SphenoCath
Upgrade PDX is proud to be the preferred provider of SphenoCath for the Northwest.
Unique treatment with SPG/V2 block. SPG block stands for sphenopalatine ganglion block. V2 refers to the branch of the trigeminal nerve. The sphenopalatine ganglion itself is a collection of nerve cells located just under the tissue lining the back of the nose. By applying a local anesthetic to the area, nerve impulses can be temporarily blocked, providing relief from various types of pain, as well as dysautonomia and neurological symptoms.
Sensory, sympathetic, and parasympathetic fibers pass through or synapse in the SPG, making it a key structure in various types of cephalgia and neurological conditions. Temporarily blocking the function of the SPG can provide prompt and sometimes sustained relief of pain.
It is also theorized that an SPG block provides sustained relief by disrupting dysfunctional neuronal activity, allowing for the restoration of normal function.
Mito Red Light Therapy at Upgrade PDX
The SPG/V2 is also part of a complex that connects the areas of the brain responsible for pain signaling as well as overlaps signaling from the stellate and vagal nerves making it appropriate to help with conditions such as PTSD, persistent sympathetic tone, visceral (organ) pain, and similar conditions. Not all indications are FDA-approved. The most common medication used for an SPG block is a local anesthetic, such as lidocaine. At Upgrade PDX, we can also employ a variety of unique and specialized medications specific to your condition. This could include regenerative tissue matrixes, peptides, or nutrients such as NAD or Rg3.
What Can Be Treated With an SPG/V2 Block or Treatment?
A variety of conditions are appropriate for treatment. Migraine and chronic headaches are the most common indication but many other conditions can be effectively treated, including but not limited to nerve pain (trigeminal, supraorbital, occipital, etc.), central pain syndromes (Fibromyalgia, CRPS, neuropathies), autonomic dysfunction (POTS or visual-vestibular disorders), visceral pain (hypersensitivity due to gastrointestinal disorders and pelvic pain such as vulvodynia and interstitial cystitis), as well as persistent states resulting in increased sympathetic tone or vagal nerve dysregulation (seen in anxiety, PTSD, and many forms of depression). Targeting the SPG/V2 complex also allows for the delivery of specialized medication that addresses the underlying root causes of the dysfunction and helps to induce repair from things like a traumatic brain injury.
Conditions Treated
In summary, the SPG/V2 block is effective for the following:
| Chronic migraines and headaches | Nerve pain (trigeminal, occipital, etc.) | Central pain syndromes (fibromyalgia, CRPS, neuropathies) |
| Autonomic dysfunctions (POTS, vestibular disorders) | Visceral pain (gastrointestinal sensitivity, pelvic pain) | PTSD, anxiety, and vagal nerve dysregulation |
How Is the Procedure Performed?
The procedure is done using the SphenoCath® device. SphenoCath® in Portland, OR, is a one-of-a-kind patented, soft, flexible, spaghetti-sized catheter that employs a flexible outer sheath with soft edges for comfort and an inner angled flexible catheter to deliver medication without the use of a needle inside the nasal passageway with maximum patient comfort.
| Lay down with your chin tilted back. | The provider gently inserts the soft, flexible SphenoCath® catheter into your nostril. |
| Medication is delivered to the SPG area. | Remain flat for 10-15 minutes post-procedure for maximum effect. |
That’s it. No needles. No worries.
What Are The Benefits?
Benefits of using the SphenoCath® device in an SPG/PPG block procedure:
| 2 to 5-minute in-office procedure | The majority of patients experience immediate relief |
| Very low risk | Very high success rates |
| Safe for adults and children | Potential for reimbursement by most insurance companies and Medicare (Patient-submitted) |
Photobiomodulation at Upgrade PDX
Photobiomodulation therapy is defined as the utilization of non-ionizing electromagnetic energy to trigger photochemical changes within cellular structures that are receptive to photons.
