Stellate Ganglion Blocks Specialist in San Francisco, CA
At Presidio Pain Relief in San Francisco, CA, Dr. Robert Savala MD specializes in Stellate Ganglion Blocks to help patients manage chronic pain and improve their quality of life. This innovative procedure targets the stellate ganglion, a collection of nerves in the neck, to alleviate pain and reduce symptoms associated with conditions like Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) and certain types of nerve disorders.
For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 2000 Van Ness Ave, #208 San Francisco, CA 94109.
What Is a Stellate Ganglion Block?
At Presidio Pain Relief, we specialize in advanced pain management techniques, including the Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB), a minimally invasive procedure designed to alleviate chronic pain in the head, neck, upper chest, and arms. This effective treatment is used to address conditions such as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), post- herpetic neuralgia, persistent neck pain, migraines, cluster headaches, facial pain, and thoracic outlet syndrome.
During the procedure, our skilled healthcare professionals use imaging techniques like fluoroscopy or ultrasound to guide the injection of a local anesthetic into the stellate ganglion, ensuring precise needle placement and patient safety. This outpatient procedure typically takes 15-30 minutes, and most patients can return home the same day. Many experience immediate symptom relief lasting 12-24 hours or longer, with some requiring multiple sessions for sustained pain management.
SGB offers numerous benefits, including temporary pain relief, enhanced range of motion, reduced reliance on pain medications, and improved quality of life. While the procedure is generally safe, potential side effects include temporary hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, Horner's syndrome (drooping eyelid and constricted pupil), nasal congestion, or rare complications like bleeding, infection, or nerve damage. To ensure safety and effectiveness, our team conducts a thorough evaluation of your medical history and discusses potential risks before treatment.
At Presidio Pain Relief, we are committed to compassionate, personalized care. If you’re struggling with chronic upper body pain, contact us to learn more about how a Stellate Ganglion Block can help improve your well- being.
How Does a Stellate Ganglion Block Work?
The stellate ganglion is a crucial nerve cluster located near the base of the neck, integral to the sympathetic nervous system, which influences involuntary body functions like blood flow, temperature regulation, and stress responses. By administering a local anesthetic to this area, our skilled practitioners can temporarily block these sympathetic nerves, effectively interrupting pain signals and modulating the body’s stress response. This can provide relief from pain in the head, neck, and upper limbs and address symptoms associated with Raynaud's disease, migraines, and cluster headaches.
At Presidio Pain Relief, the stellate ganglion block is performed with precision and care. Patients are positioned comfortably on their back with their heads slightly extended. Using cutting-edge imaging techniques such as fluoroscopy or ultrasound, our healthcare providers guide the needle safely to the target area. Once the anesthetic is injected, many patients experience immediate relief, though some may require a few sessions for optimal results. Relief duration varies, potentially lasting from several hours to several days or longer, tailored to the individual’s condition and response.
We prioritize patient safety and comfort, ensuring that the procedure is carried out in a controlled outpatient setting, typically within 15 to 30 minutes. While the stellate ganglion block is generally safe, our team provides a comprehensive overview of potential risks, such as temporary hoarseness or difficulty swallowing, to help you make an informed decision about your treatment plan.
What Conditions Can a Stellate Ganglion Block Treat?
At Presidio Pain Relief, we offer advanced treatments like the Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) to manage chronic pain and improve quality of life. SGB is a minimally invasive procedure targeting the sympathetic nervous system through the injection of an anesthetic agent into the stellate ganglion, a cluster of nerves in the neck. This blocks nerve signals, providing temporary relief from pain and related symptoms. Our experienced team ensures the procedure is performed with precision and patient comfort.
SGB is effective in treating various conditions, including Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), chronic neck pain, and severe headaches such as migraines and cluster headaches. It also helps alleviate symptoms of Raynaud's phenomenon, facial pain from conditions like trigeminal neuralgia and TMJ disorders, and spasticity caused by stroke or multiple sclerosis. Beyond pain management, SGB is explored for mental health applications, such as treating PTSD symptoms like hyperarousal and anxiety, especially for patients unresponsive to conventional therapies. Additionally, SGB can address hot flashes associated with menopause or cancer treatments by stabilizing the autonomic nervous system.
At Presidio Pain Relief, we prioritize personalized care, tailoring SGB treatments to each patient’s unique needs for optimal outcomes. While the effects of SGB are temporary, follow-up treatments and comprehensive care plans ensure sustained relief. Contact us today to consult with our specialists and explore how Stellate Ganglion Block can provide effective relief for your condition.
What Are the Benefits of a Stellate Ganglion Block?
At Presidio Pain Relief, we are dedicated to offering cutting-edge solutions for pain management and improving our patients’ quality of life. One of the advanced treatments we provide is the Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB), a minimally invasive procedure designed to deliver targeted pain relief for various medical conditions.
SGB is highly effective in managing chronic pain in the head, neck, upper extremities, and chest. Conditions such as chronic headaches, migraines, occipital neuralgia, neck pain, frozen shoulder, and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) can be significantly alleviated with this treatment. SGB offers both immediate and long-lasting pain relief, allowing patients to regain control over their daily lives.
In addition to pain management, SGB enhances autonomic function by regulating the sympathetic nervous system. It can help lower blood pressure in patients with hypertension, control excessive sweating in those with hyperhidrosis, and improve circulation for conditions like Raynaud’s disease. These improvements in autonomic function contribute to overall well-being and quality of life.
Our skilled practitioners also use SGB to address symptoms related to sympathetic and vasomotor disturbances, such as phantom limb pain, PTSD-related stress responses, and vasospasm conditions like erythromelalgia. By targeting the source of pain, SGB restores mobility and improves the range of motion in conditions like frozen shoulder and nerve entrapment, helping patients resume normal activities.
At Presidio Pain Relief, we utilize SGB as both a treatment and diagnostic tool, identifying pain sources to create personalized treatment plans for sustainable outcomes. Our highly trained team performs each procedure with precision and care, prioritizing safety and efficacy. Patients often experience immediate relief lasting weeks or months, and for those requiring ongoing care, we offer repeated blocks to maintain therapeutic benefits. Contact us to explore how SGB can help enhance your quality of life.
Discover a path to lasting relief with Stellate Ganglion Blocks at Presidio Pain Relief. Dr. Robert Savala, MD, and our dedicated team are committed to providing personalized care, helping you regain comfort and improve your daily life. With advanced techniques and a patient-centered approach, we aim to deliver effective pain management solutions tailored to your needs.
For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 2000 Van Ness Ave, #208 San Francisco, CA 94109. We serve patients from Daly City CA, Sunset District CA, Bernal Heights CA, Bayview CA, Mission District CA, and surrounding areas.
