COVID has been around for a few years now and we are getting to know how it works and what it does. One of the problematic consequences of being sick with COVID is the aftereffects known now as long COVID syndrome. Long covid or post covid are symptoms that last longer than a few weeks after the initial infection. While there are a myriad of symptoms including chronic fatigue, brain fog, shortness of breath and coughing, headaches, we would like to focus on just 2 of these being loss of smell or abnormal smell and taste. The loss of smell can develop even in asymptomatic infections and doesn’t correlate to whether the infection lead to hospitalization or not.
Because the COVID virus and Long COVID is still relatively new, we are not completely clear yet on how or why the COVID virus causes the loss of smell. Unlike similar colds, this change or loss of smell doesn’t occur because of nasal congestion or stuffy nose. Recent findings suggest that this occurs because of a dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). This COVID virus can also lead to nerve damage to the nasal receptors of the olfactory bulb near the brain. Impaired cerebral blood flow is another reason from dysautonomia or this dysregulation. Most of the time, these symptoms are self-limited to several weeks or several months. Occasionally, these symptoms can continue to persist for a year or longer. This is where a Stellate Ganglion Block can help.
The stellate ganglion is a collection or cluster of nerves, known as the stellate ganglion, that lives on the front of our spines in our neck. It is responsible for some of the automatic or autonomic responses that your body does such as the fight or flight response, dilating your pupils, increasing your heart rate, and so on. They relay the signal from your spinal cord to your brain and from your brain to your spinal cord.
By temporarily blocking these nerves, it can reset and correct the dysregulation that occurs in your ANS, specifically the sympathetic nervous system. Based on the current available evidence and the dramatic and almost instant resolution of these symptoms after an SGB, it appears to be a functional problem rather than a structural damage of the nerves. Because it may be functional, it often only requires one injection per side for lasting relief of the symptoms. We provide this long covid treatment right here in our in office procedure suite. Stop being a long covid suffer and get the long covid recovery you have been seeking.
Degenerative disc disease (DDD) can be a real pain in the back – literally. As we age, those cushions between our spine’s vertebrae can start to wear down, leading to discomfort and limited mobility. Finding effective pain relief options is crucial for managing
Bulging and herniated discs are common degenerative spine problems that can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. Knowing the differences between these two conditions is important for getting the right treatment. In this article, we’ll explain what sets a bulging disc apart
Back pain is something a lot of us deal with. One of the main culprits? Stiff and tight muscles. Let’s dive into how these muscle issues can lead to back pain and what you can do about it! TREAT YOUR BACK
A herniated disc occurs when the soft inside of a spinal disc pushes out through a tear in the outer layer. This can hurt or press on nearby nerves, causing pain and other issues. It’s important to know if this condition can lead to permanent
Dealing with spinal stenosis can be challenging, but surgery isn’t the only solution. At Southwest Pain Management, we focus on conservative, patient-centered treatments that help you avoid unnecessary surgeries and reduce your reliance on pain medications. This article will explore non-surgical ways to
Hair loss can be a distressing experience for many individuals, affecting both men and women. While there are numerous factors contributing to hair loss, one significant aspect that often goes under the radar is the role of low testosterone. This article will jump
We support our Veterans and War Heroes
