Procedures
Stellate Ganglion Block: What It Treats and What to Expect
An injection near a group of nerves in the neck, used to diagnose and treat some nerve-related pain. Who it may help, how it is done and recovery.
At HTx Pain Institute, one procedure we offer is a stellate ganglion block. This post explains how it is done and who it may help.
What is a Stellate Ganglion Block?
The stellate ganglion is a collection of nerves (sympathetic nerve ganglion) found in the neck. A stellate ganglion block (SGB) is an injection of a local anesthetic near these nerves. This block can help diagnose or treat pain originating from the sympathetic nervous system, which is often involved in various chronic pain conditions.
The Procedure Explained
The SGB procedure is minimally invasive. The patient is positioned on their back, and after a local anesthetic is applied, the doctor uses fluoroscopy (a type of X-ray) to guide the needle to the stellate ganglion. The anesthetic is then injected, which temporarily blocks the sympathetic nerves.
What it is used for
- Nerve-related pain: SGB is used for some nerve-related pain, including neuropathic pain, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), and some facial pain.
- A diagnostic tool: It can help look for the source of pain by temporarily blocking nerve signals.
- Time: The injection itself usually takes a few minutes. Plan on more time for check-in and a short observation period afterward.
Who it may help
A stellate ganglion block may be discussed for people with:
- Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).
- Herpes zoster pain (shingles).
- Phantom limb pain.
- Some headaches and facial pain.
After the procedure
Some people notice a droopy eyelid, a hoarse voice, a stuffy nose, or warmth in the arm on the treated side. These effects usually fade within hours. Plan for someone else to drive you home that day. Patients are usually asked to rest on the day of the procedure.
A reasonable next step
If you are living with one of these conditions, a pain medicine visit can tell you whether a stellate ganglion block is a reasonable next step.
Contact us
For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact HTx Pain Institute.
Common questions
- The injection itself usually takes a few minutes. Plan on more time for check-in and a short observation period afterward.
Go Deeper
Full clinical detail on Injections & Nerve Blocks
For the complete picture, including candidacy, what to expect, and answers to common questions, visit our Injections & Nerve Blocks page.
View Injections & Nerve BlocksMedically Reviewed
Reviewed by Edward Baumgartner Jr., MD · Last reviewed . Information on this page is not medical advice. Always consult your physician.
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