The Benefits of Stellate Ganglion Blocks for PTSD

How Arizona Pain and Spine Institute is Leading the Way

Living with PTSD can feel like being trapped in a constant state of fear and anxiety. Even in safe environments, the body may stay on high alert, making it difficult to relax, sleep, or function normally. Many of our patients have tried various PTSD therapies and medications without success. For those still struggling with symptoms, a treatment called the Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) is offering new hope.

SGB is a simple, minimally invasive procedure that helps reset the nervous system and reduce PTSD symptoms. Research has shown that it can provide rapid and lasting relief, especially for those who have not found success with traditional treatments.

At Arizona Pain and Spine Institute, Dr. Khan and Dr. Ryklin have become recognized leaders in SGB for PTSD. Patients from across the country and around the world travel to their Arizona office for this treatment because of their expertise and high success rates. This article explains how SGB works, its benefits for PTSD, and why Arizona Pain and Spine Institute is the top choice for those seeking relief.

What is a Stellate Ganglion Block?

A Stellate Ganglion Block is an injection of local anesthetic into a bundle of nerves in the neck called the stellate ganglion. This cluster of nerves is part of the sympathetic nervous system, which controls the body’s fight-or-flight response.

For people with PTSD, the fight-or-flight system can remain in overdrive, causing ongoing anxiety, hypervigilance, nightmares, and difficulty sleeping. This is because the brain and body continue to react as if they are in danger, even when there is no threat.

The SGB injection works by temporarily blocking the nerve signals that keep the body in this heightened state. This allows the nervous system to reset, helping to calm the brain’s response to stress. Many patients report feeling relief from PTSD symptoms within hours or days of receiving the treatment.

Research has shown that SGB can be an effective option for people with PTSD. A 2020 study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that patients who received SGB had significant reductions in PTSD symptoms compared to those who received a placebo (https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2767936). Another study published in Military Medicine in 2017 reported that more than 70% of veterans who received SGB saw meaningful improvements in their PTSD symptoms (https://academic.oup.com/milmed/article/182/3/295/4110855). A 2022 study in Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine also found that SGB was more effective than medication alone in reducing PTSD-related anxiety and sleep disturbances (https://rapm.bmj.com/content/early/2022/06/15/rapm-2022-103575).

At Arizona Pain and Spine Institute, Dr. Khan and Dr. Ryklin use the latest ultrasound-guided techniques to ensure precision and effectiveness in every SGB treatment. Their expertise has made them a top destination for patients seeking relief from PTSD, including military veterans, first responders, and survivors of trauma.

A New Option for PTSD Relief

Living with PTSD can feel overwhelming. Constant anxiety, nightmares, and an overactive fight-or-flight response can make it difficult to function. Traditional treatments like therapy and medication help some people, but they don’t work for everyone. For those who are still struggling, Stellate Ganglion Blocks (SGB) offer a new path to relief.

SGB is a simple, minimally invasive procedure that has been shown to significantly reduce PTSD symptoms. It works by resetting the nervous system, helping patients regain control of their emotions, sleep, and overall well-being. Many people experience relief within hours or days of treatment.

At Arizona Pain and Spine Institute, Dr. Khan and Dr. Ryklin are leading experts in this procedure. Their cutting-edge techniques and personalized care attract patients from across the U.S. and around the world.

How Stellate Ganglion Blocks Work

The Stellate Ganglion is a bundle of nerves in the neck that helps regulate the body’s fight-or-flight response. When PTSD develops, this system can become stuck in a constant state of high alert, making it difficult to relax or feel safe.

SGB involves injecting a local anesthetic into this nerve cluster, temporarily blocking the signals that keep the nervous system in overdrive. This allows the brain and body to reset, reducing PTSD symptoms such as anxiety, hypervigilance, and sleep disturbances.

