Are you one of the many people who still suffer from long-term symptoms of COVID-19 even after the initial illness has passed? If so, a stellate ganglion block (SGB) for long COVID may be an effective treatment option for relieving your prolonged health issues. This popular procedure is used to treat patients with conditions such as chronic pain, depression, and anxiety. It’s believed that this minimally invasive procedure can also have a positive effect on those who continue to battle the lingering impacts of coronavirus — both physical and mental.
What Is the “SGB for Long COVID”?
The stellate ganglion is a cluster of nerves located on the front and at the base of the neck and near the collarbone area. It plays an important role in the functioning of many areas in our body, such as our heart, lungs, and digestive system. This system of nerves is known to be responsible for your bodily responses connected to heart rate increases, pupil dilation, or fight-or-flight situations.
Stellate ganglion block (SGB) is a nerve block procedure that involves numbing the stellate ganglion, which is located in the neck and contains a bundle of nerves that provide access to parts of the brain. SGB for long COVID means numbing those nerves to significantly reduce or eliminate the pain associated with lingering coronavirus symptoms. SGB has been used for decades to treat other medical conditions, and its effects on long COVID are still being studied. However, there have been promising results for SGB as a treatment for long COVID.
Loss of Smell as a Result of COVID
While research is still ongoing, one possible explanation for the loss of smell and taste is due to the dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which is a part of your body that regulates systems like breathing, heart rate, and digestion. This condition with the ANS may be referred to as dysautonomia. SGB has been found to be effective in managing dysautonomia, and it could potentially help those who are struggling with their sense of smell or taste from long COVID. This includes symptoms like parosmia, dysgeusia, and anosmia.
What Are the Benefits of SGB?
For those suffering from long COVID, SGB may be able to provide some relief from the chronic fatigue and pain that often accompany the condition. SGB can also help lessen anxiety or depression, both of which are common in people with prolonged symptoms of coronavirus. Additionally, SGB is minimally invasive and quick – the procedure takes about 10 minutes, and no stitches or cuts are required — so it has minimal risk of complications.
Do I Need SGB for Long COVID?
If you’ve been struggling with the long-term effects of coronavirus, SGB may be something worth discussing with your doctor. SGB can be a safe and effective option for managing chronic pain, fatigue, as well as other mental health issues in those who suffer from long COVID.
Signs that you may benefit from SGB include:
- Persistent fatigue
- Abnormal sense of smell or taste
- Aches and pains throughout the body
- Difficulty concentrating or sleeping
- Low energy levels
If you’re experiencing any of these signs, SGB may be one way to manage your symptoms. Speak with your doctor to learn more about this treatment option and decide if it’s right for you. SGB could be the key to helping you find relief from long COVID.
Request a Telehealth Visit With Dr. Groysman MD
Southwest Pain Management is a leading pain clinic in the United States that offers SGB therapy as a treatment option for those suffering from long COVID. Our experienced physicians have extensive experience in performing SGB and can provide you with the care you need to help manage your long-term coronavirus symptoms. Contact us today for more information about SGB and to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.