When Should You See a Doctor About Your Back Pain
If you struggle with back pain, we’re here to help. Keep reading to learn when you should seek medical support, what symptoms to watch for, and how early treatment can prevent serious issues.
Treating PTSD with a Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB)
When someone you care about struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), you see firsthand how deeply it can affect their daily life. PTSD might be known for its symptoms like flashbacks or nightmares. But it can also cause constant tension, restless nights, and the feeling that calm is always out of reach.
At BioHealth Pain Management, Dr. Rostam Khoshsar and Dr. Adrian Darryll Sulindro truly understand how difficult it is to see someone you care about struggle like that, especially when traditional treatments like therapy or medication haven’t brought the relief they deserve.
But there’s good news. Dr. Khoshar is a leading expert in using the stellate ganglion block (SGB) to help treat PTSD. This simple, nonsurgical procedure has been giving new hope to people living with this condition.
As a leading expert in using the SGB, Dr. Khoshar played a key role on the research team at the VA Hospital in Long Beach, California, where the treatment was studied for veterans living with PTSD. You can learn more about his groundbreaking work in the featured segment on CBS News 60 Minutes.
What is a stellate ganglion block?
The stellate ganglion is a bundle of nerves located in the neck that helps regulate your body’s “fight-or-flight” response. When this system becomes overactive (often after trauma), it can keep the body in a constant state of alert, even long after the threat is gone.
An SGB is a quick, minimally invasive injection of local anesthetic into this nerve cluster. The goal is to “reset” the overactive sympathetic nervous system and reduce the heightened stress response associated with PTSD. The procedure is typically performed under ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance to ensure accuracy and safety.
How SGB helps people with PTSD
Research and clinical experience have shown that many patients see significant improvement in PTSD symptoms after receiving an SGB.
Common benefits include:
- Reduced anxiety and hyperarousal
- Improved sleep quality
- Decreased intrusive thoughts and flashbacks
- Better emotional regulation and focus
Many patients report feeling calmer and more grounded within hours or days of the injection. For some, this sense of relief can last for months or even longer.
What to expect during treatment
The SGB procedure usually takes less than 30 minutes and is done in an outpatient setting. You lie comfortably on your back while Dr. Khoshsar uses imaging to guide a thin needle to the correct location in your neck. He injects a small amount of anesthetic into the stellate ganglion.
Most people can return to normal activities later the same day. Some individuals may experience mild temporary side effects such as a hoarse voice, droopy eyelids, or slight nasal congestion. These signs mean that the block has taken effect, and the side effects typically fade within a few hours.
A complementary approach to healing
While SGB can offer rapid symptom relief, it’s often most effective when used in conjunction with therapy and other supportive treatments. By calming the body’s stress response, it may make it easier for individuals to engage in counseling, process trauma, and build long-term coping strategies.
If you or someone you love is struggling with PTSD and hasn’t found enough relief from traditional treatments, a stellate ganglion block could be worth exploring.
Click here to book an appointment today to learn whether SGB may be the right step toward lasting healing and peace of mind. We have offices in Lawndale, Whittier, and Arcadia, California.
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