Now Offering Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) - Relief for Chronic Pain & Stress-Related Conditions
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Stellate Ganglion Block

In Phoenix Arizona

At Atlas Pain Specialists we work with patients to help alleviate pain with the help of Stellate Ganglion Block. We try to find the right solutions on a patient-to-patient basis.
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What Is Stellate Ganglion Block? 

Overview

A Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) is a minimally invasive procedure that involves injecting a local anesthetic into a bundle of nerves in the neck called the stellate ganglion. This group of nerves plays a vital role in the body's "fight-or-flight" stress response system. By temporarily blocking the signals from these nerves, SGB aims to reset a dysregulated nervous system, potentially offering relief for various conditions linked to chronic stress.
What We Do:
During SGB, your physician will use ultrasound guidance to precisely locate the stellate ganglion, a group of nerves in your neck. They will then inject a numbing medication near these nerves, temporarily interrupting signals within the sympathetic nervous system (responsible for your body's stress response).

What is Stellate Ganglion Nerve Block used for?

Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) has a long history of use in treating various chronic pain conditions, including Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), nerve injuries, and circulatory problems. More recently, SGB is gaining recognition for its potential in managing mental health conditions such as PTSD and anxiety disorders. It may help reduce symptoms like flashbacks, hypervigilance, and the physical manifestations of anxiety.
Long-Lasting Relief. Each case is different, however Stellate Ganglion Nerve Blocks can provide long-lasting pain relief.
Minimally Invasive: No surgery is required. It is generally an outpatient procedure with short recovery time.
Fast: This procedure typically takes 30 minutes or so. No staying overnight in a hospital.
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Conditions Treated with Ganglion Block

Here are some conditions that Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) may help treat, including both traditional and more recent applications. Dr. Ormond carefully assesses each case individually to determine if SGB is the right approach for managing your specific symptoms:
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
Nerve Injuries
Circulatory Problems
PTSD
Anxiety
Depression
Long Covid

Purpose

Conditions

Risks

Limitations

What Is the Purpose of Ganglion Nerve Block Injections?

Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB), also known as a ganglion nerve block or stellate ganglion bloc, is a valuable tool in managing pain and other conditions linked to an overactive stress response. An SGB injection can provide temporary relief from chronic pain, PTSD symptoms, severe anxiety, and potentially even Long COVID symptoms. It can also offer insights into the source of these issues by measuring your response. In some cases, SGB might help reduce the need for more invasive treatments.

SGB is used by various medical specialists, including pain management doctors, anesthesiologists, and others trained in this technique. The injection typically includes a numbing medication, and sometimes a steroid to reduce inflammation, temporarily interrupting signals within the stellate ganglion, a collection of nerves in the sympathetic nervous system.

When used for managing pain or mental health challenges, SGB is often most effective when combined with other treatments like physical therapy, lifestyle adjustments, or psychotherapy. Some individuals may benefit from a series of SGB injections for optimal results.

The effectiveness of SGB varies depending on your individual condition, the specific technique used, and the medications involved. Always discuss your personal health, medical history, potential side effects, and the most suitable treatment plan with your doctor.

Conditions that SGB can treat

SGB offers potential benefits for a variety of conditions linked to chronic stress and an overactive sympathetic nervous system. Here's a closer look:

  • Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): SGB can significantly reduce pain, inflammation, and other symptoms associated with CRPS, a chronic pain condition often triggered by an injury.
  • Nerve Injuries: When nerves are damaged, they can send abnormal pain signals. SGB may help alleviate this nerve-related pain by interrupting those signals.
  • Circulatory Problems: SGB can potentially improve blood flow in certain areas. This might be beneficial in conditions where poor circulation contributes to pain or other symptoms.
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Stellate Ganglion Block for PTSD shows promise in reducing symptoms like flashbacks, hypervigilance, and anxiety that come with PTSD. It aims to "reset" the overactive stress response often accompanying trauma.
  • Anxiety Disorders: SGB may lessen the intensity of severe anxiety, especially when it manifests with physical symptoms.
  • Depression: While research is ongoing, SGB is being explored as a potential treatment for depression, particularly in cases resistant to traditional approaches. 
  • Long COVID: Early studies suggest SGB might play a role in managing some lingering symptoms of Long COVID.

Stellate Ganglion Block Side Effects and Risks

Ganglion Nerve Block can help manage chronic pain, PTSD, anxiety, and potentially other conditions. However, it's important to be aware of potential side effects. While generally temporary, you might experience hoarseness, a drooping eyelid, warmth at the injection site, or nasal congestion. Contact your doctor promptly if any of these effects are severe or worrisome.

Stellate Ganglion Block is primarily designed to address conditions linked to an overactive stress response and sympathetic nervous system dysfunction. This includes chronic pain, PTSD, anxiety, and potentially Long COVID. The effects might be less pronounced if these underlying conditions aren't present. Consult with your doctor to determine if SGB is the right treatment approach for your individual situation.

Procedure has Limitations

While Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) offers potential benefits for various conditions, it's important to be aware of its limitations. SGB isn't a guaranteed cure for chronic pain, PTSD, anxiety, or Long COVID, and its effects are often temporary. Research, particularly for PTSD, anxiety, and Long COVID applications, is still ongoing. For treatment-resistant cases of PTSD or anxiety, where traditional treatments haven't been effective, SGB may be a valuable alternative option. The best results usually come when SGB is part of a comprehensive treatment plan. It's essential to consult with a qualified healthcare provider to determine if SGB is right for your specific needs.

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Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is a common problem that can cause significant physical and emotional distress. When you have chronic pain, you may experience pain every day, even after the original injury or illness has healed. This can be difficult to cope with, both physically and emotionally. Approximately 25% of people with chronic pain will develop chronic pain syndrome (CPS), which is characterized by symptoms beyond pain, like depression and anxiety. This can make it difficult to live your life normally.
Chronic Pain Treatments
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Neck Pain
The neck (or cervical spine) is a coordinated network of nerves, bones, joints, and muscles. It has the important job of providing protection and mobility to the brain, but often it can become painful. There are a number of conditions that cause pain in the neck. Inflammation along nerve pathways in the spine can be responsible for shoulder, head, arm, and/or hand pain. Additionally, inflammation of the spinal cord may cause pain in the legs and other areas of the body. In a few days or weeks, neck pain usually goes away, but pain that lasts for months may signify an underlying medical cause that needs to be addressed. In such cases, early intervention may be necessary for the best results.
Neck Pain Treatments
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