Stellate Ganglion Block

A stellate ganglion block is a painless, minimally invasive procedure that relieves chronic pain. It can also be used to treat circulation problems and certain mental health conditions, like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). At Minimally Invasive Medical Group, with offices in Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, and Irvine, California, the minimally invasive surgical team provides stellate ganglion blocks on an outpatient basis. Call the nearest Minimally Invasive Medical Group office to schedule a stellate ganglion block consultation, or book one online today.

What is a stellate ganglion block?

A stellate ganglion block is a minimally invasive procedure that injects pain medication into a group of nerves in your lower neck called the stellate ganglion.

The stellate ganglion provides sympathetic nerve signals to your head, neck, arms, and upper chest. Injecting pain medication into this nerve group prevents them from sending pain signals to your brain. It can also help manage circulation problems and nerve injuries.

What conditions can benefit from a stellate ganglion block?

The Minimally Invasive Medical Group team uses stellate ganglion blocks to treat various medical conditions, including:

• Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
• Peripheral vascular disease
• Phantom limb pain
• Chronic post-surgical pain
• Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
• Cluster headaches
• Scleroderma
• Atypical chest pain

Sometimes, stellate ganglion blocks are used as an off-label treatment for mental health conditions.

What can I expect during a stellate ganglion block injection?

A stellate ganglion block injection is a quick outpatient procedure, averaging 30 minutes.

During treatment, you lie on your back on an exam table. Your Minimally Invasive Medical Group provider administers anesthesia, causing you to relax. 

Once you’re comfortable, your provider cleans and sterilizes your neck. Then, they insert a thin needle into your skin and administer a second anesthetic near your voice box. 

Last, your provider inserts a second needle into your neck and uses X-ray-guided imaging to inject the stellate ganglion block. After the medication enters your body, your provider removes the needles and moves you to a recovery suite.

What happens after a stellate ganglion block injection?

After a stellate ganglion block injection, the Minimally Invasive Medical Group team monitors you for 40-60 minutes. If you tolerate the injection well, you’re given a release, and a friend or family member can pick you up and drive you home. 

Will I need more than one stellate ganglion block?

The pain relief a stellate ganglion block provides varies from person to person. Some people experience a significant reduction in symptoms after just one injection, but the Minimally Invasive Medical Group team typically recommends a series of injections for the best results. Some people need three or four; others need as many as 10.

Call the nearest Minimally Invasive Medical Group office to schedule a stellate ganglion block consultation, or book your appointment online today.