Are you experiencing pain in your head, neck, chest, or arm that is not responding to any other types of treatment? If so, you may benefit from a procedure called a stellate ganglion block. We are Oklahoma Spine & Pain Management, and we are proud to offer stellate ganglion block treatments in OKC. We understand that everyone is in a slightly different position, and understanding your situation will help us determine whether this treatment option is right for you. Please look at a few common questions below, and call us to schedule an appointment with our team in Oklahoma City.
What Is a Stellate Ganglion Block?
During a stellate ganglion block, we will inject some local anesthetic into sympathetic nerves near your neck voice box. When we administer a stellate ganglion block, we can address problems related to pain, swelling, sweating, and mobility. A stellate ganglion block could be beneficial if you have arm pain, chest pain, neck pain, or head pain caused by a problem within your sympathetic nerve.
What Procedures Are Treated Using a Stellate Ganglion Block Technique?
Stellate Ganglion blocks are used to treat upper extremity pain syndromes that result from hyperactive sympathetic nerve activity. Such diagnoses would include: complex regional pain syndrome, and/or RSD (reflex sympathetic dystrophy).
What Does My Doctor Need To Know Before a Stellate Ganglion Block Treatment in OKC?
Even though a stellate ganglion block can be beneficial, there are situations where we might have to wait before administering this injection. For example, you must inform your doctor if you have an active infection, such as a cold or the flu. Even if you are running a fever, we may need to postpone your appointment. If you suffer from high blood pressure, we need to know about this condition ahead of time, as we may need to adjust the injection schedule. Finally, if you are on blood thinners, please let us know as we cannot proceed with the injection.
What Happens on the Day of Stellate Ganglion Block Procedure?
First, we will ensure that we answer all your questions before we move forward and ask you to sign a consent form. We will check your blood pressure and temperature to ensure you do not have any of the issues listed above, and we will ask you to lie down on your back. Then, we will place a pillow directly underneath your shoulder blades. We will use an antiseptic soap to clean your neck, and sterilize the area before commencing with the procedure.
During the procedure, we will ask you not to talk, cough, or swallow. We do not want you to make any of these movements because they could change the position of the needles, making it harder for us to place the injection in the right location.
After we have confirmed that the needle is in the right location, we will slowly administer the anesthetic medication into the stellate ganglion block. The entire procedure will take approximately ten minutes, and you will eventually feel the medicine take effect shortly after that. We may ask you to adjust your position after injecting the medication to make sure it spreads out in the right locations.
What is the Recovery Process Like After a Stellate Ganglion Block?
After the injection, we will ask you to stay in the recovery area for approximately 30 to 60 minutes. This will give us a chance to watch you recover. Your neck might feel sore after the injection, and your voice might be a bit hoarse. This should wear off relatively quickly, and we may ask you not to eat anything for approximately four hours to confirm that you can swallow safely. We will let you know if we have any other restrictions following the procedure, to ensure a successful stellate ganglion block recovery.
Best Stellate Ganglion Block Treatment in OKC
At Oklahoma Spine & Pain Management, we are known as the best pain doctors in the local area because we do not take a cookie-cutter approach to your therapy. Instead, we always customize your treatment option to meet your needs, and we will help you figure out if a stellate ganglion block is right for you. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns, and we will develop a comprehensive treatment plan to address your recovery. Get in touch with us today to learn how we can assist you in dealing with chronic pain or other conditions like Neuropathy treatment in OKC.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A stellate ganglion block (SGB) is an anesthetic injection administered to reduce the pain in the stellate ganglion nerves. Each of these nerves is located on either side of the voice box in the neck. If someone has pain in their head, neck, upper arm, or upper chest, a stellate ganglion block can help relieve pain.
Book a ConsultationSome side effects of stellate ganglion block include:
- Bruising at the area of injection
- Soreness in the area of injection
- Bloodshot eyes
- Watery eyes
- Drooping eyelids
- Rough voice
- Lumpiness in throat
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Nasal stuffiness
Yes. Stellate ganglion blocks can help with the treatment of several pain conditions and improve circulation. However, the results vary from person to person. If you have any reservations or concerns about the results of stellate ganglion blocks, don’t hesitate to visit Oklahoma Spine & Pain Management or consult a doctor on call.
Book a ConsultationYou can get a stellate ganglion block in Oklahoma at Oklahoma Spine & Pain Management. Our doctors specialize in treating a vast array of conditions with stellate ganglion blocks. We will diagnose your condition and suggest the best treatment plan that relieves you of the pain you are going through.
Book a ConsultationThe average stellate ganglion block cost in Oklahoma is between $500 to $1,500 per injection, depending on the dose and patient’s condition. If you have insurance coverage, your insurance company may cover some or all of the cost of stellate ganglion blocks.
Book a ConsultationA stellate ganglion block uses a local anesthetic, such as Lidocaine, Bupivacaine, etc. This medication is injected into the stellate ganglion region of the patient. As a result, it numbs the pain you may be experiencing in your neck, head, arms, or chest. The anesthetic that we use is administered carefully by an experienced healthcare provider, making sure that it generates optimum results as per your condition.
Book a ConsultationThe effects of a stellate ganglion block can last for a few months or even a few years in some cases. However, the results vary significantly for each patient and the condition they have. If you have chronic pain, you may need repetitive stellate ganglion blocks to live a pain-free life.
Book a ConsultationA stellate ganglion block is very effective. It generates immediate and profound results, though the duration of these results may vary for each patient. The success rate of a stellate ganglion block is up to 80% — patients report that a stellate ganglion block has reduced their symptoms by 50%.
Book a ConsultationA stellate ganglion block is administered to a sensitive area in your body near your throat. This area is called the stellate ganglion. Although it is a minimally invasive procedure, some patients may still feel discomfort during administration. That is why a healthcare professional would sedate you, allowing you to feel comfortable during the procedure.
Book a ConsultationCardiac effects do not last long after a stellate ganglion block. In fact, most patients do not even experience any cardiac effects after a stellate ganglion block. The injection may modestly reduce the heart rate because of the anesthetics, but it does not pose any significant effect on the heart during or after the procedure.
Book a ConsultationYou can expect your pain to go completely away immediately after the stellate ganglion block. Since stellate ganglion nerves are located near the vocal cords, you can expect your voice to sound harsh for a few hours after the procedure. Other side effects you should expect are redness of the eyes, a warm sensation on your face, and other lingering effects. However, these effects all disappear after a few hours of the block administration.
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