Stellate Ganglion Block

What Is a Stellate Ganglion Block?

A stellate ganglion block (SGB) is a minimally invasive, image-guided injection that targets a collection of sympathetic nerves located in the lower portion of the neck called the stellate ganglion. These nerves are part of the autonomic nervous system and help regulate pain signaling, circulation, stress responses, and certain involuntary body functions.

The procedure involves carefully injecting anesthetic medication near the stellate ganglion to temporarily block sympathetic nerve activity and help “reset” abnormal pain or nervous system signaling.

Conditions Commonly Treated with Stellate Ganglion Blocks

Stellate ganglion blocks may help patients experiencing:

• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
• Chronic neuropathic pain
• Post-surgical nerve pain
• Chronic arm, shoulder, or upper extremity pain
• Chronic migraines and headache disorders
• Intercostal neuralgia
• Autonomic dysfunction and dysautonomia
• Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) symptoms
• Stress-related nervous system dysregulation
• Certain PTSD-related symptoms and sympathetic overactivity

Research has shown stellate ganglion blocks may help reduce pain intensity and sympathetic nervous system activity in CRPS and chronic pain conditions.

Diagnostic & Therapeutic Benefits

Stellate ganglion blocks may be used for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

• Diagnostic stellate ganglion blocks help determine whether the sympathetic nervous system is contributing to a patient’s symptoms.
• Therapeutic stellate ganglion blocks are intended to calm nerve irritation, improve circulation, reduce pain signaling, and improve nervous system regulation.

Some patients experience temporary relief, while others may notice longer-lasting improvement following a series of treatments.

Stellate Ganglion Blocks for CRPS & Chronic Pain

Stellate ganglion blocks are commonly used in the treatment of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) and chronic neuropathic pain affecting the upper extremities, neck, chest, and head. CRPS may cause severe burning pain, hypersensitivity, swelling, temperature changes, and reduced mobility.

By targeting sympathetic nerve activity, SGB may help:

• Reduce burning and nerve-related pain
• Improve circulation and blood flow
• Decrease hypersensitivity
• Improve mobility and function
• Calm chronic pain signaling pathways

Stellate Ganglion Blocks for Migraines & Headaches

For some patients with chronic migraines, headaches, and autonomic dysfunction, stellate ganglion blocks may help reduce nervous system overactivity associated with headache symptoms.

SGB may help improve:

• Chronic migraine frequency
• Headache severity
• Neck tension and nerve irritation
• Associated autonomic symptoms

What to Expect During the Procedure

Stellate ganglion blocks are performed using fluoroscopic (X-ray) or ultrasound guidance to improve accuracy and safety.

During the procedure:

• The neck area is cleaned and prepared
• Local anesthetic is used to improve comfort
• Image guidance is used to precisely position the needle
• Medication is carefully injected near the stellate ganglion

Most procedures take less than 30 minutes, and patients are typically monitored briefly afterward before returning home.

Temporary effects such as warmth in the arm or face, nasal congestion, drooping eyelid, or hoarseness may occur and generally resolve as the anesthetic wears off.

Comprehensive Chronic Pain & Nervous System Care

At Alpenglow Pain & Wellness, stellate ganglion blocks are often combined with additional therapies to create a personalized treatment plan focused on reducing pain, regulating the nervous system, and improving overall function.

Additional treatment options may include:

Interventional Pain Management

• Nerve blocks
• Epidural steroid injections
• Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)
• Spinal cord stimulation (SCS)
• Peripheral nerve stimulation
• Ketamine infusion therapy

Supportive & Integrative Therapies

• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Pain psychology and stress management
• Acupuncture and integrative therapies
• Saline infusion therapy
• Red light therapy
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy

Our goal is to help calm chronic pain signaling, restore nervous system balance, and improve quality of life using evidence-based, minimally invasive treatment options whenever possible.

If chronic nerve pain, CRPS, migraines, or autonomic symptoms are affecting your quality of life, contact Alpenglow Pain & Wellness today to schedule a consultation and learn more about stellate ganglion block treatment options.