Sympathetic Blocks​

Stellate Ganglion Block​

  • The stellate ganglion is part of the sympathetic nervous system that is located in your neck.
  • A stellate ganglion block is an injection of local anesthetic into or around the sympathetic nerves in the neck. It is performed using fluoroscopy (X-ray guidance).
  • The stellate block blocks the sympathetic nerves that go to the arms, and, to some degree, the sympathetic nerves that go to the face. This may in turn reduce pain, swelling, color and sweating changes in the upper extremity and may improve mobility. It is done as a part of the treatment Sympathetic Maintained Pain and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.

Lumbar Sympathetic Block​

  • The lumbar sympathetic plexus is part of the sympathetic nervous system and is located in you’re low back near the spine. A lumbar sympathetic block is an injection of local anesthetic into or around the sympathetic nerves. The nerves are located on the either side of spine, in the lower back. Normally these nerves control basic functions like regulating blood flow. In certain conditions, these sympathetic nerves can carry pain information from the peripheral tissues back to the spinal cord.​
  • A lumbar sympathetic block is performed to block the sympathetic nerves that go to the leg on the same side as the injection. This may in turn reduce pain, swelling, color, sweating and other unusual changes in the lower extremity and may improve mobility. It is done as a part of the treatment of Sympathetic Maintained Pain and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. ​

Ganglion Impar Block​

  • The ganglion impar is a collection of sympathetic nerves located next to the tailbone (coccyx). ​
  • A ganglion impar block is used to evaluate and treat anorectal pain (anus and rectum), perineal pain (space around the genitals) and genital pain. By injected local anesthetic and steroid into or around these nerves, we can achieve long-lasting relief of your (chronic) pelvic or anorectal pain.​
Ganglion Impar