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Stellate Ganglion Block

Dr. Miller offers advanced pain management solutions for patients dealing with chronic pain and certain neurological conditions. One such treatment is the Stellate Ganglion Block, a procedure designed to provide relief from conditions like complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), certain types of nerve pain, and other sympathetic nervous system disorders.

What is a Stellate Ganglion Block?

A Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) is an injection of local anesthetic near the stellate ganglion, a cluster of nerves located in the neck. This block targets the sympathetic nervous system to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and improve blood flow to affected areas. The procedure is typically used to treat conditions like CRPS, post-surgical pain, and some vascular disorders.

Why choose a Stellate Ganglion Block?

  • Effective Pain Relief: SGB has been proven to help reduce pain, especially for conditions such as CRPS, sciatica, and neuropathic pain.

  • Minimally Invasive: The procedure involves a small needle injected near the stellate ganglion, making it less invasive than surgery.

  • Non-Surgical Solution: For patients who are not candidates for surgery or wish to avoid it, SGB provides an alternative, non-invasive approach.

  • Sympathetic Nervous System Modulation: This procedure helps reset abnormal nerve signaling and restore more normal nerve function, providing relief for various symptoms.

Conditions treated with Stellate Ganglion Block

  • Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) or Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD)

  • Post-surgical pain, particularly following nerve or joint procedures

  • Chronic nerve pain, including conditions like neuropathic pain and post-herpetic neuralgia

  • Vascular issues, such as Raynaud’s disease or blood flow disorders affecting the arms or legs

  • Pain related to certain types of trauma or injury to the sympathetic nervous system

What to expect during the procedure

Dr. Miller performs the Stellate Ganglion Block in a specialized outpatient setting, using fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance to precisely place the injection. The procedure typically takes 15-30 minutes. A local anesthetic will be injected near the stellate ganglion in the neck. You may feel a mild sensation or slight pressure during the injection.

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Once the anesthetic is injected, the nerve-blocking effect begins, often providing pain relief within a short period. Some patients may feel a warm sensation or slight heaviness in their arms or face, which is normal and part of the block's intended effect.

Recovery and results

  • Immediate Relief: Many patients experience significant pain relief within hours of the procedure, but results can vary. Some may require a series of blocks for optimal benefit.

  • Quick Recovery: The procedure is minimally invasive, with most patients able to resume normal activities the same day. Mild soreness around the injection site is possible but usually subsides within a day or two.

  • Follow-up: Dr. Miller will monitor your progress and may recommend additi

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