A stellate ganglion block injection in Phoenix is most often used to relieve chronic, debilitating neck or head pain from various causes. Another benefit that has been discovered is the injection’s ability to dramatically reduce severe anxiety and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Research is still ongoing for that particular use, but doctors may administer the therapy for this purpose if they believe it will help.
About the Technique
This technique places an anesthetic agent on a group of nerves known as the stellate ganglion, which is in the neck. The effects of just one stellate ganglion block injection in Phoenix can last for many years. Some patients require two treatments before they experience results. Patients may experience effects in less than an hour.
Considerations
The therapy is not a cure, and symptoms may eventually return. The patient can seek another injection at that time.
A Brief History
This type of pain management treatment is not new. It was first applied in the United States 100 years ago. Use of the injections for PTSD, chronic anxiety, and depression became more prevalent by the late 1990s.
The Importance of Treatment Aftercare
Patients are encouraged to follow up this treatment with mental health care by a psychiatrist or psychologist. If a patient has been taking prescription medication for the disorder, that should gradually be stopped or at least reduced significantly under the doctor’s supervision.