Research supports the effectiveness of this treatment. A 2020 study in JAMA Psychiatry found that SGB significantly reduced PTSD symptoms compared to a placebo (https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2767936). A 2017 study in Military Medicine reported that over 70% of veterans saw meaningful improvements after the procedure (https://academic.oup.com/milmed/article/182/3/295/4110855).

Why SGB is Gaining Recognition as a PTSD Treatment

For many people, SGB provides relief when other treatments have failed. One of its biggest advantages is the speed of results—unlike therapy or medication, which can take weeks or months to work, many patients feel better almost immediately. Studies show that the effects can last for months or even years, with some patients needing occasional follow-up injections.

The procedure itself is quick, typically taking about 10 to 15 minutes, and is done on an outpatient basis. Most people can return to normal activities the same day. Side effects are minimal, with some patients experiencing mild temporary symptoms like a hoarse voice or slight discomfort at the injection site.

SGB has also been shown to improve emotional regulation and sleep. Many patients report feeling calmer, less reactive to stress, and able to sleep better after the treatment. A 2022 study in Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine confirmed that SGB was more effective than medication alone in reducing PTSD-related anxiety and sleep disturbances (https://rapm.bmj.com/content/early/2022/06/15/rapm-2022-103575).

Why Patients Choose Arizona Pain and Spine Institute

Dr. Khan and Dr. Ryklin at Arizona Pain and Spine Institute have extensive experience in performing SGB with ultrasound-guided precision techniques to ensure the best results. Their reputation for excellence has made the institute a top destination for PTSD treatment.

Patients travel from across the country—and even internationally—to receive care at their Arizona clinic. Many have spent years trying different treatments with little success before discovering SGB. The team at Arizona Pain and Spine Institute provides personalized care, ensuring that each patient receives the best possible outcome.

For those considering SGB, Arizona Pain and Spine Institute offers consultations to determine if the treatment is a good fit. They also can assist out-of-state patients with travel arrangements and scheduling to make the process as easy as possible.

If PTSD symptoms have been holding you back and traditional treatments have not provided relief, SGB may be the solution you’ve been looking for. Contact our team at Arizona Pain and Spine Institute to learn more about how this innovative procedure could help you regain control of your life.

What to Expect from the SGB Procedure

For those considering Stellate Ganglion Block treatment, understanding the process can help ease any concerns. The procedure is quick, safe, and minimally invasive.

Patients first meet with Dr. Khan or Dr. Ryklin for a consultation to review their symptoms and medical history. If SGB is a good fit, the procedure is scheduled at Arizona Pain and Spine Institute’s state-of-the-art facility.

On the day of the procedure, patients remain awake and comfortable. Using ultrasound guidance, the doctor carefully injects a local anesthetic into the stellate ganglion, ensuring precision and safety. The entire process takes 10 to 15 minutes, and most patients experience little to no discomfort.

After the injection, patients rest for a short period before heading home. Many report feeling a noticeable improvement in symptoms within hours or days. Some patients may need a second injection to achieve the best results, while others experience lasting relief from just one treatment.

Take the First Step Toward Relief

If PTSD symptoms have taken over your life, Stellate Ganglion Block treatment may provide the relief you’ve been searching for. Arizona Pain and Spine Institute is a leader in this groundbreaking procedure, helping patients from all over the world regain control of their mental and emotional well-being.

Dr. Khan and Dr. Ryklin are dedicated to providing expert care, using the most advanced techniques to ensure the best possible results. Whether you live in Arizona or are traveling from another state or country, their team will guide you through the process, answer your questions, and support you every step of the way.

Don’t let PTSD hold you back any longer. Schedule a consultation today to learn if Stellate Ganglion Block treatment is right for you.

How to Get Started

• Call Arizona Pain and Spine Institute to book a consultation.
• For out-of-state patients, ask about assistance with travel arrangements.

Take control of your life again—contact Arizona Pain and Spine Institute today to explore how Stellate Ganglion Block treatment can help you move forward.