Overview of Treatment

A stellate ganglion block (SGB) is a procedure designed to treat various painful conditions in the head, neck, chest, and arms. This treatment involves an injection of anesthetic into the stellate ganglion, a nerve cluster near the voice box. It helps reduce pain, improve circulation, and address symptoms like skin color changes, sweating, and swelling in the upper extremities. At The Pain Experts of Arizona, our pain doctors in Gilbert, Mesa, and surrounding areas use this procedure to manage chronic pain and improve your quality of life.

Conditions Treated with Stellate Ganglion Block

The stellate ganglion block is effective for treating conditions such as:

• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

• Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD)

• Neuropathic Pain

• Causalgia

• Phantom Limb Pain

• Herpes Zoster (Shingles) affecting the head, neck, upper chest, or arm

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms

• Sympathetically Maintained Pain (SMP)

Research shows that the stellate ganglion block may help manage PTSD symptoms by regulating the sympathetic nervous system. This treatment offers new hope for people who haven’t found relief with traditional options. In Scottsdale, Phoenix, and other areas, The Pain Experts of Arizona provide this cutting-edge procedure to help you feel better.

Benefits of a Stellate Ganglion Block

A stellate ganglion block offers several benefits:

• Pain Relief: Alleviates pain from nerve injuries or conditions in the head, neck, chest, or arms.

• Improved Circulation: Increases blood flow to the arms and upper extremities.

• Reduced Sweating: Helps control excessive sweating in the hands, arms, and head.

• Diagnostic Aid: Identifies the root causes of symptoms like abnormal sweating or persistent pain.

The Procedure

Before the procedure, your pain doctor at The Pain Experts of Arizona will review your medical history and medications. If you’re on blood thinners or immunosuppressants, you may need to stop these before the procedure. The SGB itself is quick, typically lasting 5 to 10 minutes. Your doctor will use X-ray guidance to inject a local anesthetic into the stellate ganglion to reduce pain.

After the procedure, you’ll stay in an observation room for about an hour. You might feel temporary side effects like balance issues or neck tenderness. Avoid eating or drinking for four hours after the procedure. It’s also important not to drive or operate heavy machinery for the rest of the day. The Pain Experts of Arizona in Gilbert, Mesa, and Scottsdale are dedicated to ensuring a smooth experience.

Recovery

Many patients feel immediate pain relief after the procedure, but some may experience temporary discomfort. If your pain returns after the anesthetic wears off, you might experience long-term relief with further treatments. If you feel more neck pain, it typically resolves within a few days. Your pain doctor will work with you to develop an ongoing treatment plan to manage your pain.

Risks

The stellate ganglion block is generally safe, but there are potential risks, including:

• Bruising or soreness at the injection site

• Droopy eyelids and red, watery eyes

• Hoarseness or difficulty swallowing

• Warmth or tingling in the arm or hand

• Nasal congestion or stuffy nose

Rare risks include infection, nerve damage, or pneumothorax (collapsed lung). Your pain specialist at The Pain Experts of Arizona will discuss these risks and help you make an informed decision.

When to Call the Doctor

If you experience any complications or unusual symptoms after your stellate ganglion block, such as difficulty swallowing or signs of infection, contact your doctor right away. The Pain Experts of Arizona are here to provide expert care and support throughout your treatment.

Schedule a Consultation with an Arizona Pain Specialist Today

If you’re having pain-related difficulty, The Pain Experts of Arizona can help. Our award-winning pain doctors in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gilbert, and Mesa specialize in vertebral augmentation and other advanced pain management treatments to restore function and improve your quality of life.

Call us today at 480-950-9393 to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward feeling better.

The Pain Experts of Arizona – Your Partners in Pain Relief and Recovery.

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