The simple answer is yes. SGB anxiety attack treatment can be done in a doctor’s office if it is administered by a medical professional who has received sufficient training. However, the SGB procedure requires the use of an ultrasound or X-ray machine so that the doctor can ensure the needle is injected into the correct area of the sympathetic nervous system.
The treatment usually involves the use of local anesthetic as the injection is administered into nerve tissue on the right side of the neck above the collarbone. It is important that the physician has the necessary knowledge and experience to ensure that any associated pain or discomfort is minimized.
If you are interested in an SGB injection near you for yourself or a loved one, here is an outline of what you can expect.
What is the SGB?
The SGB, or stellate ganglion block injection for anxiety relief, has been used by medical professionals for decades to reduce and alleviate the pain in the head, neck, and arms. However, in recent years, studies have found it to also be an effective treatment for people suffering from symptoms of mental illnesses such as anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Mainly experienced by veterans of the military, victims of mental or physical trauma, or first responders, PTSD, and chronic anxiety can be severely debilitating.
The SGB shot anxiety therapy is injected into a cluster of nerves at the base of the neck, which are associated with the body’s sympathetic nervous system, also referred to as our ‘fight or flight’ response. For some people, this system is always alert, and for others who suffer a traumatic experience, the nervous system does not return to its pre-trauma state.
What will happen during my SGB appointment?
At your initial SGB injection for anxiety appointment, the doctor will discuss your symptoms and any other medical or psychological treatments you are currently undergoing. In most cases, SGB does not interfere with other medications or treatments, but you may wish to discuss plans to have the SGB with other medical professionals involved in your care. Your SGB doctor will explain the possible risks and likely benefits associated with the injection.
The stellate ganglion block anxiety injection is administered under local anesthetic. The doctor will use an x-ray machine or ultrasound to guide the injection into the correct group of nerves at the base of the neck. The procedure itself does not take more than 30 minutes, but you will need to be monitored before you are allowed to go home. You will need a friend or family member to drive you home and then need to rest at home for 24 hours.
In terms of pain associated with the treatment, the local anesthetic, which is injected into the nerves, is like the injection would have at a dentist’s surgery before a minor procedure.
Who will administer the SGB?
Here at PTSD Group, your SGB treatment will be administered by our highly trained and experienced Dr. Jesse Hatgis. Dr. Hatgis is a double board-certified osteopathic pain management/physical medicine and rehabilitation physician.
Is the SGB the right treatment for you?
The SGB is a relatively new treatment for PTSD and overcoming anxiety, but medical research has found it to be an effective treatment for people struggling with symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, emotional numbness, insomnia, irritability, anger, anxiety, and/or depression. The PTSD breakthrough injection does not erase traumatic memories, but it can help patients to return to a more balanced state of mental health, resetting the brain’s fight or flight response, and enabling the nervous system to recover.
To ensure that SGB is the right treatment for you, Dr. Hatgis will review your questionnaires prior to scheduling an appointment with you.