Estimated duration: 4-5 minutes
Many people lightheartedly joke that they have PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) after an unpleasant life experience. But those who live with this debilitated state know it’s no joke.
The American Psychiatric Association defines PTSD as “a psychiatric disorder that can occur in a person who has experienced or witnessed or been threatened with a traumatic event such as a natural disaster, serious accident, act of terrorism, war/combat, or rape. Disability. Death, sexual assault, or serious injury.”
Symptoms can be debilitating and interfere with daily life. They include emotions such as shame, fear, self-destructive behavior, intrusive thoughts, aggressive behavior, distressing dreams, and sleep disturbances.
If you’re one of the 3.5% of the adult population in the United States who suffers from PTSD, you’ve probably tried a variety of treatments, but these symptoms continue to appear and your quality of life is declining.
Now, new treatments are giving hope to many who thought relief was impossible.
Understanding the brain’s fight-or-flight response
When the brain perceives that it is in danger, it activates the fight-or-flight response, also known as the acute stress response. Verywell Mind says the danger can be physical, such as a barking dog, or psychological, such as getting ready to give a big presentation. It can be caused by something that isn’t a real threat, but your brain thinks it is. (Phobia is a good example. Someone with claustrophobia (fear of small spaces) may feel their heart start pounding when they’re in an elevator, for example.)
This serves as an excellent defense mechanism to protect yourself in adverse situations, but some people (including those with PTSD) can suffer from an overactive fight or flight response. .
According to WebMD, “PTSD puts the brain into danger mode. Even after the danger has passed, the brain remains alert. The body continues to send out stress signals that lead to PTSD symptoms. Research The part of the brain that processes fear and emotion (the amygdala) is more active in people with PTSD, according to Dr.
If this is your experience, it’s finally time to break the cycle.
How a Star Ganglion Block (SGB) Can Calm Your Mind
For decades, doctors and researchers have worked to find better solutions for people who suffer from PTSD. However, developing safe, fast-acting (with few side effects) and effective treatments has proven difficult. A study published in PubMed Central reported that “PTSD treatment success rates are generally variable, with remission rates ranging from 30% to 40%.” But now, a new treatment called stellate ganglion block (SGB) is showing promising results and may provide the relief people are looking for.
SGB is a simple outpatient procedure that is injected into the base of the neck where the stellate ganglion (cluster of nerves) is located. Because it’s connected to the amygdala (the part of the brain that processes fear), it can temporarily suppress the fight or flight response.
RTI International began a randomized controlled trial of SGB in 2014 and in 2019 concluded that the treatment was “actually effective” after monitoring patients’ well-being for eight weeks after injection. The study also showed improvements in depression, distress, anxiety, pain, and physical and mental functioning.
“SGB is a true breakthrough in PTSD treatment,” said the nonprofit research organization. “This is a powerful new option for people suffering from PTSD and may be more readily accepted by military service and veterans, where stigma associated with mental health care is often a deterrent to seeking treatment. “Our research is the first step toward a cure for millions of veterans and those whose PTSD symptoms have long been a barrier to a better life.”
Another PubMed Central study found that SGB is “a minimally invasive procedure with an excellent safety profile that may provide sustained relief of PTSD symptoms. It may also benefit humans,” he concludes.
So far, the prospects are bright that SGB could be a safe and effective alternative to PTSD and anxiety treatment. The best way to find out if it’s right for you is to consult a medical professional.
Why it’s important to get treatment right away
If you or someone you know is suffering from PTSD or severe anxiety, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Aside from the toll this condition takes on a person’s mental health, it can also cause serious physical damage to the brain. said to be sexual.
Early treatment improves quality of life in both the short and long term. Don’t delay getting the help you need. Book an Aspen Orthopedic Pain and Spine appointment today and take back control of your life.
