The COVID-19 pandemic has left a lasting impact on millions of people worldwide. Not only are we seeing the emotional and financial toll left by the pandemic, but evidence shows that some people continue to experience health issues long after the virus leaves their system. These extended symptoms are known as long COVID, and their exact cause remains unknown. However, one promising approach to managing long COVID symptoms is the stellate ganglion block, which is traditionally used for pain management and certain nervous system disorders.
At Allied Neurology & Interventional Pain Practice, P.C., we focus on providing comprehensive and compassionate care to help you manage pain and improve your quality of life. Our advanced techniques, such as minimally invasive procedures and cutting-edge treatments, are designed to address your specific needs. With a compassionate team and a holistic approach, we strive to offer effective solutions tailored to your specific condition. Let us guide you on your journey toward relief and recovery.
Long COVID refers to the broad range of symptoms that remain months or even years after the initial phase of COVID-19. While most people recover from COVID-19 within a few weeks, a significant portion of people report lingering symptoms that affect their quality of life. While studies have linked nearly 200 symptoms to long COVID, some common symptoms can include:
It is also important to note that long COVID symptoms can occur after catching the COVID-19 virus, even if you never had COVID-19 symptoms to begin with. Also, long COVID symptoms don’t always present right away and can show up weeks or months after you seem to have recovered. Unfortunately, for some, these symptoms are debilitating and disrupt their daily lives, from work to relationships.
While there is no definitive explanation behind long COVID, some researchers suggest it may involve ongoing inflammation, disruptions in the immune system, or autonomic nervous system dysfunctions. Because the cause of long COVID is unknown, a single agreed-upon treatment has not been found. However, research is showing promise in using stellate ganglion blocks to help manage long COVID symptoms.
A stellate ganglion block (SGB) is a minimally invasive procedure in which a local anesthetic is injected into a cluster of nerves in the neck called the stellate ganglion. This cluster of nerves is part of the sympathetic nervous system that regulates your fight-or-flight response. By temporarily blocking these nerves, SGB can potentially reset the sympathetic nervous system and stop the body from thinking it needs to keep fighting the virus. Traditionally, SGB has been used to treat chronic pain and PTSD.Â
The connection between stellate ganglion block and long COVID lies in the potential role of a dysfunctional autonomic nervous system in long COVID cases. When the autonomic nervous system does not function correctly, it can lead to issues like heart rate irregularities, fatigue, and brain fog, which are all symptoms commonly associated with long COVID. By resetting an overactive sympathetic nervous system, the body can restore balance and possibly help relieve these symptoms.
While initial studies show positive results in using SGB to treat long COVID, there is still a lot of research to be done to establish its role in effectively treating this condition. At Allied Neurology & Interventional Pain Practice, P.C., we strive to provide innovative treatments like stellate ganglion block to address long COVID symptoms, helping you regain control of your health and improve your quality of life.Â
If you’re struggling with the lingering effects of long COVID, we’re here to help. At Allied Neurology & Interventional Pain Practice, P.C., we offer advanced treatment options, including the stellate ganglion block, to address the debilitating symptoms of this condition. Our dedication to personalized care ensures that we evaluate your unique situation and develop a tailored plan to support your recovery.
Our comprehensive approach, backed by cutting-edge technology and a compassionate team, allows us to tackle even complex health challenges like long COVID. Let us help you find relief and regain control of your health. Contact us today at (201) 894-1313 or through our contact form.
