Stellate Ganglion Block Treatment (PTSD)
What is Stellate Ganglion Block?
Stellate Ganglion Block therapy is a PTSD treatment that blocks the cervical sympathetic chain, which connects your body to the parts fo your brain that control your fight or flight response. it is believed that this allows the fight or flight responses to “reset”, providing long-term relief from anxiety symptoms associated with PTSD.
Many peer-reviewed studies have shown that SGB therapy provides significant long-term improvement in these chronic anxiety symptoms.
A number of US military treatment facilities have used SGB therapy since 2010 as an effective PTSD treatment for thousands of service members who previously suffered from chronic anxiety symptoms.
Extensive clinical research has been published showing the effectiveness of using Stellate Ganglion Block to treat anxiety symptoms associated with PTSD. However, SGB has also been used to successfully treat other conditions related to anxiety, vasomotor symptoms associated with menopausal hot flashes, and has helped reduce symptoms during treatment for substance addiction.
It should be noted that Stellate Ganglion Block therapy does not treat bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, seizure disorder, personality disorders, or other mental health conditions. In addition to this, while SGB does not specifically treat depression or traumatic brain injuries, some overlapping PTSD symptoms may be treated through SGB.
How Stellate Ganglion Block Therapy Treats PTSD
The stellate ganglion is part of the cervical sympathetic chain, which is a key part of the sympathetic nervous system. The symptoms caused by PTSD or other anxiety conditions happen because the “fight or flight” response is stuck in the “ON” position.
Stellate Ganglion Block Therapy precisely places long-acting local anesthetic around the stellate ganglion, turning off the chronic “fight or flight” response for several hours. Neurotransmitters in the brain are then “reset” to a non-anxiety state, resulting in long-term relief from anxiety symptoms.
SGB can improve daily activities, sleep, relationships, mood, employment, and more.
What to Expect From Stellate Ganglion Block Therapy
During the Stellate Ganglion Block procedure, long-acting local anesthetic is injected into the right side of the neck using ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance. This anesthetic is injected near the main nerve that controls your body’s “fight or flight” responses. This nerve is known as the cervical sympathetic chain and acts as a two-way conduit that connects the parts of the brain that control fight or flight responses to the rest of your body.
Many peer-reviewed studies have shown that injecting SGB into the right side of the neck results in significant and long-term improvement of chronic anxiety symptoms associated with PTSD. Stellate Ganglion Block can be performed in less than 15 minutes and the benefits of the treatment can be seen within 30 minutes.
In addition to this, most patients receive successfull PTSD treatment from just one Stellate Ganglion Block injection, so continuous treatment isn’t necessary. You’ll also be able to return home or to your hotel that same day!
Go Where Doctors Go
As experts in interventional and integrative orthopedic medicine, comprehensive orthobiologic treatments, and sports medicine, Dr. Shiple and Dr. Kephart are experienced in administering Stellate Ganglion Block therapy for PTSD treatment.
Professionals from all over the United Stated also choose to be treated here at the Center for Sports Medicine and Wellness, trusting our experience and excellent patient outcomes.
Find out why professionals choose the Center for Sports Medicine and Wellness by contacting us today!
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Want to Learn More About Stellate Ganglion Block?
If you have any other questions about Stellate Ganglion Block therapy that haven’t been answered here, please reach out to us.
We want to provide you with the non-surgical orthopedic medicine that will help you reclaim you life. Call us or fill out the form on this page to find out if you’re a candidate.
Contact Information
- The Center for Sports Medicine
Wilmington Pike, Suite 2000, Glen Mills, PA 19342 1788 - 610-459-4200