October 7, 2026
Severe, burning pain in the arm, hand, neck, or chest caused by Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), persistent shingles, or nerve trauma can resist standard treatment options. This pain is often maintained by an overactive sympathetic nervous system—the network regulating fight-or-flight blood vessel responses.
A Stellate Ganglion Block is a targeted interventional procedure designed to temporarily disrupt sympathetic nerve signaling to the upper extremity, effectively “resetting” hyperactive pain pathways.
The stellate ganglion is an oval-shaped collection of sympathetic nerve cell bodies located in the front of the lower neck, resting near the base of the cervical spine.
This nerve cluster acts as the main relay station controlling sympathetic nerve signals—including blood vessel constriction, sweating, and temperature regulation—to the head, neck, arms, and upper chest. When an injury triggers sympathetic hyperactivity, the stellate ganglion sends continuous, magnified pain signals to consciousness.
A stellate ganglion block is a quick, outpatient procedure performed under image guidance to ensure maximum safety and precision:
Stellate ganglion blocks are used for several distinct conditions:
Following a successful block, patients often experience an immediate warm sensation in the arm and hand, accompanied by significant pain reduction and temporary drooping of the eyelid on the treated side (Horner’s sign)—confirming that the sympathetic block is actively working.