SGB for Chronic Pain: When the Nervous System Is Part of Pain

When the Nervous System Is Part of Pain

Chronic pain is often treated as a problem at the site of injury: a sore shoulder, a sensitive nerve, a joint that never quite healed. But for many, the pain continues long after the original issue should have resolved. When that happens, the source of pain isn’t always just the tissue—it may also be the nervous system.

This is where Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) comes in: 

SGB is a targeted, image-guided injection near a bundle of nerves in the neck called the stellate ganglion. These nerves are part of the sympathetic nervous system—the system responsible for your body’s “fight-or-flight” response.

SGB works by calming that response.

“It’s less about numbing pain—and more about interrupting the cycle that may be keeping the pain switched on,” explains SGB expert, Dr. Ryan Wood. Research shows that SGB may be especially helpful in conditions where the sympathetic nervous system plays a role. 

The strongest evidence is in complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), particularly in the upper extremities.

There is also growing research exploring its use in:

• Postherpetic neuralgia (nerve pain following shingles) 
• Chronic postsurgical pain 
• Certain facial or upper-body nerve pain conditions 

“That said, SGB is not a universal solution for all types of chronic pain,” cautions Dr. Ryan Wood. “It tends to be most effective when pain has certain characteristics—such as burning or temperature-sensitive sensations, changes in skin color or circulation, or pain that feels disproportionate to the original injury. These can be signs that the nervous system is playing a larger role.”

At NW Regen, SGB is used as part of a broader, integrative approach to pain care.

The goal isn’t just to reduce pain in the moment—but to change the environment that allows pain to persist. Like any medical procedure, SGB requires careful evaluation and proper technique. When performed with image guidance and appropriate monitoring, it is generally well-tolerated, though it may not be the right fit for everyone.

The most important takeaway is this: Not all chronic pain is driven by damaged tissue alone. Sometimes, it’s driven by a nervous system that hasn’t had the chance to reset.

And when that’s the case, addressing the system—not just the symptom—can open the door to meaningful relief. 

Contact NW Regen for a consultation with Dr. Ryan Wood.