How Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) Offers Relief for PTSD, Pain, and Dysautonomia

If you’ve tried everything from medications and therapy to lifestyle changes and still feel stuck in a cycle of nervous system dysfunction, you’re not alone. At Interventional Orthopedics of Washington (IOW), we understand how exhausting and discouraging that can be. That’s why we offer targeted treatments like the Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) to help restore calm, function, and hope.

SGB is a specialized, image-guided nerve block that can help reset an overactive sympathetic nervous system. For individuals suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), chronic pain conditions, or dysautonomia, this treatment offers a promising path toward relief.

Understanding The Stellate Ganglion and Sympathetic Nervous System

The stellate ganglion is a collection of sympathetic nerve cells located in the lower neck. These nerves regulate automatic bodily functions including:

• Heart rate and blood pressure

• Body temperature and sweating

• Stress (fight-or-flight) responses

• Blood flow to organs and extremities

Chronic trauma, injury, or illness can cause the sympathetic nervous system to become overactive, keeping the body in a constant state of stress and contributing to a range of debilitating symptoms.

What is a Stellate Ganglion Block?

Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) is a minimally invasive injection of local anesthetic near the stellate ganglion performed under ultrasound or fluoroscopy guidance. This temporarily interrupts sympathetic nerve signals, creating a “reset” that allows the nervous system to return to a more regulated state.

The Procedure Includes:

• Ultrasound- or fluoroscopy-guided needle placement

• Local anesthetic injection to block the sympathetic nerve cluster

• A brief recovery period for monitoring

• Potential relief lasting days to months, depending on the individual

Watch The SGB Procedure in Action

Get a behind-the-scenes look at how SGB is performed at Interventional Orthopedics of Washington using advanced image-guided techniques.

This short video walks you through the step-by-step process from preparation to post-injection care so you can feel informed and confident before your visit.

How SGB Helps With PTSD, Pain, and Dysautonomia

PTSD Relief

PTSD is not only psychological, it’s also physical. When the fight-or-flight system is stuck in overdrive, symptoms like hypervigilance, panic attacks, and sleep disturbances become daily obstacles. SGB can help:

• Reduce nightmares, anxiety, and emotional reactivity

• Improve sleep and mental clarity

• Enhance outcomes of therapy and other trauma-focused care

Chronic Pain Syndromes

Conditions like Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) and other neuropathic pain disorders involve abnormal sympathetic nerve activity. SGB may:

• Decrease nerve hypersensitivity and pain

• Improve range of motion and reduce inflammation

• Enhance tolerance for physical therapy

Dysautonomia and POTS

Dysautonomia, including Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), can cause extreme fatigue, dizziness, brain fog, and irregular heart rate. SGB helps by:

• Normalizing cardiovascular responses

• Reducing lightheadedness and fatigue

• Supporting nervous system regulation without medications

Though not a cure, SGB is an important tool in a broader, personalized treatment plan that may include functional medicine, nutrition, and rehab.

Who Is a Candidate for Stellate Ganglion Block?

SGB is often considered for individuals with treatment-resistant PTSD, CRPS, or dysautonomia who haven’t found relief through conventional therapies. You may be a candidate if you:

• Experience persistent trauma-related or autonomic symptoms

• Are in good overall health and not allergic to anesthetics

• Are open to a multidisciplinary care approach

A consultation at IOW includes a detailed health assessment, imaging review, and personalized treatment planning.

What to Expect During and After the Procedure

The SGB procedure takes about 15-30 minutes and is done on an outpatient basis. Using ultrasound or fluoroscopy, our specialists carefully inject the anesthetic near the stellate ganglion to ensure maximum precision and safety.

After the injection, you may notice:

• Numbness or tingling in the arm or face

• Mild drooping of the eyelid (Horner’s Syndrome)

• Soreness or minor bruising at the injection site

These effects are temporary and usually resolve within hours. Many patients experience symptom improvement within a few days. Depending on your condition, a single injection may be sufficient, or a series may be recommended.

You can resume most normal activities the same day though we advise avoiding strenuous exercise for 24-48 hours.

Safety and Potential Risks

SGB is a low-risk procedure when performed by trained, board-certified specialists like those at IOW. Our team uses real-time imaging to maximize precision and safety.

Rare risks include:

• Infection at the injection site

• Nerve injury or bleeding

• Temporary difficulty swallowing or hoarseness

We provide thorough pre- and post-care instructions to support your recovery and peace of mind.

Why Choose IOW for Your SGB Treatment?

At Interventional Orthopedics of Washington, we go beyond symptom management. We focus on restoring function and rebalancing your nervous system using the latest image-guided techniques. Dr. Otono Silva is board-certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and has advanced training in precision orthopedic and neurological procedures.

You’ll receive:

• Board-certified specialists with advanced training in interventional pain and orthopedic procedures

• State-of-the-art imaging for accuracy and safety

• Patient-first, compassionate care that focuses on long-term functional outcomes

Schedule Your Consultation

If you're exploring SGB as a treatment option for treatment-resistant PTSD, complex pain conditions, or dysautonomia symptoms, our team can help evaluate whether this procedure might be appropriate for your specific situation. Contact Interventional Orthopedics of Washington at (425) 326-1665 or schedule a free discovery call today to explore whether SGB is right for you.

We're committed to providing evidence-based, compassionate care to help you make informed decisions about your treatment options.