Stellate Ganglion Block

What is a stellate ganglion block?

A stellate ganglion block is an injection into the stellate ganglion, which are sympathetic nerves located in your neck on either side of your voice box. 

An injection of medication into these nerves may alleviate pain in the head, neck, upper arm, and upper chest. The stellate ganglion block also increases blood circulation to the arm.

What conditions benefit from a stellate ganglion block?

The experienced team at Advanced Pain Management performs a stellate ganglion block to diagnose and treat nerve conditions and circulation problems. Some of the conditions that benefit from the injection include:

• Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (chronic arm or leg pain)
• Causalgia (burning sensation in your extremities)
• Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
• Herpes zoster infection that affects the head, neck, arm, or upper chest
• Phantom limb pain
• Intractable angina (chest pain from poor circulation through the heart)

A stellate ganglion block may also be used to improve circulation in people with vascular disease.

What happens after a stellate ganglion block?

The Advanced Pain Management team provides detailed instructions on activity and medication use following your stellate ganglion block. You need to refrain from driving and other rigorous activities for at least 24 hours following the injection.

The team also recommends that when your voice returns to normal, you sip only water through a straw and slowly work your way up to solid foods. 

Most patients resume their normal activities within two days after their stellate ganglion block. 

What results can I expect from a stellate ganglion block?

Results following a stellate ganglion block vary. Some patients report pain relief immediately following their injection, only to have their pain return a few hours later once the local anesthetic wears off.

Other patients report longer pain relief that helps them reduce their medication use and increase their participation in physical therapy. The length of the pain relief also varies, ranging from a few days to a few weeks.

If you experience significant improvement in your pain following a stellate ganglion block, the team may recommend a series of injections so you continue to get relief. The number of injections varies: Some people need only two injections, while others may need up to 10.

However, the duration of your pain relief lasts longer after each treatment. 

To schedule a consultation at Advanced Pain Management, call the office nearest you or click the online booking button.