Stellate Ganglion Block
What is a Stellate Ganglion block?
We administer this minimally invasive outpatient procedure to help reset an overactive sympathetic nervous system (PNS), as stress, anxiety, and depression can negatively impact healing by hindering tissue repair, circulation, and recovery from injuries. SGBs can support the restoration of balance needed for optimal healing and improved treatment outcomes for chronic orthopedic conditions.
What conditions does SGB treat?
Originally used to address complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), SGB has also shown effectiveness when applied to other conditions, such as:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Panic attacks
- Migraines
- Post-menopausal symptoms
- Neuropathic pain (e.g., trigeminal neuralgia)
- Post-herpetic neuralgia
- Trauma-related disorders
What are the benefits of SGB?
Although individual responses to treatment vary, SGB has demonstrated the ability to benefit those suffering from:
- Chronic pain and anxiety,
- An overactive “fight or flight” response (e.g., rapid heart rate, chest tightness, or jumpiness)
- Persistent worry or emotional distress linked to pain conditions.
Individuals treated with SGB have reported a range of benefits, including:
- A calmer mind with reduced intrusive thoughts
- Better sleep and fewer nightmares
- Improved mood and reduced anxiety
- Decreased irritability and hypervigilance
- Enhanced focus and mental clarity
- Reduced pain and improved digestion
- Balanced blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing
What to expect during SGB
The patient begins the session lying comfortably on their side. Using ultrasound guidance, the doctor carefully administers the injection near the stellate ganglion nerve cluster in the neck. At the Orthohealing Center, SGBs typically contain anesthetics and 5% dextrose as a neural anti-inflammatory agent. However, a natural steroid or other ingredients may be added to prolong therapeutic benefits. Vital signs are monitored before and after the procedure, with a 20-minute observation period following the injection.
Please note that oral nitrous oxide is also available, to minimize stress and anxiety and ensure a pain-free experience.
When can I expect results from SGB?
Some patients experience immediate results, while others have results that develop gradually over a period of two weeks. Effects can last weeks to years, depending on individual factors.
A follow-up treatment may be recommended for enhanced results.
Are there side effects associated with SGB?
Side effects are temporary, usually resolving after a few hours and up to 24 hours after the injection is administered. Common symptoms include drooping eyelid, watery or red eye, nasal congestion, hoarseness, or difficulty swallowing (also known as Horner’s Syndrome). Warmth in the face or arm may also occur.
Risks associated with this treatment are extremely rare. The Orthohealing Center’s practitioners use ultrasound guidance to enhance precision and safety.
Is SBG covered by insurance?
Although not covered by insurance at the Orthohealing Center, stellate ganglion blocks are cost-effective treatment options. Please connect with our office directly for more information on this, and for payment options.
Stellate ganglion block treatment studies
There is abundant published research supporting the efficacy of SGBs. Please click through on the links below for access to multiple studies.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4426/13/6/958
- Evaluation of new approach to ultrasound guided stellate ganglion block
- A study of the efficacy of stellate ganglion blocks in complex regional pain syndromes of the upper body
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35051147/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23159962/</a