Did you know that only 9% of veterans with PTSD feel they have fully recovered? Around 58% of veterans continue having PTSD symptoms after treatment. Alternative treatments are becoming more commonplace as many veterans seek more effective interventions.
A stellate ganglion block for PTSD veterans affairs is a research-backed treatment for mental health conditions. It is quick, affordable, and long-lasting. Most important, many veterans start experiencing symptom relief within days.
And the greatest benefit is that it only requires one to two injections. That means no more wasting time and money on costly therapy appointments and medication. While those tools can be useful for some individuals, SGB injections offer an alternative avenue.
Are you still interested? In our complete guide, we will review what SGB injections are and how they can be helpful for you or a loved one. Keep reading on until the end and find out how to find a PTSD doctor in Mt. Airy, MD.
What Is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition affecting nearly 11% to 20% of veterans in the Iraqi wars, based on 2019 statistics. Approximately 12% to 15% of Gulf War and Vietnam veterans also suffer from PTSD, with some research placing these numbers closer to 30%.
While PTSD has been dubbed “shell shock syndrome” in its earlier years and impacts many veterans, it can occur in any population or age group. At its core, PTSD is a condition developing after a person experiences a traumatic event. Chemical and neuronal changes make your body feel like it is in danger after the traumatic event has subsided.
Symptoms of PTSD
PTSD symptoms fall under four primary categories. Experts found that women have slightly different presentations than males, including:
- Anxiety and/or depression
- Numbness
- Becoming easily startled
- Heightened sensitivity toward the traumatic event
Generally, a skilled practitioner will look at intrusion, avoidance, reactivity, and cognition. Intrusion symptoms are flashbacks, nightmares, and high distress. Avoidance symptoms are when individuals actively avoid any person or place that reminds them of the trauma.
Reactivity or increased arousal might include symptoms such as:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Easily startled
- Increased irritability
- Increased anger or outbursts
Depression and panic attacks are also common with PTSD symptoms and fall under cognitive and mood changes. Other cognitive PTSD symptoms are memory loss surrounding the event or distorted memories.
PTSD Treatment for Veterans
One common combat related PTSD treatment is psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is widely used for several mental health conditions. Medication or exposure therapy might also be used as indicated.
What Is SGB?
An SGB injection, also known as stellate ganglion block, uses an anesthetic injected into a particular nerve bundle. Your stellate ganglion block is a sympathetic nerve bundle near the anterior portion of your neck between cervical vertebrae six and seven.
During an SGB injection, a qualified practitioner uses high-quality medical imaging to guide the local anesthetic. Once the anesthetic is injected into the stellate ganglion block, you may notice several relatively immediate results, such as:
- Less irritability
- Improved sleep
- Fewer panic attacks
- Improved relaxation
- Improved depressive symptoms
- Fewer flashbacks
SGB injections can be used for several health conditions. However, PTSD symptoms are one of the most noticeable effects. Around 96% of medical experts reported patients experienced significant improvements with arousal or reactivity symptoms.
Stellate Ganglion Block for PTSD Veterans Affairs
A stellate ganglion block for PTSD patients is an ideal treatment. First, it works quickly, within days to weeks. Second, the treatment itself only lasts 15 to 20 minutes.
There are minimal side effects with SGB injections compared to medications and other treatments. Immediately after injection, you may notice:
- Tingling sensations
- Increased warmth
- Red eyes
- Congestion
- Lump in your throat
- Redness and swelling
These symptoms should reside quickly, and you can start noticing some of the plentiful benefits of SGB injections. One of the main theories behind PTSD is an overactive sympathetic nervous system.
Your sympathetic nervous system is an involuntary response. It kicks in during danger or stress and is primarily known as your body’s fight or flight response.
While critical to survival, chronic over-reactivity can lead to several adverse symptoms. Your stellate ganglion is a bundle of these sympathetic nerves. Injections essentially “reset” your nerve bundles, allowing your body to relax and de-stress.
How Effective Are SGB Injections for PTSD?
Approximately 70% of PTSD patients experienced symptom relief after SGB injections. Another key benefit is symptoms last for months, and there are options for getting a second treatment. Since it is minimally invasive and does not require daily medication, many veterans find this treatment tool very effective for long-term symptom management.
How To Find PTSD Treatment Centers for Veterans
How can you find a stellate ganglion block for veterans? You need a treatment center focused on SGB injections with practitioners who have years of qualified experience. Other factors include:
- Pricing
- Testimonials
- Location
SGB Docs offer several cost-friendly pricing options and financing options. Compared to years of therapy and medication, SGB injection pricing is often more affordable and effective. Lastly, we offer treatments in three states, making it easier to find SGB injections near you.
Start Getting Help for Your PTSD
Have you wondered how effective a stellate ganglion block for PTSD veterans affairs is? Several veterans have seen the benefits of SGB injections, including reducing panic attacks and anxiety symptoms.
If you or a loved one is suffering from PTSD, let the experts at SGB Docs help. We have two board-certified physicians with a combined 40+ years of experience. If you need PTSD treatment in Mt. Airy, MD, or other close locations, we can schedule you for a quick consultation and treatment plan.
Start seeing the difference in your PTSD symptoms today. Schedule an appointment to get started!