Stellate Ganglion Block

A stellate ganglion block (SGB) is a minimally invasive injection used to treat nerve-related pain and circulation issues in the upper body.

The injection targets a group of nerves called the stellate ganglion, located in the front of the neck. These nerves are part of the sympathetic nervous system, which controls functions like blood flow, sweating, and pain signaling.

By temporarily blocking these nerves, the procedure can reduce pain, improve blood flow, and calm abnormal nerve activity.

What Conditions Does This Treatment Help?

Stellate ganglion block is commonly used to treat:

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
Chronic neck, shoulder, and arm pain
Nerve-related (neuropathic) pain
Post-surgical or post-traumatic pain
Postherpetic neuralgia (after shingles)
Circulation disorders (e.g., Raynaud’s syndrome)

How Does a Stellate Ganglion Block Work?

Pain signals from the upper body often travel through the sympathetic nerves in the neck.

A small amount of anesthetic is injected near the stellate ganglion
This temporarily blocks nerve signals
Reduces abnormal pain signaling
Improves blood flow and circulation

👉 This can help reset the pain pathway and reduce chronic symptoms.

What to Expect During the Procedure

Before the Procedure

Medical evaluation and review of symptoms
Instructions on medications (especially blood thinners)

During the Procedure

Performed under ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance
You lie on your back with your neck slightly extended
A thin needle is inserted near the front of the neck
Local anesthetic is injected around the nerve bundle
Procedure takes less than 30 minutes

After the Procedure

Monitored briefly before discharge
Temporary effects like warmth or numbness may occur
You will need someone to drive you home

Benefits of Stellate Ganglion Block

✔ Minimally invasive, no surgery required
✔ Targets specific nerve pathways causing pain
✔ Improves blood flow and circulation
✔ Helps diagnose the source of nerve pain
✔ May reduce need for medications

👉 Some patients experience immediate relief, while others improve over time.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

You may be a candidate if you:

Have chronic nerve pain in the neck, arm, or upper chest
Have symptoms like burning, tingling, or sensitivity
Have not improved with medications or therapy
Suspected sympathetic nerve involvement

👉 It is often used as both a diagnostic and therapeutic tool.

Risks & Side Effects

Stellate ganglion block is generally safe, but possible side effects include:

Temporary drooping eyelid (Horner’s syndrome)
Red or watery eyes
Hoarseness or difficulty swallowing
Bruising or soreness at injection site

These effects usually resolve within a few hours. Rare complications may include:

Infection or bleeding
Nerve injury
Lung or vascular injury (very rare)

When Is This Treatment Recommended?

Stellate ganglion block is typically recommended when:

Pain is suspected to be nerve or autonomic-related
Conservative treatments have failed
Diagnosis needs confirmation
Patients want a non-surgical option

👉 It is positioned as a mid-level treatment before advanced neuromodulation therapies

Recovery & Results

Temporary relief may occur immediately
Longer relief develops over days to weeks
Effects may last days to weeks or longer
Some patients benefit from a series of injections

👉 Relief often improves with repeated treatments.

FAQs

Is the procedure painful?

Most patients feel minimal discomfort due to local anesthesia.

How long does relief last?

Relief varies—some patients feel better for days, others for weeks.

Will I need multiple injections?

Yes, many patients benefit from a series of treatments.

What does a successful block mean?

It confirms that your pain is coming from the targeted nerve pathway.

FAQs

Where is the stellate ganglion located?

It lies on the anterior surface of the vertebral column in the lower neck area.

What conditions can a Stellate Ganglion Block treat?

It can treat chronic pain of the shoulder and arms, especially CRPS of the upper extremities, phantom limb pain, post-herpetic neuralgia, and poor circulation in the upper extremities.

Which ganglia form the stellate ganglion?

It is formed by fusion of the first thoracic and inferior cervical sympathetic ganglia.