A stellate ganglion block is a minimally invasive procedure that involves injecting a local anesthetic into the neck to alleviate headaches and neck pain. This procedure is generally meant for patients suffering from chronic pain in the head, neck, chest, or upper arm because of nerve injuries or blood circulation problems. Our medical providers curate highly personalized treatment to address the root cause of your pain and help you lead a pain-free life without opioids.
How does Stellate Ganglion Block Work?
The stellate ganglion is a part of the sympathetic nervous system, which includes the nerve roots along the spinal column. The stellate ganglion is located on either side of the voice box. When the nerves in the stellate ganglion are pinched, compressed, or inflamed because of injuries or underlying dysfunction, the associated nerves send pain signals into the brain. A stellate ganglion block essentially numbs the affected nerves and prevents them from sending pain signals to the brain, which, in turn, alleviates chronic pain.
Stellate ganglion block alleviates
pain caused by the following conditions:
- Causalgia
- Reflex sympathetic dystrophy
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome type I or II
- Phantom limb pain
- Herpes zoster infection (shingles)
Benefits of Stellate Ganglion Block:
- Minimally invasive pain treatment
- Improves blood circulation
- Reduces nerve inflammation
- Alleviates headaches and neck pain
- Concludes within 30 minutes
- Minimal post-treatment side effects
- Minimal post-treatment downtime
Your Stellate Ganglion Block Treatment in Edison
The stellate ganglion block is performed after a thorough evaluation of your condition. The pain doctor will use numerous imaging tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs to determine if you’re suffering from pain because of problems associated with the stellate ganglion. If the nerves in the stellate ganglion region are pinched or inflamed, you will be deemed a good candidate for the procedure.
During the procedure, the pain doctor will offer an intravenous sedative to help you relax, following which a thin needle is inserted into the front of your neck. The pain doctor will inject a local anesthetic under ultrasound guidance to prevent the nerves in the stellate ganglion from transmitting pain signals into your brain. The procedure concludes within 30 minutes.
The Results of Your Stellate Ganglion Block Treatment
The results of the stellate ganglion block vary from one individual to the next. Some patients experience immediate pain relief after the injection, whereas some experience pain relief after a few minutes or hours. In some cases, the pain may return after a few hours, or the pain or the relief may outlast the anesthetic. Some patients only need two injections, whereas others need more than 10. Your pain doctor will curate the ideal treatment plan based on your condition.
Schedule an Appointment
Edison Spine & Pain Management is a state-of-the-art interventional pain management practice specializing in minimally invasive pain treatments. Our board-certified physicians and pain specialists use cutting-edge diagnostic tools and techniques to identify the root cause of your pain, following which we curate a personalized treatment plan. We aim to provide long-term relief from pain without relying on addictive opioids or risky surgeries. Please schedule an appointment to determine if you’re a candidate for a stellate ganglion block in Edison.
