If you suffer from chronic pain, a stellate ganglion nerve block may be the solution. This is a simple medical procedure used to identify the source of pain or to relieve discomfort in the neck, head, and arms. It involves administering a small injection of local anesthetic very close to this small group of nerves at the base of the neck. The goal is to “turn off” or temporarily block the nerve signals that are causing you pain or discomfort, giving your body a break so you can regain your peace of mind.
A stellate ganglion block is a quick and minimally invasive treatment used to relieve severe or persistent pain of nerve origin. By injecting a small amount of anesthetic into the stellate ganglion excessive nerve activity that causes constant pain, swelling, excessive sweating, or an uncomfortable sensation of heat or cold can be controlled.
This procedure serves two important purposes: first, it acts as a “detector,” helping the doctor pinpoint exactly where your pain is coming from; and second, it acts as a treatment, providing you with rapid and very soothing relief. It’s a great option if you’ve tried pills or other therapies and are still experiencing discomfort that prevents you from living in peace.
This procedure acts like a comprehensive “switch” that helps treat a wide variety of physical and emotional problems. The most common reasons for having it are:
We want you to feel completely relaxed, so you will lie down in a comfortable, reclined position while we monitor your vital signs at all times.
After thoroughly cleaning your neck, the doctor will use real-time ultrasound or an X-ray screen to visualize the inside of your body. This allows them to guide a very fine needle with complete precision to the exact location of the nerves to administer the anesthetic.
The entire process is very quick and lasts between 15 and 30 minutes. The best part is that you can go home and rest the same day.
It’s very common to feel almost immediate pain relief, along with a warmth or tingling sensation in your arm. You may also notice some normal side effects that disappear on their own within a few hours, such as a slightly hoarse voice or a slightly drooping eyelid on the same side as the injection.
These symptoms are usually temporary and disappear within a few hours. Please note that your doctor may recommend a series of injections to ensure ongoing symptom control.
It’s recommended that you rest for the remainder of the day and avoid strenuous physical activity or lifting heavy objects.
It’s normal to feel a little scared, but the truth is, it doesn’t hurt that much. The needle used is very fine. Also, since the first thing that enters your body is the anesthetic, the area goes numb almost instantly. You’ll only feel a small prick and some pressure for a few seconds, but it’s over very quickly.
Don’t worry, it’s a good sign! It means the anesthetic went exactly where we wanted it to. Since the nerves in your neck are very close to those that control eye movements and vocal cords, it’s normal for your eyelid to droop a little or for your voice to be hoarse for a few hours. As soon as the effects of the anesthetic wear off, everything will return to normal.
It’s best if someone accompanies you and drives you home. The treatment is quick, and you can go home the same day, but the anesthesia might leave your arm a little weak or tingly for a few hours. For your safety, it’s best to have someone drive you home and get some quiet rest for the remainder of the day.
It might sound strange, but it’s actually quite simple. When you’re living with a lot of fear or stress, or have gone through something very difficult, your body’s “danger button” gets locked and doesn’t turn off. That small group of nerves in your neck is like the switch for that alarm. By administering anesthesia, we essentially can turn off that switch for a moment to reset the system. That way, your body and mind finally feel safe and can relax.
Your health and peace of mind come first. At University Pain and Spine Center, our specialists are here to evaluate your condition and help you determine the best course of treatment. Call us at 732-873-6868 or request an appointment. With expert care available at our New York and New Jersey locations, we are dedicated to helping you find the relief you deserve.
