This Memorial Day, we remember the lives of those lost in service — and honor the many veterans, first responders, and everyday individuals still fighting battles of their own. For those suffering from PTSD, chronic anxiety, or trauma-related pain, healing isn't just physical — it's deeply emotional and often invisible.
At Horizon Spine & Pain of Utah, we offer a unique and powerful option that may bring peace to both body and mind: the Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB). Backed by growing evidence and used widely in military medicine, this simple, fast procedure can help reset an overactive stress response and give relief to those living with the heavy weight of trauma.
If you or someone you love is carrying that burden — whether from military service, abuse, medical trauma, or anxiety — this treatment may offer a new way forward.
🔍 What is a Stellate Ganglion Block?
Anatomy diagram showing the location of the stellate ganglion in the neck
A Stellate Ganglion Block involves placing a small amount of local anesthetic near a bundle of sympathetic nerves in the neck known as the stellate ganglion. These nerves regulate many automatic functions in your body, including pain, stress responses, temperature, and blood flow. When overactive, they can lead to a wide range of symptoms — from nerve pain to PTSD to hot flashes.
✅ At our clinic, the procedure typically takes just 3–5 minutes using fluoroscopic guidance (our preferred method), though it can also be done using ultrasound. Many other clinics take 15–30 minutes.
✅ What Conditions Can Stellate Ganglion Blocks Help?
- •Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) - A well-established use. SGB calms the overactive sympathetic system, reducing burning pain, skin color changes, and temperature sensitivity.
- •Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) - Used extensively in veterans and trauma survivors. By modulating the fight-or-flight response, SGB can reduce anxiety, sleep disruption, and emotional dysregulation.
- •Long COVID Syndrome (Smell, Taste, Brain Fog, Fatigue) - SGB can help patients with dysautonomia and nervous system dysfunction after COVID. Early case studies show restored smell and taste and improved energy.
- •Facial Pain, Headaches, and Migraines - Especially useful for those with burning or aching pain in the face or behind the eyes. Some patients with trigeminal neuralgia or chronic migraine may benefit.
- •Menopausal Hot Flashes - Yes, really — SGB has shown in studies to decrease the frequency and severity of hot flashes in women not tolerating hormone therapy.
- •Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Neuropathic Symptoms - Though still investigational, some MS patients report relief from fatigue, temperature sensitivity, and nerve pain after SGB treatment.
How SGB helps modulate the fight-or-flight response in PTSD
💵 Pricing & Coverage
- •💲 Current Cash-Pay Discount: $350
- •💸 Regular Price: $500
- •📋 Insurance Coverage: Typically covered for CRPS and some chronic pain syndromes. We verify coverage prior to treatment.
🛠 How the Procedure Works
Fluoroscopic guidance during SGB procedure
- •Performed in-office under sterile conditions
- •Done using fluoroscopic X-ray guidance (our preferred method) or ultrasound
- •No general anesthesia needed — only local numbing
- •Takes just 3–5 minutes
- •You're monitored briefly after, then go home the same day
👍 Pros & ⛔️ Cons
✅ Pros:
- •Fast, minimally invasive procedure
- •May improve pain, stress, smell, taste, hot flashes, and nerve dysfunction
- •Reduces need for opioids or psychiatric meds in some cases
- •Covered by insurance for several conditions
⚠️ Cons:
- •Temporary hoarseness, red eye, or lightheadedness for a few hours
- •Results can vary based on the condition being treated
- •May need to repeat every 3–6 months for lasting relief
📞 Schedule a Consultation
At Horizon Spine & Pain of Utah, we're proud to offer Stellate Ganglion Blocks with fluoroscopic guidance in a safe, efficient, and compassionate setting. We work with both cash-pay and insurance patients and can help you decide if this treatment is right for your condition.
Call us today or request an appointment online to learn more.
📚 References
- •Lee et al., "Sympathetic Blocks in CRPS," Pain Physician, 2014
- •Mulvaney et al., "SGB for PTSD," Military Medicine, 2014
- •Lipski et al., "SGB for Long COVID," Pain Physician, 2023
- •Lipov et al., "SGB for Hot Flashes," Menopause, 2008
- •Liu et al., "Neuromodulation for Facial Pain," Neurology Research International, 2019