I was diagnosed with complex post-traumatic stress disorder in July 2016. Almost 6 years later, I'm doing much better, but I still suffer from the symptoms of PTSD. I am not a huge advocate of pharmaceutical drugs that are prescribed for these symptoms. However, I have tried many over the years with no lasting improvements and a lot of undesirable side effects.
I decided last year to try the Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB), which has been used for chronic pain for decades. This nerve block has been used in recent years to treat veterans suffering from chronic pain, who also suffered from this disorder. Their symptoms from PTSD improved dramatically. I had my first treatment done on November 24, 2021. Medical science suggests that a dual treatment is more successful for individuals suffering from post traumatic stress disorder.
The Stellate Ganglion is a bundle of sympathetic nerves located in the front of the neck near C6 and C7 vertebrae. An interesting fact I learned while studying this nerve bundle is that only 80% of the population has it. The SGB is performed by an anesthesiologist and is an outpatient procedure. The first block is performed on the right side of the neck.
After my first treatment, my anxiety was reduced to almost nothing, I had so much energy and the chronic pain I had suffered from for years was more manageable. Three months later, I am ready for the 2nd treatment on the left side. After reading numerous publications on this procedure, I wish I would have done the second treatment sooner. I had hoped one treatment would be enough.
Stellate Ganglion Block for the Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Depression, and Anxiety
The hypothesis by medical science is that by blocking the nerve impulses at the Stellate Ganglion, it may "reset" the fight or flight response in the Amygdala. Scientists believe this response is in overdrive for individuals suffering from PTSD. They have discovered that anesthetizing the Stellate Ganglion on both sides is beneficial for those who have experienced one or multiple traumatic events throughout their lives.
The amygdala is primarily involved in the processing of emotions and memories associated with fear. The amygdala is considered to be a part of the limbic system within the brain and is key to how we process strong emotions like fear. - Amygdala Function and Location
There are two ways that the anesthesiologist may perform this nerve block. Mine was guided Fluoroscopically. You can read more about the Fluoroscopic Guided Stellate Ganglion Block here.
The other technique is Ultrasound-guided stellate ganglion block: safety and efficacy
I'm on a mission to educate others as much as I can about the mind and body. Mental health is so important to overall healing. I want to focus on educating others about how we can heal naturally, but I also wanted to share my journey with this medical treatment. I think we can benefit greatly from combining both natural healing and medical science. Eureka!!!
Peace be with you always!
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