Nerve Blocks for TMJ, Facial Pain & Headache

Targeted Relief for Chronic Orofacial Pain, Headaches, and Neuralgia

At Advanced TMJ Maxillofacial Pain & Sleep Center, we specialize in non-surgical, evidence-based treatments for complex facial pain conditions. Among the most effective therapies we offer are nerve blocks- precise injections designed to calm irritated nerves and provide targeted pain relief. Whether you’re suffering from trigeminal neuralgia, persistent headaches, or post-surgical neuropathy, our Oral Surgeon and board-certified Orofacial Pain Specialist offers safe, nerve block therapy tailored to your unique condition.

What Are Nerve Blocks?

Nerve blocks are local anesthetic or anesthetic-steroid injections delivered near specific nerves or nerve branches to temporarily interrupt pain signals. They are both a diagnostic tool—helping us confirm the source of your pain—and a therapeutic option, providing relief that can last from hours to weeks or longer depending on the condition.

Conditions We Treat with Nerve Blocks

Nerve blocks can be beneficial for a variety of orofacial pain conditions, including:

Trigeminal Neuralgia
Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia
Occipital Neuralgia
Post-Traumatic Trigeminal Neuropathic (PTTNP)
Persistent Idiopathic Facial Pain (PIFP)
Burning Mouth Syndrome (when peripheral nerve contribution is suspected)
Headaches and Migraines
Myofascial Pain Syndromes with neural involvement
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)–related neuropathic pain

Types of Nerve Blocks Offered

Depending on your diagnosis, we may recommend one or more of the following:

Trigeminal Nerve Branch Blocks

Targets V1 (ophthalmic), V2 (maxillary), or V3 (mandibular) divisions
Useful in trigeminal neuralgia, post-dental procedure nerve injury, or facial numbness

Auriculotemporal Nerve Block

Helpful in TMJ-related pain, temporal headaches, and post-traumatic nerve irritation

Mental Nerve Block

Relieves pain in the lower lip and chin area, especially post-extraction or post-surgical pain

Infraorbital Nerve Block

Targets upper lip, cheek, and lateral nose pain often seen in V2 neuropathies

Greater & Lesser Occipital Nerve Block

Commonly used for occipital neuralgia, cervicogenic headache, and migraine management

Sphenopalatine Ganglion (SPG) Block

Relieve migraines, facial pain, and nerve-related headaches with a gentle, in-office SPG block.

Benefits of Nerve Blocks

Immediate pain relief for many patients
Helps reduce the need for oral medications
Supports diagnosis and treatment planning
Allows better participation in physical therapy and sleep
Can be repeated or combined with other therapies (e.g., oral appliances, laser, Botox)

Are Nerve Blocks Safe?

Yes. When performed by a trained and experienced provider, nerve blocks are safe and minimally invasive. At our Seattle clinic, all injections are performed by board-certified Orofacial Pain Specialist and Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon with expertise in complex craniofacial anatomy.

Schedule Your Evaluation

If you're living with facial pain, nerve sensitivity, or chronic headaches that haven’t responded to traditional care, a targeted nerve block may be the next step. We're here to help you find lasting relief.
Conveniently located in downtown Seattle, we serve patients from Bellevue, Shoreline, Everett, Kent, and surrounding areas.