Sympathetic Nerve Blocks
(Stellate Ganglion Block & Lumbar Sympathetic Block)
Safe, image-guided procedures designed to reduce sympathetically mediated pain, including Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), nerve injuries, and vascular pain. By temporarily “switching off” the sympathetic nervous system, these injections can help reset nerve activity, restore circulation, and relieve pain.
What Are Sympathetic Nerve Blocks?
Sympathetic nerve blocks involve carefully injecting anesthetic near the sympathetic nerves that control blood flow, temperature, and pain signals.
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Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB): Targets the sympathetic nerves in the neck.
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Lumbar Sympathetic Block: Targets the sympathetic nerves in the lower back.
These blocks help diagnose and treat CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome), nerve pain, and circulatory pain.
Sympathetic nerve blocks may help if you:
Experience Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS / RSD)
Have nerve pain that hasn’t improved with other treatments
Suffer from chronic vascular or circulatory pain
Need diagnostic confirmation of sympathetically mediated pain
Want to reduce pain and improve mobility to participate in physical therapy
How the Procedure Works
At Silver Pain Centre, sympathetic nerve blocks are performed in-office by experienced physicians using ultrasound or fluoroscopy (X-ray) guidance to ensure precise and safe needle placement. The procedure is quick, minimally invasive, and designed to provide both diagnostic and therapeutic relief.
Step-by-Step Process:
Assessment & Consultation
Our medical specialist will review your medical history, symptoms, and imaging to confirm whether a Stellate Ganglion Block or Lumbar Sympathetic Block is appropriate. Your personalized treatment plan will also be discussed.
Preparation
You’ll be positioned comfortably — on your back for a stellate ganglion block, or on your stomach for a lumbar sympathetic block. Your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels are monitored throughout the procedure for safety.
Injection
After cleaning the skin and numbing the area, a thin needle is guided into position using ultrasound or X-ray imaging. Local anesthetic is injected around the targeted sympathetic nerves to “switch off” pain signaling temporarily. The entire process usually takes 20–30 minutes.
Immediate Effects
Many patients notice warmth, reduced sensitivity, or decreased pain in the affected area shortly after the injection. Some mild numbness or weakness in the limb may occur, but this is temporary and fades within hours.
Follow-Up Treatments
If the first block provides relief, additional sessions may be recommended to build longer-lasting benefits. Each injection can extend the duration of pain relief, and pairing blocks with physical therapy can optimize recovery.
Why Choose Sympathetic Nerve Blocks at The Silver Pain Centre?
Health Canada Approved
Backed by decades of safe use and clinical research.
May Be Covered by OHIP/ Insurance
Often covered when criteria for chronic pain conditions are met.
Targeted Relief
Directly addresses pain signals from the sympathetic nervous system.
Lasting Results & Relief
Relief can improve and extend with repeated treatments and combined therapies.
Minimally Invasive
Quick, in-office procedure completed in about 20–30 minutes.
Experienced Care Team
Performed by highly trained pain specialists using advanced imaging guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does relief last?
Relief varies from patient to patient. Some feel immediate improvement that may last hours to days, while others experience longer-term benefits with repeated injections. Many patients notice results that build with each session.
How many treatments are needed?
If the first injection is effective, a series of treatments may be recommended. The number varies depending on your condition, symptoms, and response.
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1 treatment every 12 weeks is recommended
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Effects build over time with repeated treatments
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Best results typically occur after 2–3 sessions
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Your specialist will tailor the plan to your needs
Why Choose Silver Pain Centre?
Our team combines decades of experience with advanced image-guided techniques to maximize safety and effectiveness. We also integrate physical therapy when appropriate to help extend your results.
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Expertise You Can Trust
Our team includes experienced physicians and specialists with extensive knowledge in pain management and migraine treatment. -
OHIP-Covered Services
We offer OHIP-covered consultations and treatments may be covered by OHIP/ Insurance. -
Fast Access to Care
With shorter wait times and a streamlined self-referral process, you can get started on your treatment journey quickly. -
Multidisciplinary Approach
We use a team-based model to develop tailored treatment plans that address your symptoms from multiple angles. -
Convenient North Toronto Location
Our 20,000 sq. ft. facility offers free parking and easy access for patients across the GTA and beyond. -
Patient-Centered Care
From your first consultation to follow-up care, our compassionate staff is focused on your comfort, results, and long-term relief.
What to Expect at Silver Pain Centre?
We make the process easy—from self-referral to treatment and follow-up.
Complete Your Self-Referral: Submit your form online. A physician will review it within 72 hours and contact you for a consultation.
Consultation With a Specialist: We assess your history, symptoms, and eligibility in-person or virtually.
Receive Treatment: If approved, Botox is administered in-office in under 30 minutes.
Resume Normal Life: Most patients return to their daily activities the same day. Physiotherapy may be recommended as part of your care plan.
Interventional pain procedures performed to date
Years of specialized pain management experience
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Patient-reported satisfaction based on post-visit surveys
Image-guided injections performed monthly
Explore Our Full Range of Pain Management Solutions
Learn about our pain management treatments and explore the options available at Silver Pain Centre.
Your Partner in Pain Management
At Silver Pain Centre, we understand the challenges of chronic pain. We offer comprehensive care for a wide range of conditions, including joint and back pain, chronic headaches, nerve pain, muscle injuries, post-surgical pain, sports injuries, and more.
Located in North Toronto, our modern 20,000 sq. ft. facility offers shorter wait times and free parking, making access to care easier. With a patient-centered, multidisciplinary approach, we create tailored treatment plans to deliver long-lasting relief when traditional methods have not succeeded.
Explore Silver Pain Centre Difference
Find Relief with Sympathetic Nerve Blocks. Start Your Self-Referral Today
If chronic pain, CRPS, or nerve-related conditions are interfering with your life, sympathetic nerve blocks may help restore comfort and function. Our specialists at Silver Pain Centre will review your self-referral within 72 hours and guide you through an OHIP-covered consultation and treatment.