Stellate Ganglion Blocks
Calming anxiety and fear-based responses.
What are Stellate Ganglion Blocks? (SGBs)
Precise ultrasound-guided injections that target a collection of nerves in the neck and block impulses that trigger fear-based responses like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), insomnia and anxiety. Symptoms are often relieved in as little as 30 minutes and can last for years.
What Conditions Do They Treat?
- Anxiety and PTSD
- Work-related stress
- Sleep problems and nightmares
- Postpartum depression
- Complex regional pain syndrome or reflex sympathetic dystrophy
- Compartment syndrome
- Causalgia from nerve injuries
- Autonomic dysfunction of the upper extremity
- Herpes zoster infection (or “shingles”) affecting the head, neck, arm or upper chest
- Phantom limb pain

Who else could benefit from SGB?
C-suite executives facing high stress levels may also benefit from SGB, improving strategic decision-making under stress. In fact, Dr. Wood receives them himself twice per year to help remain calm and focused during stressful times.
How does it work?
Stellate Ganglion Blocks have the ability to “reboot” the nervous system to a pre-trauma state, similar to rebooting a computer. When we inject an anesthetic (using an ultrasound for visual guidance), it blocks the nerve highway that carries information responsible for triggering fear and anxiety-based responses.
We often encourage patients to use this treatment as part of a full program with a behavioral health care specialist. Stellate Ganglion Blocks are effective at creating an immediate reduction in symptoms and a lasting calm that opens up a window of opportunity where other treatments, including behavioral therapies, can provide complete healing.