What is a Stellate Ganglion Block?
Accidents can happen, and some can be serious. Car accidents, in particular, can lead to chronic pain due to nerve injuries and circulation problems caused by the impact. No matter their cause, if you struggle with these issues, a stellate ganglion block treatment may help.
The stellate ganglion is part of the sympathetic nervous system. This collection of nerves is located in your neck, on either side of your voice box. The ‘block’ is an injection of medication into these nerves. When injected, these medications can help relieve pain in the head, neck, upper arm, and upper chest. They can also help increase circulation and blood supply to the arm.
This injection is used to diagnose or treat various problems and nerve injuries, including:
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome type I or II
- Reflex sympathetic dystrophy
- Causalgia
- Shingles
- Phantom limb pain
How Does a Stellate Ganglion Block Work?
A stellate ganglion block injection is straightforward and non-surgical. First, you may be given an intravenous medication to relax you. Once you’re relaxed, you’ll lie on your back on an x-ray table, and your neck will be disinfected.
Then, a local anesthetic will be injected near your voice box using a thin needle. Using x-ray or ultrasound guidance, a second needle will carefully inject an anesthetic medication. The entire process usually takes less than 30 minutes, and you can go home the same day after being monitored in the recovery room.
What Are the Results?
It’s important to take it easy on the day of certain medical procedures. Experts often recommend avoiding driving or operating heavy machinery during this time. Most individuals can typically return to their normal activities the following day.
After the procedure, once the voice or throat feels normal, people are usually advised to start with sipping water through a straw and gradually progress to eating solid foods. According to studies, some of these therapies may help reduce discomfort and support circulation, though outcomes can vary.
