As part of Interventional Pain Associates, the Stellate Institute of Idaho specializes in stellate ganglion block interventions for a variety of conditions.

What is a Stellate Ganglion Block?

A stellate ganglion block is a medical procedure that involves injection of a local anesthetic around the stellate ganglion.

PTSD

The stellate ganglion is involved in the body’s “fight or flight” response and plays a role in regulating the autonomic nervous system. Research studies have shown that an overactive sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body’s stress response, contributes to the symptoms of PTSD. By temporarily blocking the stellate ganglion, the sympathetic activity can be reduced, leading to a decrease in the symptoms associated with PTSD.

Long COVID

Long COVID refers to a range of persistent symptoms that some individuals experience after recovering from an acute COVID-19 infection. These symptoms can include fatigue, brain fog, shortness of breath, loss of taste, loss of smell, and various neurological and autonomic dysfunctions. While the underlying cause of long COVID symptoms are not fully understood, research suggests that dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) plays a role. The stellate ganglion is part of the ANS. By temporarily blocking the ganglion, organized autonomic activity can be restored and persistent long COVID symptoms relieved.

Sympathetic-mediated pain

Stellate ganglion blocks are used to treat individuals with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), a chronic condition characterized by severe pain, swelling, and changes in skin color and temperature. This block interrupts the abnormal sympathetic nerve activity associated with CRPS and provides pain relief.

Vascular conditions

Stellate ganglion blocks can be utilized in the treatment of certain vascular conditions like Raynaud’s disease, which causes narrowing of blood vessels in response to cold temperatures or stress. By blocking sympathetic nerve activity, blood flow to the affected area can be improved.

Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)

Stellate ganglion blocks have been used to treat excessive sweating in the upper extremities by inhibiting the sympathetic nerves responsible for regulating sweat production.

Stellate Ganglion Blocks In The News

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Testimonials

What our clients say about our services

  • I received the stellate ganglion block because for years I have struggled with crippling anxiety that sent me into a really dark place. The days following the block I finally felt like I could breathe again. The heaviness I felt from the anxiety was finally lifted and I felt like myself for the first time in years. I not only was a calmer version of myself, but I was sleeping better, happier and felt an overall lightness. I’m so grateful I discovered stellate ganglion blocks because they changed my life.

    MARIE, Customer

  • I had a sudden onset of what we thought was a finger infection, but then it spread across more fingers and to my other hand. Doctors started to wonder if it was dermatomyocitis, but my lab tests that would have indicated that came back negative. The problem was recurrent and resistant to antibiotics, creams, anti-inflammatories or anything else. Then, we thought about covid toe. I've had covid twice and had pretty significant side effects since being vaccinated for it, so it seemed like a possibility. If your feet can be affected, it seems like your fingers could, too. We thought we would give the Stellate Ganglion Block a try and see if it helped. The process was easy. There was very little down time, and it doesn't hurt. Immediately after the injection, you feel a little strange, but it doesn't last long at all (and it's not unpleasant). The block fixed my hands for a while. It was crazy, because it was like it wore off and all of a sudden the symptoms were back. So, we did it again and I haven't had the covid-toe-hand situation since! The investment of blood and treasure was very worth it for me considering the payoff.

    BREANNE, Customer

  • I needed a stellate ganglion block because I lost my taste & smell due to Covid in January 2023. The process was easy & painless! Josh explained in explicit detail before what he was going to do, the anatomy involved, the risks, as well as the benefits. During the procedure he talked to me the entire time to make sure that I was doing ok and continued to narrate the procedure. Within a couple of hours of one side being done I had most of my taste & smell back, & as soon as the other side was done I was 80% on the road to being completely able to smell & taste as I had pre-Covid. I would recommend the procedure to anybody that is experiencing the same thing that I went through, it is amazing & will truly change your life!

    CHAMAGNE, Customer

  • Josh Coleman has performed multiple stellate ganglion blocks on me in the past. I was impressed with the exceptional skills I witnessed as Josh performed these injections on me. I work in the medical field as an RN, so I took great interest in the steps required to perform this type of block. Josh took ample time explaining each step of the procedure, and any symptoms I may have afterwards. He even ensured I could watch the ultrasound during the procedure, as he knew I wanted to learn more regarding how the block is performed. Being able to educate patients in a way that they will understand is a tricky skill to master. Due to my experiences with Josh, and the knowledge he’s given me, I can confidently say Josh has a talent in explaining difficult concepts in a relevant manner to his patients. Meet Josh once and you will easily see just how passionate he is when it comes to helping people manage their pain, and various other symptoms, they may have been struggling with for years.

    CHRIS, Customer

Contact Us

If you or a loved one is seeking relief from acute or chronic pain, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our experienced team at Interventional Pain Associates (formerly known as Tree City Anesthesia). We are here to help you regain control and live a life free from debilitating pain. We look forward to serving you and assisting you on your pain management journey.