Many people jokingly say they have “PTSD” after tough experiences, but for those actually dealing with this serious condition, it’s anything but a light matter.
The American Psychiatric Association describes PTSD as a mental health disorder that can arise in individuals who’ve experienced or witnessed traumatic events such as natural disasters, serious accidents, terrorist attacks, wars, or serious sexual violence, among other threats.
The symptoms can be really overwhelming, affecting daily life significantly. Individuals might grapple with feelings of shame, fear, self-destructive habits, intrusive memories, aggression, distressing dreams, trouble sleeping, and more.
If you’re among the 3.5% of adults in the U.S. suffering from PTSD, you might have explored various treatments, but those persistent symptoms may continue to diminish your quality of life.
Fortunately, a new treatment is bringing hope to many who believed relief was out of reach.
Understanding the brain’s fight-or-flight response
When the brain senses danger, it triggers the fight-or-flight response, sometimes called the acute stress response. This can be triggered by something physical, like an aggressive dog, or psychological stressors, such as preparing for a significant presentation. Interestingly, even non-threatening situations can provoke this response; think of someone with claustrophobia who feels anxious in an elevator.
This response is generally protective, but for some, especially those with PTSD, it can become overactive.
According to WebMD, PTSD can keep your brain stuck in a constant state of alert. Even when threats are no longer present, your brain remains on edge, signaling stress and the related symptoms. Research indicates that the amygdala, which processes fear and emotion, tends to be more active in those with PTSD.
If this resonates with you, it might be time to break free from this cycle.
How a Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) can ease your troubled mind
For a long time, finding an effective, safe, and quick treatment for PTSD has been a challenge for healthcare professionals and researchers. One study highlighted on PubMed Central notes that the success rates of PTSD treatments are quite variable, hovering around a 30% to 40% remission rate. However, the Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) is showing encouraging results and might provide the relief that many are seeking.
SGB is an outpatient procedure where an injection is made at the base of the neck, targeting the stellate ganglion, a cluster of nerves linked to the amygdala. This procedure can temporarily dampen the fight-or-flight response.
A randomized, controlled trial initiated by RTI International found that SGB “is indeed effective,” after following up on patient outcomes eight weeks post-injection. The research also recorded reductions in depression, distress, anxiety, as well as improvements in daily functioning.
“SGB is a true breakthrough in PTSD treatment,” according to the nonprofit study. “It provides a powerful option for individuals suffering from PTSD, especially veterans who might hesitate to seek help due to the stigma surrounding mental health care.” This study could be just the start of healing for countless veterans and others burdened by PTSD symptoms.
Another PubMed Central study indicated that SGB is a minimally invasive procedure boasting a solid safety record and may offer sustained relief for PTSD symptoms, even for those not responsive to traditional medications.
The early signs look promising that SGB could serve as a safe and effective alternative treatment for PTSD and anxiety. Consulting with a healthcare professional is the ideal way to see if this treatment is suitable for you.
Why it’s important to seek treatment right away
If you or someone you know is dealing with PTSD or severe anxiety, seeking medical assistance as soon as possible is crucial. This condition not only impacts mental well-being but can also have significant physical ramifications for the brain. WebMD points out that PTSD can lead to shrinkage of the hippocampus, the brain area involved in memory, over time.
Addressing this early can enhance your quality of life both in the short term and long term, so don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Schedule an appointment with Sterling Orthopedic Pain & Spine to regain control of your life.
