Top Rated Pain Clinic In Glendale.

Stellate Ganglion Block for Chronic Pain, PTSD, and Severe Axiety

Experience rapid relief from Chronic Pain Conditions, PTSD, anxiety, and depression with Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB). By calming an overactive nervous system, SGB may provide significant improvement in symptoms, allowing you to reclaim your life.

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Listened To Me

The staff is very friendly and Dr Ormond is great he's the first Dr that actually listens to me.

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This doctor is so kind, caring, and understanding. The office staff is amazing. Everyone is so sweet! I appreciate these people more than they could ever know.

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Enjoyed everything about this practice, the girls up front are on top of it, and the Dr. Is absolutely amazing! Professional and on time.

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What is a Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB)?

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.

PTSD: Stellate Ganglion Block for PTSD can help reduce symptoms like hypervigilance, flashbacks, and anxiety associated with past trauma.
Anxiety disorders: SGB may lessen the severity of anxiety symptoms, especially for people who also experience physical manifestations of their anxiety.
Depression: SGB shows promise as a possible treatment for depression, especially in cases resistant to traditional approaches.
Long COVID: Research suggests SGB may be beneficial in managing some Long COVID symptoms.
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): SGB can be effective in reducing pain and inflammation associated with this condition.
Nerve Injuries and Circulatory Problems: SGB helps alleviate pain resulting from nerve damage, and potentially improves blood flow in some areas, improving circulation.

About Stellate Ganglion Block

Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) has a rich history in medicine. Initially used in the early 1900s to treat pain in the head, neck, face, and upper limbs, it quickly became a valuable pain management tool throughout the following decades.

Today, the potential uses of SGB continue to expand. Researchers are exploring its applications in managing mental health conditions like PTSD and even offering possible relief for the lingering symptoms of Long COVID. Additionally, recent studies suggest that combining SGB with ketamine therapy could provide even greater benefits for those with treatment-resistant mental health conditions.

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How Can Stellate Ganglion Nerve Block help?

Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) offers hope for individuals with chronic pain conditions like Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), nerve injuries, and circulatory problems. It also shows promise as an alternative treatment for PTSD and anxiety, particularly when traditional methods have been ineffective. By temporarily blocking signals in the sympathetic nervous system, SGB aims to reduce the body's overactive stress response, promoting calmness and potentially reversing some effects of chronic stress on the brain.

Combining Ketamine and SGB

Recent advancements in mental health treatment explore combining ketamine therapy and Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) for conditions like PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Ketamine works on specific brain receptors to promote rapid changes in mood and thought patterns, while SGB targets the sympathetic nervous system to reduce the body's overactive stress response.

This combined approach shows promise in providing greater relief for those with treatment-resistant mental health conditions. By addressing both the chemical imbalances in the brain and the physical effects of chronic stress, this combination therapy aims to create more comprehensive and lasting improvements. If you are considering combining these treatments, contact us for a FREE Consultation.

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Our approach at Atlas Ketamine

At Atlas Ketamine Clinic, we are at the forefront of innovative treatments Our foundation is built on the extensive experience of our medical professionals in the healthcare sector, ensuring we offer personalized, high-quality, and compassionate care tailored to the unique needs of each patient.

Our skilled team, including expert doctors and nurse practitioners, is dedicated to administering promising therapies to individuals struggling with treatment-resistant conditions, focusing on achieving optimal health improvements and wellness.

Ganglion Block Process- What to Expect

1. Consultation:

The first step with a Ganglion Block is a consultation. This is where we get to know you better – your medical background, the mental health challenges you face, and what you hope to gain from SGB treatment. This information helps us determine if SGB is suitable and how to tailor the treatment for your individual needs.

2. Procedure:

The SGB injection procedure itself is short, typically taking less than 30 minutes. To begin, you'll lie comfortably on your back with your neck slightly tilted. Your doctor will use imaging technology, like ultrasound, to carefully guide a needle and inject a numbing medication near the stellate ganglion in your neck. This medication will temporarily calm the nerves in that area.

