The Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) at Hawaii Wellness is a targeted, minimally invasive injection designed to reset the sympathetic “fight-or-flight” response and deliver rapid relief from trauma-related hyperarousal, chronic pain, and certain headache syndromes. Performed by our expert anesthesiology team, SGBs can restore calm, reduce inflammation, and improve quality of life often after just one treatment.
What Is an SGB?
The stellate ganglion is a collection of nerves in the lower neck that regulates many aspects of your body’s stress response. In an SGB procedure, a small amount of local anesthetic is carefully injected near this nerve cluster under ultrasound guidance. By temporarily “resetting” the sympathetic network, SGBs can:
- Calm excessive fight-or-flight signaling
- Alleviate PTSD-related anxiety, nightmares, and flashbacks
- Reduce chronic neck, shoulder, and upper limb pain
- Improve blood flow and reduce inflammatory markers
- Break the cycle of tension headaches and migraines
Who Benefits from SGB?
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and trauma survivors seeking a fast-acting reduction in hypervigilance and nightmares
- First Responders & Veterans experiencing chronic stress reactions
- Chronic Pain Patients with neck, shoulder, or arm pain unresponsive to conventional therapies
- Headache & Migraine Sufferers looking for an alternative to daily medications
Your SGB Treatment Journey
Consultation and Assessment
During your initial visit, our anesthesiologist reviews your medical history, current medications, and baseline symptoms. We discuss risks, benefits, and expected outcomes so you can make an informed decision.
Ultrasound-Guided Injection
In a sterile procedure room, you lie comfortably on your back. Using real-time ultrasound imaging, your provider locates the stellate ganglion and administers a precise dose of anesthetic. The injection takes just minutes.
Immediate Recovery and Observation
You’ll spend 30–45 minutes in our recovery area, where we monitor vital signs and assess symptom relief. Many patients notice a sense of warmth on one side of the face or arm—an expected sign that the block has taken effect.
Follow-Up and Maintenance
- Single SGB often provides weeks to months of relief.
- Series Protocol (2–3 blocks spaced 1–2 weeks apart) may be recommended for more sustained benefit.
During follow-up visits, we track your progress, adjust protocols, and integrate complementary therapies such as IV nutrients or neurofeedback to reinforce results.
Safety and Expertise
- Board-Certified Anesthesiologists – All SGBs are performed by providers with advanced training in ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia.
- Real-Time Imaging – Ultrasound ensures accurate needle placement and minimizes risk.
- Stringent Monitoring – Vital signs and neurological checks are conducted before, during, and after each block.
- Low-Risk Profile – Complications are rare and typically mild (e.g., temporary hoarseness or drooping eyelid that resolves within a few hours).
Real-World Impact
“After just one SGB, I noticed my nightmares stopped and the constant tension in my shoulders melted away. I’m finally sleeping again.”
— Captain A. Rivera, Honolulu Fire Department
“My chronic migraine attacks dropped from three times a week to once a month. This treatment changed my life.”
— Megan T., Maui
Ready to Reset Your Nervous System?
Experience the transformative power of a Stellate Ganglion Block and reclaim calm, comfort, and control.
Let Hawaii Wellness guide you toward a more balanced, resilient you.