The pain condition associated with shingles, known as postherpetic neuralgia, can significantly impact your quality of life by interfering with sleep, mood, and daily activities. Because this pain can be difficult to manage, many feel frustrated when standard treatments like medications provide only partial relief. Our team at Pain Care sees people with postherpetic neuralgia struggle with this often.
Fortunately, interventional techniques offer additional options. One such treatment is the stellate ganglion block, a minimally invasive procedure that can help reduce nerve-related pain and potentially shorten its duration when used early.
Learn more about shingles-related nerve pain and how a stellate ganglion block can provide relief.
Shingles occurs when the varicella-zoster virus reactivates in the body, often years after a person has had chickenpox. While the initial outbreak typically resolves within a few weeks, the nerve irritation it causes can persist.
This lingering pain may feel sharp, stabbing, or like a constant burning sensation. In some patients, especially older adults, the pain can last months or even years. Early and effective pain control is critical.
A stellate ganglion block is a targeted injection of local anesthetic near a group of nerves in the neck called the stellate ganglion. These nerves are part of the sympathetic nervous system and play a role in transmitting pain signals from the head, neck, and upper chest.
By temporarily “blocking” these nerves, the procedure can interrupt pain signals and reduce inflammation. In the context of shingles, particularly when it affects the face or upper body, this can provide meaningful relief.
The stellate ganglion block is typically performed in an outpatient setting. Using imaging guidance such as ultrasound or fluoroscopy, your Pain Care provider carefully places a small needle near the stellate ganglion.
We then inject a local anesthetic to numb the targeted nerves. The procedure itself usually takes less than 15 minutes, and patients are monitored briefly afterward before going home.
Many patients notice immediate relief, although the duration can vary. In some cases, we may recommend a series of injections for longer-lasting results.
Timing matters when treating shingles pain. Performing a stellate ganglion block early in the course of shingles may:
For patients already experiencing chronic pain, the procedure can still offer relief, though results may be more variable.
During your initial evaluation, your Pain Care specialist will perform an exam and review your medical history and symptoms to help determine if this treatment is right for you.
While medications remain the first-line treatment, interventional options such as a stellate ganglion block can play a crucial role in managing shingles pain.
Schedule an evaluation at Pain Care today for shingles-related nerve pain or other chronic pain conditions. Prompt, targeted treatment can make a significant difference in recovery and help you return to a more comfortable, active life.
