When a Stellate Ganglion Nerve Block May Be Recommended
This procedure can help manage several pain and vascular conditions, including:
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) Types I & II: Severe, persistent pain in the arm or hand following injury or nerve damage
- Postherpetic Neuralgia: Lingering pain after a shingles outbreak affecting the upper body, neck, or face
- Raynaud’s Phenomenon: Painful episodes of reduced blood flow to fingers and hands, causing color changes and numbness
- Certain Headaches and Facial Pain: Such as cluster headaches or atypical facial pain that don’t respond to standard therapies
- Vascular and Circulatory Disorders: Where improved blood flow can reduce pain and promote healing
By interrupting overactive nerve signals, a stellate ganglion block may also support treatment for conditions like PTSD and some migraine disorders.
How the Procedure Works
A stellate ganglion nerve block is typically performed on an outpatient basis and takes less than an hour.
Preparation – Your physician reviews your medical history and may request imaging tests to confirm the precise injection site. The skin on the side of your neck is cleaned and sterilized.
Local numbing – A small amount of local anesthetic ensures comfort throughout the procedure.
Guided needle placement – Using real-time imaging such as fluoroscopy (X-ray) or ultrasound, a thin needle is carefully guided to the stellate ganglion near the base of the neck.
Injection of medication – A combination of local anesthetic and, in some cases, a corticosteroid is delivered to calm the sympathetic nerves and reduce inflammation.
Observation and discharge – After a brief monitoring period, most patients return home the same day.
Relief may begin within minutes to hours and can last from several days to weeks or longer. For chronic conditions, a series of injections may be recommended for sustained benefit.
What to Expect After the Procedure
It is normal to experience temporary warmth, facial flushing, drooping eyelid, or mild hoarseness on the treated side—signs that the targeted nerves are effectively blocked. These effects typically fade within a few hours. Most people notice significant pain relief and improved blood flow shortly after the procedure.
Benefits of a Stellate Ganglion Nerve Block
- Significant reduction in nerve-related pain in the neck, face, arm, or upper chest
- Improved blood circulation, reducing coldness or color changes in the fingers or hand
- Better ability to move and participate in physical therapy or daily activities
- Reduced need for oral pain medications, including opioids
- Potential improvement in sleep and overall quality of life
Risks and Safety
When performed by experienced pain specialists, stellate ganglion nerve blocks are very safe. Minor risks include mild bruising, temporary hoarseness, or soreness at the injection site. Rare complications such as infection, bleeding, or pneumothorax (collapsed lung) can occur but are uncommon. Your physician will review your medical history and allergies to minimize any risks.
Supporting Your Comprehensive Pain Care
A stellate ganglion nerve block is often part of a broader treatment strategy. Depending on your symptoms, your provider may recommend combining this procedure with physical therapy, targeted medications, or other specialized nerve blocks. Related treatments include Sympathetic Nerve Block for lower-body or limb pain, Intercostal Nerve Block for chest and rib discomfort, Occipital Nerve Block for chronic headaches and neck pain, and Suprascapular Nerve Block or Hip Nerve Block for joint-related pain. Visit our Nerve Blocks hub to explore more options for precise pain relief.
Take the Next Step
If you are experiencing chronic upper-body pain, CRPS, Raynaud’s phenomenon, or facial pain that has not improved with other treatments, a stellate ganglion nerve block may help restore comfort and function. Schedule a consultation with a pain specialist to see if this treatment is right for you and to design a personalized care plan.
Videos
Citations
- Cleveland Clinic. (2020). Stellate Ganglion Block. Retrieved from Cleveland Clinic
- Deer, T. R., & Stewart, A. (2018). Stellate Ganglion Block. In Comprehensive Treatment of Chronic Pain by Medical, Interventional, and Integrative Approaches (pp. 469-473). Springer, New York, NY.
Pain Medicine Interventions:
- Narouze, S. N. (2014). Atlas of Ultrasound-Guided Procedures in Interventional Pain Management. New York: Springer.
- Huntoon, M. A., & Burgher, A. H. (2008). Ultrasound-guided stellate ganglion block. Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, 33(5), 516-523.
Pain Medicine Interventions
Stellate ganglion nerve blocks are often part of a comprehensive pain management program, which may include other medications and therapies. The block can help reduce the need for opioid medications and improve overall pain control.
Associated Conditions
Conditions that may benefit from stellate ganglion nerve blocks include complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), post-herpetic neuralgia, and some types of migraines. It can also be used in the treatment of PTSD and certain vascular insufficiencies like Raynaud’s disease.
Lab Tests
Lab tests are not typically required specifically for stellate ganglion nerve block procedures. However, pre-procedure evaluations might include routine blood tests to ensure no underlying conditions that could complicate the procedure.
