Stellate Ganglion Nerve Block

A Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) is an injection of local anesthetic into the sympathetic nerve tissue in the neck. It's used to treat pain, circulation issues, or some mental health conditions by temporarily blocking nerve signals.

• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) affecting the upper extremity
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Chronic arm, neck, or facial pain
• Herpes zoster (shingles) in the face or upper chest
• Vascular insufficiency (Raynaud's disease)

Preparation:

• Fasting: Don't eat or drink for 4-6 hours before your procedure (unless told otherwise).
• Medications: Review all your medications with your provider. You may need to stop blood thinners.
• Transportation: Arrange for a ride home. You should not drive after the procedure if you receive sedation.

What to Expect:

• You'll lie on your back with your neck slightly extended.
• The skin is cleaned and numbed with local anesthetic.
• Using ultrasound or fluoroscopy, the physician guides a thin needle to the stellate ganglion (in the front of the neck near the C6-C7 vertebrae).
• The procedure typically takes 10–20 minutes.

Temporary Effects (Usually Expected):

These are normal and generally temporary (15–60 minutes):

• Hoarseness
• Red or droopy eyelid (Horner's syndrome)
• Warmth or flushing in the arm or face
• Nasal congestion
• Sensation of a "lump" in the throat or difficulty swallowing

Activity:

• Rest for the remainder of the day.
• Avoid strenuous activity or driving until the next day.
• Resume normal activities the following day unless told otherwise.

Though rare, potential risks include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Nerve injury
• Accidental injection into nearby blood vessels
• Difficulty breathing (if the anesthetic affects the recurrent laryngeal or phrenic nerve)
• Seizures (very rare)

• Pain relief may be immediate or occur over several days.
• Some patients need a series of injections for longer-lasting results.
• If treating PTSD or other psychological conditions, effects may be noticeable within hours to days and may improve over time.

Patients trust Horizon Spine & Pain of Utah because we offer:

• Board-certified pain management specialists
• Advanced imaging guidance for precise nerve blocks
• Comprehensive care before, during, and after the procedure
• Personalized treatment plans for optimal results

Our goal is to help you find effective relief from pain and improve your quality of life.