Living with pain or anxiety is a constant battle. Pain can cause anxiety, and anxiety can make the pain worse. This is a cycle that can leave you feeling trapped. If this sounds familiar to your situation, you are not alone—and there is hope.          

At Arizona Pain and Spine Institute, we understand how deeply pain and anxiety are connected. In order to fix this cycle, you’ll need more than temporary relief. This requires an approach that targets the root cause. That’s where the Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) comes in. This treatment helps calm your nervous system and reduce both pain and anxiety. It works quickly and can improve your life in lasting ways.

In this blog, we’ll explore how SGB works, who it can help, and what to expect during the procedure. Find out if SGB is right for you today.

So What is a Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB)?

The stellate ganglion is a group of nerves located in your neck. These nerves control your body’s stress response, also known as the “fight-or-flight” response. Some level of stress is natural and even healthy. However, when this stress function is always active, it can take a toll on both your physical and mental health. Overactive stellate ganglion nerves can lead to anxiety and make pain feel more intense.

The Stellate Ganglion Block is a minimally invasive procedure that calms these nerves. SGB targets the source and helps “resets” your nervous system, reducing both pain and anxiety.

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As pain specialists, we can guarantee that we are more than qualified in alleviating your pain and treating your condition.

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How Does SGB Work?

  1. Resets the Nervous System
    It stops the overactive stress signals that keep you on edge.
  2. Reduces Pain and Anxiety
    It reduces pain and helps you feel calmer.
  3. Supports Recovery
    It creates a balanced state that allows other treatments, like therapy, to work better.

The Connection Between Pain and Anxiety

Pain and anxiety are closely linked, often creating a cycle that’s tough to break. Each one makes the other worse. This connection can make it hard to find relief.

Why Pain and Anxiety Are Linked

Chronic pain keeps your body’s stress system active. This makes it hard to relax and adds to your anxiety. At the same time, anxiety can heighten your awareness of pain, making it feel more intense.

How SGB Interrupts the Cycle

The Stellate Ganglion Block offers a way to break free by addressing the nervous system directly:

  • Calms the Nervous System: Restores balance to the body’s stress signals.
  • Reduces Emotional Tension: Eases the feelings of being “on edge” that often come with anxiety.
  • Dulling Pain Sensitivity: It lowers the way your body reacts to pain signals.

Conditions That Can Benefit from SGB

SGB is helpful for many conditions that involve both pain and anxiety. These include:

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

For individuals with PTSD, symptoms like flashbacks and hypervigilance can be overwhelming. SGB helps by calming the body’s overactive stress response, providing much-needed relief.

Chronic Anxiety Disorders

SGB can significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety, including panic attacks and constant worry, allowing patients to regain a sense of control.

Chronic Pain Conditions

Conditions like Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) and nerve pain often need more than traditional treatment. SGB provides relief by addressing the very sensitive nerve areas caused by an overactive nervous system.

Long COVID Symptoms

Emerging research suggests that SGB can alleviate autonomic dysfunction, including brain fog and fatigue, offering hope to patients with lingering symptoms of long COVID.

What to Expect During the SGB Procedure

The Stellate Ganglion Block is a quick and simple procedure. Here’s what you can expect:

Before the Procedure

Our specialists will evaluate your symptoms, review your medical history, and determine if SGB is the right treatment for you. We are clear with how all of our procedures will look, and SGB is no different.

During the Procedure

The doctor will inject a small amount of anesthetic near the stellate ganglion. They use imaging tools to ensure the injection is precise. The procedure takes 20–30 minutes, and most people feel only mild discomfort.

After the Procedure

Most patients can return to their daily activities on the same day. Many people feel relief right away, while others notice improvements over the next few days. You might feel less pain, less anxiety, and better sleep

Why Choose Arizona Pain and Spine Institute?

Choosing the right provider for your Stellate Ganglion Block is essential for getting the best results. At Arizona Pain and Spine Institute, we bring unmatched expertise and compassion to every patient interaction.

Expertise in Advanced Treatments

Our team has extensive experience with Stellate Ganglion Blocks and other innovative procedures. Our team uses the latest tools and techniques to deliver the best results.

Patient-Centered Approach

We believe in personalized care, specialized treatment plans that meet your unique needs.

Commitment to Long-Term Relief

Our goal is more than temporary relief. We aim to help you get back to living your life without pain and anxiety.

Take the First Step Toward Relief

Living with chronic pain and anxiety can feel like an uphill battle, but it doesn’t have to define your future. The Stellate Ganglion Block offers an effective way to break the tough cycle. 

At Arizona Pain and Spine Institute, we’re here to support you every step of the way. With expertise, compassion, and a commitment to your health, we can help you take back control of your life.Ready to explore how SGB can help you? Visit our Stellate Ganglion Block page or schedule a consultation today. Don’t wait—schedule your consultation today to start your journey to relief.