Sympathetic Blocks – Stellate Ganglion Injections are a specialized pain management procedure used to treat pain and other symptoms related to the sympathetic nervous system, particularly in the head, neck, upper chest, and arms. The stellate ganglion is a collection of nerves located in the neck, which are part of the sympathetic nervous system that controls various involuntary bodily functions.

 

During this procedure, a local anesthetic is injected into the area around the stellate ganglion to block the sympathetic nerves from sending pain signals. Stellate ganglion injections are commonly used to treat conditions such as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), post-herpetic neuralgia (pain following shingles), and certain vascular conditions. In addition to pain relief, these injections can help improve blood flow and reduce swelling in the affected areas.

 

The procedure is minimally invasive and typically well-tolerated, providing patients with the potential for significant pain reduction and improved function.