A Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) is a specialised injection that targets the sympathetic nerves in the lower neck, which can contribute to certain chronic pain and autonomic dysfunction syndromes. By temporarily blocking these nerves, the procedure can provide both diagnostic insight and therapeutic relief.
At PainMed, we offer image-guided SGBs for selected patients with upper limb CRPS, neuropathic pain, or other sympathetic-mediated pain syndromes, as well as in emerging areas like trauma-related autonomic dysregulation.
The stellate ganglion is a cluster of sympathetic nerves located in the lower part of the neck, near the C6–T1 vertebrae. It plays a role in regulating blood flow, pain perception, sweating, and other autonomic functions in the head, neck, chest, and upper limbs.
Stellate ganglion blocks are used for a range of conditions, including:
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) of the upper limb
01
Sympathetically maintained upper limb pain
02
Post-herpetic neuralgia (face, neck, arm)
03
Phantom limb pain (upper extremity)
04
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) of the upper limb
01
Sympathetically maintained upper limb pain
02
Post-herpetic neuralgia (face, neck, arm)
03
Phantom limb pain (upper extremity)
04
Refractory headaches or facial pain (in select cases)
05
Vascular insufficiency in the upper extremity
06
Emerging use in PTSD and trauma-related dysautonomia (under specialist consideration)
07
Refractory headaches or facial pain (in select cases)
05
Vascular insufficiency in the upper extremity
06
Emerging use in PTSD and trauma-related dysautonomia (under specialist consideration)
07
1
You will lie on your back with your neck slightly extended.
2
The skin is cleaned and numbed with local anaesthetic.
3
Under ultrasound or fluoroscopy guidance, a fine needle is placed next to the stellate ganglion.
4
A small volume of local anaesthetic is injected to temporarily block the sympathetic nerve function.
The procedure usually takes 15–30 minutes and is done as a day procedure.
If the block provides pain relief, your specialist may consider repeat blocks or progression to longer-term treatments, such as pulsed radiofrequency or neuromodulation.
SGB is a well-established and generally safe procedure, but possible side effects may include:
01
Temporary Horner’s syndrome (expected)
02
Hoarseness or swallowing difficulty (usually brief)
03
Local bleeding or bruising
04
Rare risks: infection, seizure, or intravascular injection
You will be monitored after the procedure and given full aftercare instructions.
SGB is indicated for:
We provide:
Explore Stellate Ganglion Block at PainMed
If you or your patient is struggling with persistent upper limb or neck pain and symptoms suggesting autonomic involvement, this targeted treatment may help.
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Originally from England, Sally graduated from St George’s Hospital, University of London in 2004 with a BSc (First Class Hons) in Physiotherapy. Since settling in Australia, Sally has worked in private practice and in the public hospital setting across Sydney.
Sally gained a Masters in Medicine Pain Management from the University of Sydney in 2019 and is a Titled Pain Physiotherapist (as awarded by the Australian Physiotherapy Association).
In addition to private practice, Sally currently works as a Senior Physiotherapist at Westmead Hospital Pain Management Service.
Sally is highly skilled in assessing, diagnosing and treating people who experience chronic pain. She enjoys working with injured workers and CTP claimants. She has a deep understanding of the impact of pain on the whole person and on their functioning in daily life. In partnership with her colleagues, Sally enjoys applying her knowledge and clinical skills to provide a safe space for exploration of the physical and emotional meaning of pain and for recovery of function.
Qualifications and Experience
Dr. Adam is a Fellowship-trained Pain Medicine Specialist with a Fellowship from the Faculty of Pain Medicine (FFPMANZCA) and a Master of Pain Medicine from the University of Sydney. He is dedicated to the comprehensive management of chronic pain across all age groups.
Dr. Adam trained in adult pain medicine at Liverpool Hospital, Nepean Hospital, and the Department of Pain Medicine, and completed additional training in paediatric chronic pain at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead. He currently serves as a Staff Specialist at Westmead and St George Public Hospitals (NSW Health), and is a Visiting Medical Officer (VMO) at Liverpool Public Hospital, St George Private, Sydney Southwest Private, Holroyd Private, Norwest Private, and Nepean Private Hospitals.
He adopts a whole-person, multidisciplinary approach rooted in the socio-psycho-biomedical model, utilising both pharmacologic and interventional techniques. These include:
Dr. Adam is an Authorised Prescriber of Medicinal Cannabis and holds a Diploma in Medicinal Cannabis. He is also certified in Opioid Treatment Programs, including Methadone. His areas of interest include opioid dependence management, medicinal cannabis, and interventional pain procedures.
He also completed advanced training in Virtual Reality Therapy for chronic pain and mental health disorders in Barcelona, Spain, and has further qualifications in Focused Psychological Strategies, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Clinical Hypnosis.
Qualifications:
