There are many points in life when people experience anxiety. This is normal and expected, as life’s ups and downs will place demands on a person’s body and mind. In many cases, anxiety is useful as it primes the body to exert effort, allowing a person to achieve feats that would normally be beyond their capabilities. However, when the stress gets too much, people can experience chronic anxiety that is no longer helpful or useful. This type of anxiety disorder can begin to wreak havoc on a person’s body and mental state. There are, however, treatments that can help relieve this anxiety. Stellate ganglion block is one of these procedures and is offered at many treatment centers nationwide.
Rockland Recovery can help you live a life free from fear if you want to break free from long-term anxiety symptoms. Stellate ganglion block treatment is one of the most impactful treatments we offer to relieve anxiety disorders at our treatment facility in Massachusetts. It’s just one of many therapeutic options that our compassionate and experienced staff members administer. Our commitment is to help all our clients make the necessary changes to improve their lives. Aside from addiction treatment, we also ensure you have support and assistance with any other issues regarding employment, legal matters, and family life. Call us today at 855.732.4842 to start your road to recovery.
Definition of Stellate Ganglion Block
Stellate ganglion block treatment is used to treat various conditions associated with the sympathetic nervous system. Danger or stress activates a person’s sympathetic nervous system, and in response to this, the sympathetic nervous system may affect certain parts of the body:
- Eyes – Enlarge the pupils to provide clearer vision
- Heart – Increase heart rate to deliver more oxygen to muscles and increase physical performance
- Digestive system – Lower blood flow to the digestive tract so energy can be used for other parts of the body
- Lungs – Relax the airway muscles to increase air intake and oxygen delivery
While these various effects are useful in the short term when a person is in immediate danger, they are not sustainable and can have negative health consequences in the long term. An overactive sympathetic nervous system can result in high blood pressure, elevated heart rate, digestive trouble, and anxiety. By blocking the sympathetic nervous system, stellate ganglion block can help to reduce these symptoms.
Stellate Ganglion Block Treatment Uses
Stellate ganglion block is an outpatient procedure, usually taking less than thirty minutes to administer. There are often two injections within ten to fourteen days of each other. This sympathetic nerve treatment allows the brain to reset from a heightened state of anxiety, and its effects are often felt immediately and can last for years. Because the sympathetic nervous system is responsible for many bodily functions, there are many uses for stellate ganglion block treatment. Some of the more common conditions treated with a stellate ganglion block can include the following:
- Complex regional pain syndrome
- Phantom limb pain
- Intractable angina
- Depression
- Migraines
- Addiction
- Anxiety disorders such as PTSD and chronic stress
The stellate ganglion block treatment for anxiety relief is a simple procedure that carries very low risk, which is why it has become an increasingly popular option for those who suffer from anxiety disorders. Evidence shows that stellate ganglion block results in significant long-term improvement of chronic anxiety symptoms. Those who find relief from their anxiety report improved sleep, cognitive functioning, energy levels, and overall mood. Even if the treatment wears off and must be administered again, it is safe to repeat no matter how much time has passed since the previous treatment.
Learn More About Stellate Ganglion Block Treatment at Rockland Recovery
Stellate ganglion block is just one of many treatments offered through Rockland Recovery’s addiction treatment center. We include it as an option for treatment programs customized depending on each client’s needs. If you are interested in getting help for addiction and any associated mental health issues, contact us at 855.732.4842, and we’d be more than happy to walk you through your options.
