At AIMS, we regularly offer Stellate Ganglion Blocks (SGBs) as part of our integrative approach to managing complex pain and trauma-related conditions. While many patients have already experienced meaningful relief through this safe and minimally invasive technique, emerging research continues to deepen our understanding of how SGB may support the nervous system — not only by relieving pain, but by promoting healing at the cellular level.A recent study titled “Effects of Stellate Ganglion Block on Inflammation and Autophagy of Spinal Cord Neurons in Rats with Neuropathic Pain After Spinal Cord Injury” (American Journal of Translational Research, 2025) provides compelling evidence that SGB may reduce inflammation, support nerve cell recovery, and regulate biological stress responses. Although this study was conducted in rats, the underlying mechanisms observed may have important implications for how we apply SGB in human clinical care.
What Did the Study Find?
Researchers used a spinal cord injury model in rats, a condition that often results in long-lasting neuropathic pain due to nerve damage. In the study, some rats received an SGB after their injury, while others did not.
The outcomes were striking. Rats that received an SGB experienced:
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Improved Motor Recovery: They showed faster and more complete improvement in their ability to move.
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Reduced Inflammation: Inflammatory markers such as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were significantly lower in spinal tissue following SGB treatment.
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Decreased Pain Sensitivity: SGB-treated rats had higher pain thresholds, indicating a reduction in neuropathic pain.
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Lower Rates of Cell Death: Apoptosis, or programmed nerve cell death, was reduced in the SGB group.
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Restored Cellular Recycling (Autophagy): SGB enhanced autophagy, the process by which cells clear out damage — a crucial factor in nervous system repair.
Why Is This Relevant for Human Health?
Although this was an animal study, many of the same biological pathways apply to humans. The findings are especially relevant for conditions involving inflammation and nervous system overactivity, such as:
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Post-injury or post-surgical neuropathic pain
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Persistent sympathetic nervous system activation (commonly seen in trauma and PTSD)
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Chronic pain syndromes such as CRPS
This study suggests that SGB may not only interrupt pain signals, but also help regulate the underlying inflammation and cellular dysfunction that often perpetuate chronic pain.
What We See at AIMS
At AIMS, we have already seen positive results using SGB to support patients with:
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Post-traumatic stress and anxiety-related symptoms
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Long COVID-related nervous system dysfunction
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Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
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Postoperative or persistent nerve pain
This research adds valuable support to what we witness in clinical practice: SGB appears to offer more than symptom relief — it may help reset and rebalance the nervous system for long-term benefit.
Is SGB Right for You?
If you or someone you care about is struggling with neuropathic pain, chronic inflammation, or trauma-related nervous system symptoms, Stellate Ganglion Block may be a promising option. It’s a quick outpatient procedure with a strong safety profile and growing evidence of benefit.
Contact us at AIMS to schedule a consultation and explore whether SGB could support your recovery.
