If you’re dealing with pain in these areas, a condition like Raynaud’s syndrome, or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), it’s crucial to know what a stellate ganglion block is and how it might benefit you.
Here’s everything you need to know about what a stellate ganglion block is and where to get a stellate ganglion block in San Diego.
What is the Stellate Ganglion Block?
The stellate ganglion is an integral part of your sympathetic nervous system. Situated on both sides of your voice box, this collection of nerves provides feeling to areas in the head, the neck, and the upper chest.
The stellate ganglion block is an injection of medicine into the stellate ganglion, which can serve multiple purposes in the treatment of mental and physical conditions. In many cases, a stellate ganglion block is used to treat circulation issues or nerve-related problems.
How a Stellate Ganglion Block is Done
The stellate ganglion block procedure is an injection into the neck that can only be administered by a medical professional.
At the beginning of the procedure, a doctor or nurse may give you medication via an IV to help you relax throughout the process. After this, the doctor in charge of the procedure will inject a local anesthetic into your neck, which makes the stellate ganglion block injection painless.
After the anesthetic is administered, the doctor will inject a second needle into your neck, an anesthetic medication intended to reduce sensation in the stellate ganglion block.
Conditions That Can Be Treated with SGB
There are several conditions that can potentially be diagnosed or treated with help from a stellate ganglion block. However, SGB is often co-administered alongside additional treatments or medications.
The conditions that SGB can treat include:
- Causalgia
- Intractable Angina
- Phantom Limb Pain
- Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
- Herpes Zoster Infection (AKA Shingles)
- Raynaud’s Syndrome
In addition, some emerging research suggests that SGB may be a viable treatment for people diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It’s thought that SGB can calm the “fight or flight” response associated with PTSD, which triggers elevated stress, exaggerated startle responses, and severe anxiety.
More research is needed to determine the effectiveness of the stellate ganglion block for PTSD. However, the stellate ganglion block is already gaining more attention for its potential benefits for those with PTSD.
Who Can Benefit from SGB?
Getting SGB in San Diego can be beneficial if you deal with any of the chronic conditions listed above. Stellate ganglion block treatments may be especially beneficial if you are dealing with treatment-resistant PTSD and struggling to find a solution that effectively alleviates your symptoms.
Potential Benefits of the Stellate Ganglion Block
The key benefit of the stellate ganglion block is pain relief in different parts of the body. It’s often used as a treatment for conditions that affect the head, neck, face, chest, and in some cases, the arms. If you deal with chronic pain daily and find that it dramatically affects your quality of life, the relief provided by SGB can be game-changing.
What You Can Expect During Our SGB Treatment Sessions
If you’re exploring the possible benefits of stellate ganglion block treatments or even searching “SGB treatment near me,” you need to know what to expect from this treatment.
When you get stellate ganglion block in San Diego with us, your treatments are overseen by medical professionals who have successfully completed the procedure countless times. Our team works hard to ensure that you are comfortable, relaxed, and completely safe throughout the treatment process.
It’s important to note that many patients return for follow-up SGB treatments after their initial procedure. The pain relief from the treatment can last anywhere from several days to several weeks, with the duration of relief varying from patient to patient. SGB pain relief tends to last longer with each injection.
FAQs about Stellate Ganglion Block
In some cases, SGB injections can be covered by health insurance. Generally speaking, the procedure is not usually covered as a mental health care procedure.
If you’re unsure about whether your stellate ganglion block injections will be covered by your health insurance, be sure to consult your insurance provider and clinic of choice before scheduling treatment.
The stellate ganglion block is a low-risk procedure. However, there are some mild side effects worth knowing about before your first treatment.
The typical side effects from SGB injections include:
- Droopiness of the eyelids
- Mild difficulty swallowing and feeling like there is a lump in your throat
- A stuffy nose
- Temporary changes in the quality of your voice; hoarseness
- Tearing up during the recovery process
- Bloodshot or red eyes
- Tingling sensations
If you experience any other side effects after an SGB treatment, make sure to consult your doctor. However, you can have peace of mind knowing that any other side effects are highly unlikely.
Stellate Ganglion Block in San Diego: Get Started Today
If you live in the San Diego area and are wondering, “where can I get an SGB injection near me?” We’re here to help. Our team administers stellate ganglion block in San Diego and is ready to help you get started with the treatment process and get the relief that you need. Contact us to schedule your first appointment!