Utah Clinic’s unique PTSD and anxiety treatment is changing lives

Estimated reading time: 4-5 minutes

Many people light-heartedly joke about “having PTSD” (post-traumatic stress disorder) after unpleasant life experiences. But those who live with this debilitating condition know it’s anything but a joke.

The American Psychiatric Association states that PTSD is “a psychiatric disorder that can occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event such as a natural disaster, serious accident, act of terrorism, war/combat, or rape, or who have been threatened.” with death, sexual violence or serious injuries”.

Symptoms can be debilitating and interfere with daily life. They include feelings of shame, fear, self-destructive behavior, intrusive thoughts, aggressive behavior, disturbing dreams, trouble sleeping, and more.

If you’re part of the 3.5% of US adults who suffer from PTSD, you may have tried various treatments, but these symptoms keep coming back, reducing your quality of life.

Well, now a new treatment offers hope to many who thought relief was impossible.

Understanding the brain’s fight-or-flight response.

When your brain senses that you are in danger, it activates the fight-or-flight response, also known as the acute stress response. Verivell Mind states that this danger can be something physical, like a barking dog, or it can be psychological, like preparing for a big presentation. Sometimes it can be triggered by something that isn’t a real threat, but your brain thinks it is. (Phobias are a good example. Someone with claustrophobia and a fear of enclosed spaces may feel their heart begin to pound while riding in an elevator, for example.)

While this can serve as a good defense mechanism to protect yourself in harmful situations, some people, including those with PTSD, may suffer from an overactive fight-or-flight response.

According to WebMD, “PTSD causes your brain to get stuck in danger mode. Even after you’re no longer in danger, it remains on alert. Your body continues to send stress signals, leading to PTSD symptoms. Studies show yes The part of the brain that controls fear and emotion (the amygdala) is more active in people with PTSD.”

If this has been your experience, it’s time to finally break the cycle.

How stellate ganglion block (SGB) can ease your troubled mind

For decades, doctors and researchers have been working to find a good solution for PTSD sufferers. But developing an effective treatment that is safe and fast-acting (with few side effects) has proven difficult. One study published on PubMed Central reports that “treatment success rates for PTSD 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 could would only offer the relief that people are looking for.

SGB ​​is a simple outpatient procedure that involves an injection into the base of the neck, where the stellate ganglion, a cluster of nerves, is located. Because this is connected to the amygdala (the part of the brain that deals with fear), it can temporarily suppress the fight or flight response.

RTI International launched a randomized, controlled trial of SGB in 2014 and concluded in 2019 that the treatment was “really effective” after monitoring patients’ health outcomes eight weeks after the injections. The study also showed improvements in depression, agitation, anxiety, pain, and physical and mental functioning.

“SGB is a real breakthrough in the treatment of PTSD,” states the non-profit research institute. “It’s a powerful new option for people suffering from PTSD that can be more readily embraced by service members and veterans, for whom the stigma associated with mental health often deters them from seeking treatment. We hope our study is the first step toward a cure for millions.” veterans and others for whom PTSD symptoms have long been an obstacle to a better life.”

Another PubMed Central study concluded that SGB is “a minimally invasive procedure with an excellent safety profile that can provide lasting relief of PTSD symptoms. The procedure may also benefit those who are resistant to psychotropic intervention.”

For now, the outlook is positive that SGB may be a safe and effective alternative for the treatment of PTSD and anxiety. The best way to find out if it’s right for you is to consult a doctor.

Why it’s important to seek treatment right away

If you or someone you know suffers from PTSD or severe anxiety, it is important to get medical help as soon as possible. In addition to affecting a person’s mental health, this condition can also cause serious physical damage to the brain. WebMD states that PTSD can cause the hippocampus (the area that controls your memory) to shrink over time.

Early treatment improves your quality of life in both the short and long term, so don’t delay getting the help you need! Make an appointment with Aspen Orthopedic Pain and Spine and take back control of your life.