Highland Park Dentist Pioneers Self-Administration of Pain-Relief Technique for Migraines and Headaches

A novel medical technique for managing severe headaches is gaining attention as Dr. Ira Shapira, a Highland Park dentist with over 40 years of experience, teaches patients and medical professionals how to self-administer Sphenopalatine Ganglion (SPG) Blocks.

SPG Blocks, originally described in 1908 by Dr. Greenfield Sluder, provide a potentially transformative approach to treating migraines, cluster headaches, and other autonomic cephalgias. The procedure involves a simple, safe method using 2% lidocaine administered trans-nasally with sterile cotton-tipped catheters.

The technique's primary advantage is its ability to offer extremely fast pain relief, either during a headache or prophylactically to prevent onset. Unlike traditional pain management approaches that require emergency room or clinic visits, SPG Blocks empower patients to manage their pain quickly and independently.

Dr. Shapira, who has lectured internationally on this technique, emphasizes the procedure's safety and versatility. The only contraindications are lidocaine allergies or recent severe nosebleeds, making it accessible to many patients suffering from chronic head pain.

Recent recognition by Google AI has highlighted Dr. Shapira as a prominent figure in teaching SPG Block self-administration in the Western Hemisphere. This method could potentially revolutionize pain management for individuals experiencing recurring severe headaches, offering them greater control and immediate relief.