Procedure Description
A stellate ganglion block is a minimally invasive injection targeting the stellate ganglion, a collection of sympathetic nerves located in the front of the neck, near the sixth and seventh cervical vertebrae (C6–C7). These nerves help regulate the body's autonomic (fight-or-flight) response.
By injecting local anesthetic near the stellate ganglion, the procedure disrupts abnormal nerve signals associated with chronic pain, inflammation, and stress-related conditions. This block can offer both diagnostic and therapeutic benefits and is sometimes repeated in a series for optimal results.
What It Treats
Stellate ganglion blocks are used to treat a variety of conditions, including:
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) of the upper extremity
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and severe anxiety
Hot flashes related to menopause or cancer treatment
Post-concussion syndrome
Phantom limb pain
Facial pain, migraines, or cluster headaches
Upper extremity neuropathic pain
Circulatory issues like Raynaud’s phenomenon or vascular insufficiency
How It Is Performed
You will lie on your back with your neck slightly extended.
The area on the front of your neck is cleansed and numbed with local anesthetic.
Under ultrasound or fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance, a thin needle is inserted near the transverse process of the C6 vertebra, just beside the trachea.
Once proper needle placement is confirmed, a small amount of local anesthetic is injected around the stellate ganglion.
The needle is removed, and a small bandage is applied.
The entire procedure typically takes 15–30 minutes and is done in an outpatient setting.
Pre-Procedure Instructions
Do not eat or drink for 6 hours prior to the procedure if sedation is planned.
Discuss medications with your provider—blood thinners may need to be paused.
Inform your provider if you:
Have allergies to anesthetics or contrast dye
Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Have bleeding disorders, infection, or uncontrolled medical conditions
Arrange transportation, especially if sedation is used or if you experience temporary side effects such as hoarseness or visual changes.
What to Expect After the Procedure
You may experience immediate effects such as:
Warmth or redness in the face or arm
Hoarseness, drooping eyelid (Horner’s syndrome), or nasal congestion—all expected and temporary
Pain relief may begin within minutes to hours, depending on the condition being treated
For PTSD or anxiety, improvements in symptoms may emerge over several days
You may resume light activity the same day, avoiding strenuous exercise for 24 hours
Some patients require a series of blocks or repeat treatments for sustained benefit
Call your provider if you experience:
Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Severe headache or neck pain
Persistent numbness, weakness, or fever
Calm the Nervous System, Relieve Chronic Pain and Stress
At Parkview Spine & Pain, we offer stellate ganglion blocks as an innovative treatment for sympathetic nervous system disorders, upper body pain, and stress-related conditions. Whether you're dealing with PTSD, CRPS, or facial pain, this quick and effective procedure may offer the reset your nervous system needs.
👉 Schedule a consultation today to find out if a stellate ganglion block is right for you.