Stellate Ganglion Block – Asheville, NC
Fast Relief for Upper Body Pain
Countless individuals have a medical condition that could benefit from a stellate ganglion block, a type of nerve block that can produce fast relief for certain types of upper body pain, as well as issues like PTSD, anxiety, long covid, and more. But what exactly is a stellate ganglion block, and what should you know about this procedure before you request a consultation with our Asheville Non-Surgical Orthopedics team? Continue reading to learn more.
What Is a Stellate Ganglion Block?
The stellate ganglion is a group of nerves located in your neck, in front of the sixth and seventh cervical vertebrae. It is part of your body’s sympathetic nervous system. Although the stellate ganglion does not play a critical role in feeling or movement, it can cause significant problems it if is irritated or misfiring. It also contributes to the body’s fight or flight response, which is why
A stellate ganglion block is a precise injection of local anesthetic that prevents the stellate ganglion from sending signals to your pain. Even though this type of nerve block does not directly treat injuries, it can be used for diagnostic and pain relief purposes.
A stellate ganglion block may be used to:
- Reduce or eliminate certain types of upper body pain, such as phantom limb pain and complexion regional pain syndrome types I and II.
- Reduce anxiety and PTSD symptoms (this is because the stellate ganglion contributes to the body’s fight or flight response).
- Help patients with long COVID to regain their sense of taste and smell.
How Does a Stellate Ganglion Block Work?
The stellate ganglion block procedure is fast and relatively simple. You may be sedated to help you remain calm and relaxed during your treatment. You may also receive an initial injection of local anesthetic to make a second injection more comfortable.
Dr. Pinkston uses ultrasound guidance to administer nerve block injections. It allows him to inject the anesthetic exactly where it needs to go so it can have maximum effects. It is important that you remain still during the injection process so the needle does not end up in the wrong place.
After the nerve block is injected, you will need to wait in a recovery room for a while (40 – 60 minutes) before you head home.
The Benefits of Getting a Stellate Ganglion Block
A stellate ganglion block offers some significant benefits:
- It takes effect very quickly, so you can expect fast results.
- The procedure is fast. You may be in and out of our office in just a couple of hours.
- The results of a stellate ganglion block can last for quite a while in some patients. (Several factors influence how long the block lasts. Patients typically need to come in for multiple injections before they achieve long-term relief.)
- A stellate ganglion block can play an important role in helping to diagnose certain types of pain in the head, neck, and upper arms.
- Ultrasound guidance, combined with Dr. Pinkston’s experience and knowledge, make this a low-risk treatment.
Stellate Ganglion Block FAQs
Until you came across this page, you may never have heard of a stellate ganglion block before! It makes sense, then, if you have questions about this procedure and what to expect from it. Of course, Dr. Pinkston and our team would be pleased to answer your questions when you come in for a consultation. In the meantime, you can discover some valuable information by reading the FAQs listed below.
What Conditions Can a Stellate Ganglion Block Be Used For?
A stellate ganglion block may be used for a number of conditions:
- Complex regional pain syndrome (type I or type II)
- Phantom limb pain
- Peripheral vascular disease
- Chronic post-surgical pain
- Raynaud’s syndrome
- Cluster headaches
- Atypical chest pain
- Intractable angina
- PTSD
- Anxiety
- Long COVID (loss of taste and smell)
- And more!
If you are curious about whether this treatment might be suitable in your unique case, call our practice to ask questions or request a consultation. After a thorough evaluation, Dr. Pinkston can recommend a pain relief pain that is tailored to your unique needs.
How Much Does a Stellate Ganglion Block Cost?
The price of a stellate ganglion block can vary. It may cost hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Some health insurance companies cover this procedure for certain purposes, while others do not. Call your insurance provider and ask them if they cover stellate ganglion blocks and whether you need preauthorization before you move forward with treatment. Although our team is not in-network with any insurance plans, we can still assist you with filing claims.
If your insurance will not cover your treatment, you may be able to use your flexible spending account or healthcare savings account to make it easier to afford.
Does a Stellate Ganglion Block Carry Any Risks?
Serious complications resulting from a stellate ganglion block are quite rare. For example, in a few cases, patients have experienced infections, serious bleeding, and nerve damage. If you ever think that your stellate ganglion block is causing serious problems, seek medical care right away.
Dr. Pinkston takes patient safety very seriously and implements all appropriate precautions to minimize the risk of adverse outcomes. If you experience any unpleasant side effects, they are likely to be mild and temporary. For example, some patients experience watery eyes, a hoarse voice, drooping eyelids, or difficulty swallowing.
How Long Do the Results of a Stellate Ganglion Block Last?
The duration of pain relief varies from individual to individual. After their first treatment, some enjoy results that last for days or weeks. As they return for additional injections, they typically find that their results longer each time. Eventually, they may reach the point where they can enjoy years of benefits.