3. Monitoring:

We'll carefully monitor your vital signs throughout the SGB Injection procedure for your safety. You might notice some temporary side effects like a slightly hoarse voice, a drooping eyelid, or some warmth on the injected side. These are common and typically go away within a few hours.

4. Recovery:

After a brief recovery period, you'll be ready to head home. Since the medication can cause some temporary effects, it's important to arrange for someone else to drive you. Your healthcare provider may give you some specific instructions for aftercare. It's best to relax and take it easy for the rest of the day.

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Schedule a free consultation with our Doctor to learn how Stellate Ganglion Block can meet your unique needs and goals, and to get answers to any of your questions. Reach out to us now to schedule your visit and start your path to recovery and renewal.

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Our Physicians

Dr. Sean Ormond

Dr. Sean Ormond, a double board-certified physician, specializes in Anesthesiology and Interventional Pain Management. He completed his anesthesia residency at Case Western University in Cleveland, Ohio, where he served as Chief Resident. Following this, Dr. Ormond pursued an interventional pain management fellowship at Rush University in Chicago, IL. He has been practicing in Phoenix, Arizona, for several years and recently established his own medical practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Stellate Ganglion Block for PTSD work?

Stellate Ganglion Block for PTSD works by targeting the body's overactive stress response. The stellate ganglion is a nerve bundle in the neck crucial to the sympathetic nervous system (our "fight-or-flight" system). PTSD can leave this system hyperactive, causing flashbacks, anxiety, and hypervigilance. By injecting a numbing medication near the stellate ganglion, SGB temporarily blocks these stress signals, aiming to reset the system. This can send calming signals to the brain and potentially promote neuroplasticity – the brain's ability to change. While ongoing research continues, SGB for PTSD shows promise as a potential tool alongside other PTSD therapies.

Does SGB work for anxiety?

SGB shows promise as a treatment for severe anxiety disorders, especially for those who also experience physical symptoms of anxiety. It may help lessen the intensity of anxiety and related physical manifestations.

What are Stellate Ganglion Block side effects?

SGB is generally considered safe. Some common temporary side effects include hoarseness, a drooping eyelid, warmth, or redness on the injected side. These usually resolve within a few hours. Your doctor will discuss potential risks in detail before the procedure.

How long does it take for an SGB injection to work?

Some people experience immediate relief after the SGB injection, while others notice improvements over the following days or weeks. The timeframe can vary depending on the individual and the condition being treated.

How long do the positive effects of SGB last?

The duration of SGB's effects varies. Some people experience relief for weeks or months, while others may benefit from a series of injections. Your doctor will discuss the expected outcomes based on your specific case.

Is SGB FDA-approved?

The medication used in SGB is FDA-approved for use as a local anesthetic. The use of SGB for conditions like PTSD, anxiety, and Long COVID, is considered "off-label." This means it's used in a way not originally intended, but often based on promising scientific evidence.

Does SGB help with chronic pain?

Yes, SGB can be an effective treatment for various chronic pain conditions, including Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), nerve injuries, and pain related to circulatory problems.

How many SGB injections will I need?

The number of injections needed varies depending on your individual condition and response to treatment Your doctor will develop a personalized treatment plan.

Can I get Stellate Ganglion Block for long covid symptoms?

While research is still ongoing, Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) may help manage Long COVID symptoms in several ways. It suggested to calm an overactive immune system linked to Long COVID inflammation, improve blood flow for better oxygen delivery (potentially helping fatigue and brain fog), and address dysfunction in the autonomic nervous system which could lessen related symptoms.
It's crucial to consult with a healthcare provider experienced in both SGB and Long COVID to assess your individual case and determine if it's a suitable option for you. If you're considering SGB, I encourage you to schedule a FREE consultation with us to discuss its potential benefits and risks for your specific situation.

Coverage for ketamine treatment can vary widely between insurance providers and plans. Many insurers consider ketamine infusion therapy for anxiety as experimental or off-label, thus coverage may be limited. It's important to check with your insurance company and healthcare provider for specific coverage details.