What is It and How is It Done?

The stellate ganglion is located at the base on the front of the neck, on both sides of the voice box. The stellate ganglion regulates functions such as blood flow, pain in the head, neck, upper chest, and upper arms. Most frequently it is used to help patients with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). A stellate ganglion block is an injection of local anesthetic that temporarily interrupts activity in the sympathetic nerves in the neck, used to diagnose or treat certain nerve conditions. The block is performed under the fluoroscopic x-ray guidance. The needle is placed in either the C6 transverse process approach or the C7 anterior paratracheal approach. Contrast is injected to confirm appropriate and safe needle placement. The procedure can be repeated multiple times, if need.

What Are the Expected Results?

The local anesthetic is felt immediately but its effects may be temporary. Once the anesthetic wears off you may feel sore around the injection site from the needle insertion. Individual responses can vary from short-term to long periods of pain relief. The pain-free phase lasts longer with each additional injection, if needed.

How Long Does It Take?

Generally, 10 minutes for the procedure with 15-20 minutes in the recovery room since the medication takes some time to act. You will be monitored by a nurse in the recovery room to review discharge and follow-up instructions.

Will My Activities Be Decreased?

If local anesthetics are used, we advise you not to drive for at least 12 hours. If sedation is used, you should not drive or operate heavy machinery for 24 hours. You will need to carefully monitor the degree and duration of your pain relief. By the next day, you may resume your normal daily activities.

What Are the Risks and or Side Effects?

Side effects and adverse reactions are rare. The most common side effect is temporary discomfort. With the stellate ganglion block injection, you may temporarily experience droopy eyelids, red or blood shot eyes, stuffy nose, hoarse voice or “lump” in your throat, warmth or tingling in your arms.

Stellate Ganglion Block Video

Related Posts

foot pain

Treating Foot Pain with Expertise: A Journey at Clearway Pain Solutions

At Clearway Pain Solutions, we specialize in diagnosing and treating a wide range of foot pain conditions, offering relief and restoration to our patients.

Relief from Chronic Pain with the Osteocool Procedure

Living with chronic pain can be overwhelming, impacting your physical and emotional well-being. Fortunately, there are a variety of treatment options available to manage pain, including the innovative Osteocool procedure offered by Clearway Pain Solutions. This minimally invasive treatment option provides hope and relief to many patients suffering from chronic pain. What is the Osteocool […]

How to Treat Whiplash Syndrome

Did you know 3 million people are affected by whiplash syndrome, a painful and debilitating condition resulting from a sudden and forceful back-and-forth neck movement? Fortunately, various treatments are available to help alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with whiplash syndrome. This comprehensive guide will provide you with an overview of the causes of whiplash […]

Request an Appointment

Are you ready to alleviate your pain and restore your physical function so you can live your best life – the one you want and deserve? The entire Clearway team is ready to help.

To request an appointment, please click the button below. You will be routed to our Patient Portal, where you can register with us by providing us with some basic information. We will get back as quickly as possible to set up and confirm your appointment day and time. Just below the form, we provide answers to some of the most frequently asked questions, as well.

Any Questions?