Stellate Ganglion Block

Chronic pain and certain mental health conditions can be challenging to manage, but you don’t have to rely solely on medications for relief. At HealthQuest Wellness in Newport Beach, California, Christopher Romig, MD, and the team offer stellate block treatments to help reduce pain and improve your quality of life. Call the office today or schedule an appointment online to learn how this minimally invasive procedure can improve your pain.

What is a stellate block?

A stellate ganglion block is a minimally invasive injection that can help relieve chronic pain and some mental health conditions. 

The treatment involves injecting anesthetic medication into the stellate ganglion in the front of your neck, between the base of your skull and your collarbone. This nerve cluster controls sympathetic nervous system functions, and blocking it can help reduce pain and improve blood flow.

Can I benefit from a stellate block?

Stellate blocks primarily treat neuropathic pain from your sympathetic nervous system. These conditions occur when your sympathetic nervous system sends pain signals to your brain without identifiable cause.

Common conditions a stellate block can address include:

• Phantom limb pain
• Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
• Post-surgical pain
• Ménière’s disease
• Cluster headaches
• Orofacial pain
• Scleroderma
• Peripheral vascular artery disease
• Atypical chest pain
• Raynaud’s syndrome

Some research shows that stellate blocks may also help minimize symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety.

What happens during a stellate block?

You may receive medication to help you relax before the procedure. The next step involves disinfecting the treatment site and injecting a local anesthetic into your neck. This helps keep the area numb during the injection. 

The HealthQuest Wellness team uses ultrasound or fluoroscopic imaging to guide the next needle into the exact spot in your neck where the stellate ganglion is located. Once the needle is in place, they inject the anesthetic to block the nerve signals. You may feel some pressure, but the procedure is quick and relatively comfortable.

The entire procedure lasts about 30 minutes, and you can usually resume your normal activities the same day.

After the injection, you’ll rest briefly as the team monitors you for any immediate effects. Many patients notice symptom relief within minutes, though you may need several sessions to obtain the best results.

How long do the effects of a stellate block last?

The effects of a stellate block can vary. For some people, relief lasts for several months — even years — after the initial injection. The team may recommend multiple injections to maintain the effects and help manage your symptoms.

A stellate block offers a safe, quick, nonsurgical approach to lasting pain relief. To find out if you’re a candidate, call HealthQuest Wellness today or schedule an appointment online.