numbing medicine, such as lidocaine or bupivacaine. Sometimes, a steroid is added to reduce swelling and help the relief last longer.

Recovery and Results After the Block

After the injection, you will rest for a short time in our office. Most people can drive themselves home. You can return to your normal tasks the same day. You might have some soreness or a small bruise where the needle went in. It is also common to feel some numbness in the area for a few hours.

The results of a nerve block can vary for each person. Some patients feel less pain within a few minutes. For others, it may take a few days for the full effect to kick in. The relief often lasts for several weeks or even months. To get the best results, some patients need a series of four sessions every two weeks. Most insurance plans cover these blocks, making them a good option for many people.

Are Nerve Blocks Safe? Side Effects and Considerations

Nerve blocks are generally safe when performed by a board-certified specialist using image guidance. Most side effects are mild and temporary, such as soreness or bruising at the injection site, and serious complications are rare.

Book Appointment with Dr. Ybarra, a board-certified pain medicine specialist, to discuss your migraine treatment options in a safe and caring environment.

Mild and temporary side effects

Most side effects from a chronic migraine treatment nerve block are mild. You might feel some soreness or a dull ache where the needle went in. Some people see a small bruise or feel numb in the skin for a few hours after the visit. These signs usually go away on their own within one or two days.

• Soreness or pain at the site of the shot.

• Small bruises or red marks on the skin.

• Short loss of feeling or numbness in the scalp or neck.

• A light feeling of pressure as the fluid enters the area.

Based on data from the Cleveland Clinic, these issues are minor. They do not stop most people from their daily tasks. You can often go back to work or home right after your visit.

Safety research and rare risks

Large medical studies show that serious problems from these shots are rare. A 2025 medical trial in The Journal of Headache and Pain confirmed that nerve blocks are safe for long-term use. While the shots are safe, some people should avoid them. You should not get a nerve block if you have an active skin infection at the site of the shot. People with bleeding problems or who take blood thinners may need to pause their drugs first.

The role of a board-certified specialist

The best way to ensure a safe result is to work with a doctor who has deep skill in pain care. Using tools like ultrasound or live X-rays helps the doctor see the exact spot for the shot. This careful aim makes the shot safer and helps it work better. It also lowers the risk of hitting a blood vessel or causing unwanted pain.

At ReleviiMed, Dr. Manuel Ybarra, a board-certified pain specialist, leads every care plan. He has more than 20 years of work history and trained at Rush University. His deep knowledge helps him give each patient a safe and calm visit.

Personalized Migraine Care at ReleviiMed Spine and Wellness

ReleviiMed Spine and Wellness is a physician-owned boutique clinic that provides unhurried, personalized care for chronic migraine patients. Dr. Manuel Ybarra leads treatment plans using advanced imaging and a compassionate approach tailored to each patient.

Finding the right chronic migraine treatment can be a long and tiring path. At ReleviiMed Spine and Wellness, we offer a different kind of care. We are a doctor-owned boutique clinic. We focus on you as a person, not just a case number. Our team takes the time to listen and build a long-term plan that fits your life. We believe in unhurried visits and honest talk with every patient.

The expertise of Dr. Manuel Ybarra

Your care is led by Dr. Manuel Ybarra, board-certified pain specialist. He is an expert in both anesthesiology and pain medicine. Dr. Ybarra completed his fellowship training at Rush University Medical Center. He served for 13 years as an assistant professor at UT Health San Antonio and has more than 20 years of experience in pain care. He received the Kaitlin Selmeczi, M.D. Award for his compassionate patient care.

Advanced technology for precise care

We use the latest tools to make sure your treatment is safe and exact. Our clinic has state-of-the-art fluoroscopy and ultrasound imaging. These tools allow us to see the exact spot for each injection. This precision helps reduce risk and improves the outcome for our patients.

Book Appointment and let us help you create a plan that addresses your migraine symptoms and improves your quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chronic Migraine Treatment Nerve Block

How does a nerve block help with chronic migraine?

A nerve block helps by stopping pain signals at the source. The doctor injects numbing medication near specific nerves in the head or neck to interrupt the pain pathway. This can reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks for weeks or months. According to the Migraine Trust, these injections can help stop an attack and lower the total number of migraine days.

How long does a nerve block last for migraine?

The relief from a nerve block can last for several weeks or even a few months. Some patients feel the effects within minutes after the injection, while others take a few days to notice a change. According to NYU Langone Health, the length of relief depends on the individual and the specific type of block used. Repeated treatments may help extend the period of relief.

Are nerve blocks safe for chronic migraine treatment?

Nerve blocks are generally safe when performed by an experienced specialist. Most patients only feel mild soreness or see slight bruising at the injection site. Serious side effects are rare, but it is important to share your full medical history with your doctor first. According to Cleveland Clinic, specialists often use ultrasound guidance to ensure the procedure is as precise and safe as possible.

What is the difference between an occipital nerve block and an SPG block?

The main difference is the target of the injection. An occipital nerve block targets nerves at the base of the skull to stop pain signals from the neck. An SPG block targets a nerve cluster behind the nose that controls migraine symptoms like tearing or a stuffy nose. A 2025 study in The Journal of Headache and Pain showed that both types of blocks are equally effective for patients with chronic resistant migraines.

Ready To Take the Next Step Toward Migraine Relief

Chronic pain from migraines can take a heavy toll on your life. When you wait to get help, you risk more days lost to severe headaches and missed time with your family. Each day without a clear plan is a day where you might not be able to work or enjoy your hobbies. Starting your care now means you can begin to see how specialized blocks may improve your daily function. You do not have to wait for the next attack to start looking for a better way to manage your pain. Our team is here to listen to your story and help you find a path that fits your goals.

Book Appointment with ReleviiMed Spine and Wellness today. Call (210) 299-7770 or use our online form to schedule a migraine consultation in Schertz or San Antonio.