Stellate Ganglion Block 

Chronic pain, particularly in the face, neck, and upper extremities, can significantly impact quality of life. For individuals suffering from complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), phantom limb pain, or other nerve-related pain conditions, a Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) may provide effective and lasting relief. Dr. Vadim Lipel, a leading pain management specialist in Encino, California, offers this advanced procedure to help patients manage pain, reduce symptoms of sympathetic nervous system disorders, and regain a better quality of life.

What is a Stellate Ganglion Block?

A Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) is a minimally invasive procedure that involves the injection of local anesthetic into the stellate ganglion, a group of nerves located in the neck that are part of the sympathetic nervous system. This procedure helps interrupt the transmission of pain signals and reduces inflammation in the affected areas.

The Stellate Ganglion is responsible for controlling blood flow and sweating in the arms, face, and head. By blocking the nerve signals in this area, an SGB can help alleviate a variety of conditions, particularly those involving nerve pain and sympathetic nervous system dysfunction.

SGB is commonly used to treat:

• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): A chronic pain condition usually affecting an arm or leg, often after an injury or surgery.
• Post-surgical pain: Especially pain that occurs after surgeries such as breast cancer surgery, thoracic surgery, or vascular surgery.
• Phantom limb pain: Pain felt in a limb that has been amputated.
• Chronic pain: Including pain in the neck, face, and upper extremities.
• Hyperhidrosis: Excessive sweating due to overactive sympathetic nerves.

Benefits of Stellate Ganglion Block

• Pain Relief: One of the most significant benefits of a Stellate Ganglion Block is the ability to reduce chronic pain in the upper extremities, face, and neck. The local anesthetic effectively blocks pain signals, leading to reduced discomfort and better mobility.
• Improved Blood Flow: By interrupting sympathetic nerve activity, the SGB can improve blood circulation in the affected areas, reducing swelling and promoting healing.
• Reduced Inflammation: Inflammation plays a significant role in many chronic pain conditions, and the SGB helps reduce this inflammation, offering relief from ongoing discomfort.
• Treatment for CRPS: Stellate Ganglion Block is particularly effective in treating Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), a debilitating condition that often causes severe burning pain, swelling, and changes in skin color and temperature.
• Minimally Invasive: The procedure is minimally invasive and performed with a needle, allowing for quicker recovery times compared to more invasive surgical treatments.
• Non-Surgical Alternative: For patients who have not responded well to medications or physical therapy, the SGB offers an option for managing pain without the need for surgery.

How the Procedure Works

The Stellate Ganglion Block is a quick, outpatient procedure that typically takes 15 to 30 minutes to perform. The process is done under local anesthesia to ensure that you are comfortable throughout the procedure.

1. Preparation: Dr. Vadim Lipel will begin by discussing your symptoms and reviewing your medical history to determine if the Stellate Ganglion Block is the right treatment for you. He will explain the procedure in detail and address any questions or concerns you may have.
2. Imaging Guidance: To ensure accuracy, the procedure is typically guided by fluoroscopy (real-time X-ray) or ultrasound. This allows Dr. Lipel to precisely locate the stellate ganglion and administer the injection in the correct location.
3. Injection: Once the area is numbed, Dr. Lipel will insert a thin needle through the skin and into the space near the stellate ganglion. A local anesthetic (often a combination of lidocaine or bupivacaine) is injected to block the sympathetic nerve signals and reduce pain. In some cases, a corticosteroid may also be added to help reduce inflammation and improve long-term pain relief.
4. Post-Procedure Care: After the procedure, you may experience some temporary numbness or a warm sensation in the face, neck, or arm. Some patients also experience mild swelling or soreness at the injection site. Most patients can return home the same day, and normal activities can usually be resumed after a short recovery period.

What to Expect After the Procedure

Following a Stellate Ganglion Block, many patients experience immediate relief from pain due to the local anesthetic. The full benefit of the procedure, however, may take a few days to develop, as the corticosteroid medication (if used) begins to reduce inflammation.

Common side effects that may occur after the procedure include:

• Temporary hoarseness or difficulty swallowing (due to the numbing effect on the vocal cords)
• Warmth or a flushed sensation in the face or arm
• Mild soreness or bruising at the injection site

These side effects are typically short-lived and resolve within a few hours to a few days. Dr. Lipel will schedule follow-up appointments to assess your progress and determine if additional treatments or repeat injections are necessary.

Is a Stellate Ganglion Block Right for You?

A Stellate Ganglion Block may be a beneficial treatment option if you are experiencing:

• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) or Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD)
• Chronic pain in the face, neck, or upper extremities that has not responded to other treatments
• Post-surgical pain that persists after procedures such as breast cancer surgery or thoracic surgery
• Phantom limb pain after an amputation
• Hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating
• Pain associated with vascular issues or other nerve-related conditions

Dr. Vadim Lipel will carefully evaluate your condition and medical history to determine whether the Stellate Ganglion Block is the most appropriate treatment for your specific needs.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are struggling with chronic pain or have been diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome or another nerve-related condition, a Stellate Ganglion Block may provide the relief you need to return to a more comfortable and active life. Dr. Vadim Lipel’s expertise in pain management and his commitment to personalized care ensure that you receive the best possible treatment for your condition. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how this procedure can help you manage your pain effectively.