Benefits
Mitochondria is particularly receptive to this process. At the cellular level, visible red and near-infrared light (NIR) energy is absorbed by mitochondria, which produce cellular energy called “ATP.” The current and widely accepted proposal is that low-level visible red to near-infrared light (NIR) energy is absorbed by mitochondria and converted into ATP for cellular use. In addition, the process creates mild oxidants (ROS), which leads to gene transcription and then to cellular repair and healing. The process also unclogs the chain that has been clogged by nitric oxide (NO).[1] The nitric oxide is then released back into the system. Nitric oxide is a molecule that our body produces to help its 50 trillion cells communicate with each other. This communication happens by transmission of signals throughout the entire body. Additionally, nitric oxide helps dilate the blood vessels and improve blood circulation, thus reducing inflammation and pain.
Will It Hurt?
Some patients experience minor discomfort when the small, soft SphenoCath® is inserted into the nose, but the procedure is not painful when performed correctly. We use a local anesthetic prior to insertion to reduce any potential discomfort. The patented SphenoCath® uses no needles and is designed to be comfortable and safe for patients.
How Long Will It Take
SPG block using the SphenoCath® offered at our Medical Clinic in Portland, OR takes 2-3 minutes. Patients are encouraged to remain in a flat or reclined position for 10-15 minutes afterward to maximize the benefit of the procedure.
What Medications Are Used?
The medication choice is up to your healthcare provider. At Upgrade PDX, we will discuss and review the various options appropriate for your individual condition.
What Are the Side Effects or Risks Associated With SphenoCath®?
The risks of using SphenoCath® include irritation to the nasal cavity or mucosa, nose bleeding, and/or mild pain.
Why Haven’t I Heard of SPG Block Before?
The SPG block has been described in medical literature for over 100 years. It has been proven effective for many painful conditions but, until the invention of the patented SphenoCath®, the procedure has been difficult, uncomfortable, and offered only by a few practitioners. Upgrade PDX is one of a select few clinics that offer this procedure.
What About My Medications?
Do not change your medications unless instructed to do so by your provider.
To find out more about the healthcare services we offer at Upgrade PDX, Portland, Oregon, call (971) 299-8530 or schedule an online consultation. You can also visit us at 1210 NW Johnson St., Portland, OR 97209.
Please note that the information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
What our customers say
"Dr K has been exceptional and I am so thankful for all his efforts in helping me get my health in check. I feel so much better now than I did last year before coming to Upgrade Medical!"
Cecilia L. | May 2025
"As a lifelong fitness enthusiast/athlete, and a 48yr old whom works in the industry as a group fitness instructor in multiple formats, my body is constantly battered and broken. I was looking for recovery alternatives besides my own heating pad/ice packs, and didn’t want to take more Rx meds than I already was. Upgrade Medical, and Chris, or Dr.K, as some call him, owns and operates a facility that’s provide a variety of recovery style equipment and medical gadgets that have played a big role in my chronic pain management, as well as my daily aches and pains as an athlete, allowing me to recovery quicker and just feel better in both mind and body, to allow me to continue pushing forward, at age 48, in my career in fitness. My current “routine” at Upgrade 3x a week, consists of red light therapy, PEMF, compression therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, nitrogen therapy, along with cupping treatments coupled w/targeted Cryotherapy. I know it may sound like a lot, and it is, but when your body is your tool, I’m willing to put in the time to allow my body to continue to do what I am so passionate about…fitness! Sidenote- ALL of these treatments/therapies,(and more!), are included in my monthly membership! If you are looking for the most bang for your buck, and are willing to commit the time to “keep in the game” as an aging athlete, the monthly memberships are the way to go."
Amber K. | May 2025
"Chris has a lot of knowledge and tools at his disposal for anyone interested in functional medicine. He spent a lot of time coming up with a plan to help me and I’m very happy with the results."
Yascha N. | Apr 2025
"Dr. K is as passionate about your healing and recovery as you are! I feel lucky to have someone on my team who can break things down from all angles and truly dive into the science of health. His holistic, multi-system approach is a breath of fresh air. The services offered at Upgrade Medical were exactly what I needed to recover from my complex and rare neurological disorder. I genuinely believe I’m healing faster than expected thanks to Dr. K and Upgrade Medical. I'm forever grateful I made the decision to invest in my health and longevity."
Christa R. | Mar 2025
"Im extremely happy with my visit with Dr K! He's very knowledgeable, took his time addressing my issues and went over what he thought would work best for me. I felt like he went out of his way for me as patient and that is very rare these days. I highly recommend him!"
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Location
1210 NW Johnson St.,
Portland, OR 97209
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