An estimated 50 million adults in the United States face chronic pain at some point in their lives. This condition can arise from numerous causes and often severely affects a person’s quality of life.
Living with chronic pain can interfere with your ability to work, create financial challenges, and strain your relationships. Over time, it can also increase the likelihood of developing mood disorders such as depression.
Thankfully, there are effective treatments available. Stellate Ganglion Block therapy is a proven option for managing chronic pain, providing lasting relief and improving overall quality of life.
A Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) is a medical procedure designed to alleviate pain by blocking nerve signals in the stellate ganglion, a cluster of nerves in the neck. It is commonly used to diagnose and treat chronic pain conditions associated with nerve dysfunction. Treatment often involves a series of injections for optimal results.
At ReNova Health, we prioritize your comfort and care throughout your Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) treatment. If you’re considering this innovative option for managing pain, here’s what you can expect during the process.
The SGB procedure focuses on the Stellate Ganglion nerves, located in your neck, to address certain types of chronic pain.
Before the treatment, your provider will thoroughly explain each step of the procedure and answer any questions you may have. To ensure precise placement of the injection, imaging tools like ultrasound or x-ray are used to identify the ideal location.
During the procedure, you’ll remain awake but comfortable. A local anesthetic or numbing agent is applied to minimize discomfort, and if needed, medication can be administered via IV to help you relax.
Our experienced team, including a specialist pain management nurse, will be with you every step of the way to ensure your safety and support.
It’s important to remain still during the procedure and avoid actions like coughing, swallowing, or talking, as these movements can impact needle placement. Fortunately, the entire process is quick and straightforward.
Recovery is typically smooth, with most patients advised to rest for 24 hours following the treatment. You’ll be able to return home shortly after the procedure and resume your normal activities soon after.
At ReNova Health, we’re here to help you take the next step toward living pain-free.
The effectiveness of SGB treatment varies from one individual to another, largely depending on the severity of the pain and the specific condition being addressed.
For some patients, relief from the SGB block can begin within 30 minutes of the procedure. While it’s common for pain to temporarily resurface as the local anesthetic wears off, there’s no need to be concerned—your SGB block is still actively working!
Within a few days, you’re likely to notice a meaningful reduction in pain levels. For instance, patients with CRPS have reported a pain reduction of over 50% following their SGB treatment.
As time passes, the effects of the SGB injection may diminish, and the pain could gradually return. On average, the relief from a single injection lasts several weeks, although some individuals experience benefits for months.
Most patients undergo multiple injections as part of their pain management strategy. With each subsequent injection, many find that the effects last longer, offering extended periods of relief.
Like many medical treatments, SGB therapy is associated with a variety of potential side effects. These may include:
Typically, these effects resolve within 24 hours following the procedure.
Doctors advise against undergoing SGB treatment if you are experiencing a fever, cold, infection, or the flu on the day of the procedure. Additionally, this treatment is not recommended for individuals with high blood pressure or those taking blood-thinning medications.
For those grappling with chronic pain, a sympathetic ganglion nerve block has the potential to significantly improve quality of life. With this in mind, let’s delve deeper into the additional advantages of SGB treatment for managing chronic pain.