Know What to Expect with an SGB Injection

At Soft Reboot Wellness in Menlo Park, CA, we understand that navigating the world of mental health treatments can be overwhelming. If you’re considering a Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) injection, you may have questions about what to expect. This innovative treatment is designed to calm an overactive nervous system, providing relief from symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, chronic pain, and long COVID. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the entire SGB process, ensuring you feel informed and prepared for your journey toward healing.

What is SGB and How Does it Work?

A Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) is a safe outpatient procedure that involves the injection of a local anesthetic into the stellate ganglion, a collection of nerves located in the neck. This procedure is guided by ultrasound to ensure precision and safety. By temporarily blocking the sympathetic nervous system, SGB helps to calm the fight-or-flight response, which can be overactive in individuals dealing with trauma or chronic stress.

The effects of SGB can be profound. Many patients experience reduced cortisol levels, decreased inflammation, and improved regulation of the nervous system. This can lead to significant relief from symptoms associated with PTSD, anxiety, chronic pain, and even long COVID.

What to Expect Before Treatment

Before your SGB injection, you’ll go through a comprehensive intake process. This includes a detailed health history review and a consultation with our clinical team. We want to ensure that you are a good candidate for the procedure and that all your questions are answered.

You will also have a preparation session with one of our integration coaches. This session is designed to help you set expectations and understand the potential outcomes of the treatment. We encourage you to discuss any concerns you may have, as our goal is to make you feel as comfortable and informed as possible.

It’s important to arrange for transportation to and from our facility, as you will not be able to drive yourself home after the procedure.

What to Expect During Treatment

On the day of your SGB injection, you’ll be welcomed into a comfortable treatment room where you will be closely monitored by our experienced medical team. Your vital signs will be taken, and you may receive IV fluids to ensure you are well-hydrated.

Using ultrasound guidance, our anesthesiologist will carefully administer a small injection of local anesthetic at the level of the C4 and C6 vertebrae in your neck. The procedure typically lasts about 15 minutes, and you will remain awake and calm throughout the entire process. Many patients find the experience to be relaxing, and we offer calming music to enhance your comfort.

What to Expect After Treatment

After your SGB injection, you may experience some mild, temporary side effects. These can include a drooping eyelid, dry throat, or slight hoarseness. Don’t worry—these effects are usually short-lived and resolve within 24 hours. You can return to work the following day, but remember that you will need someone to drive you home after the procedure.

Many patients find relief after just one session, but for some, a second treatment may enhance the results. We will discuss your progress during your follow-up appointment, which typically occurs one week after your initial treatment.

Complementary Treatments: SGB and Ketamine

At Soft Reboot Wellness, we recognize that emotional healing often requires a multifaceted approach. That’s why we offer SGB in conjunction with ketamine therapy. Think of SGB as a hardware reset for your nervous system, while ketamine acts as a software reboot for your emotional processing. Together, these treatments can support deeper trauma processing and enhance your overall healing journey.

Tracking Your Progress

To ensure that your treatment remains personalized and effective, we utilize tools like Osmind to track both subjective and clinical data. We also employ validated assessment tools such as the PHQ-9, GAD-7, and PCL-5 to monitor your progress. This data-driven approach allows us to make informed decisions about your care and adjust your treatment plan as needed.

A Proven and Safe Treatment

SGB is not a new procedure; it has been used for decades and is backed by a wealth of research demonstrating its safety and efficacy. It is commonly utilized in VA hospitals and has shown promise in treating PTSD and trauma recovery. At Soft Reboot Wellness, we take pride in our dual sympathetic reset approach, creating a personalized plan that blends traditional and integrative medicine to meet your unique needs.

Your Path to Healing Starts Here

If you’re ready to explore the benefits of SGB and see how it can fit into your healing journey, we invite you to schedule a consultation with our team at Soft Reboot Wellness. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.