As is well known, the body’s sympathetic nervous system is responsible for controlling involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate and sweating. But fewer people know that this system also affects the transmission of pain signals.
The relay stations for sympathetic nerve cell signals are called “sympathetic ganglia.” There are many sympathetic ganglia in the human body, and this article focuses on the “stellate ganglion.” It is located at the lower part of the neck and is responsible for transmitting sympathetic nerve signals for the face, neck, upper limbs, and chest, including the heart.
The sympathetic nervous system not only transmits pain; if it becomes overactive, it can amplify pain and trigger chronic pain. By injecting a local anesthetic near the stellate ganglion, abnormal nerve conduction can be temporarily blocked, thereby relieving this type of “sympathetically related pain.” This technique is called “stellate ganglion block.” Traditionally, it has been used to treat conditions such as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), postherpetic neuralgia, refractory angina, and facial pain.
Research has also found that this technique can reduce inflammation by modulating the body’s inflammatory signals, which is especially effective for chronic inflammation-related diseases.
From Pain Treatment to Psychological Treatment
The latest research reveals that the stellate ganglion also governs the stress response. Even briefly blocking its signal transmission can lower the body’s state of alertness and ease the body’s “fight response.” Clinical trials show that performing two stellate ganglion blocks two weeks apart can significantly improve symptoms in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In addition, recent research has found that this technique may potentially be used to treat depression and insomnia.
A Safe and Simple Treatment Process
Stellate ganglion block is a minimally invasive treatment. The doctor uses ultrasound and X-ray to locate the ganglion, and under real-time ultrasound guidance, precisely injects the anesthetic to the target to block nerve conduction. Generally speaking, as long as it is performed by an experienced specialist with imaging guidance, the treatment process is quite safe.
Physical pain often coexists with mental stress. Stellate ganglion block is not only an important means of treating chronic pain of the upper limbs; in recent years it has also been expanding into the field of treating psychological symptoms. This further reflects the inseparable nature of pain and mental health.
Dr. Lee Yuk-ming, Specialist in Pain Medicine
Elderly Care Charitable Fund Programme
Original article: Health: Caring for the Elderly — The Stellate Ganglion: A Key to Relieving Physical Pain and Psychological Symptoms | Oriental Daily | Local News
Source: https://orientaldaily.on.cc/content/news/odn-20250731-0731_00176_063/
