Sympathetic Ganglion Blocks

What is a sympathetic ganglion block?

A sympathetic ganglion block is a medical procedure that targets the sympathetic nervous system, which plays a role in regulating functions such as blood flow, temperature, and involuntary muscle movements.

Treating pain by blocking sympathetic ganglia has been done since World War I. Sympathetic ganglia are clusters of nerve cells in the sympathetic nervous system that initiate the fight-or-flight stress response. 

Who is a candidate for sympathetic ganglion blocks?

The team recommends sympathetic ganglion blocks for patients who are experiencing chronic pain conditions associated with the sympathetic nervous system. These include:

• Complex regional pain syndrome
• Raynaud’s syndrome
• Certain neuropathic pain syndromes
• Vascular insufficiency

The team at Clarkston Pain and Rehab carefully reviews your case to determine if the treatment is an option for you.

What is it like to receive a sympathetic ganglion block?

During the procedure, your specialist injects a local anesthetic near the sympathetic ganglia (clusters of nerve cells) to block the transmission of pain signals. They typically use fluoroscopy or ultrasound to guide the precise placement of the injection.

You go home after the procedure and rest for a day before resuming your normal activities. You may experience modest discomfort during the injection, but it’s generally well-tolerated. 

The effects of the block, such as pain relief, may be immediate or may take a short time to emerge. How long your pain relief lasts depends on your body’s personal response and the pain condition you’re treating.

How often do I need sympathetic ganglion blocks?

The frequency of sympathetic ganglion blocks depends on your body’s response and the nature of your underlying pain condition. You may get adequate relief from a single injection, or you may do better with a series of injections over time. 

The team at Clarkston Pain and Rehab customizes your treatment plan based on your particular needs and responses. The sympathetic ganglion blocks are usually part of a comprehensive treatment plan for pain management that may also include physical therapy, medications, and other types of injections.

Call Clarkston Pain and Rehab or use this website to schedule an appointment to learn if you’re a candidate for sympathetic ganglion blocks or other pain management strategies.