Long COVID (COVID-19), can leave many individuals suffering from lasting symptoms long after an initial infection has subsided. These may range from fatigue and brain fog to more serious conditions like chronic pain and autonomic dysfunction. Stellate Ganglion Blocks (SGBs) provide one potential method for relieving debilitating Long COVID symptoms in Chicago and nearby communities by providing pain management and overall symptom improvement solutions.
Common Symptoms of Long COVID
Long COVID (PASC), also referred to as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (Lon COVID), is characterized by symptoms that continue or emerge weeks or even months after acute infection has subsided. Common signs and symptoms may include:
- Persistent Fatigue
- Muscle and Joint Pain
- Brain Fog and Cognitive Difficulties
- Shortness of Breath
- Chest Pain
- Anxiety and Depression
These symptoms can have an enormous impact on daily life, making it challenging to work, engage in social activities or complete basic tasks. Traditional approaches such as medications and physical therapy may not offer sufficient relief; in such instances patients may seek alternative solutions like Stellate Ganglion Blocks for effective pain management.
What Is Stellate Ganglion Blocking?
A Stellate Ganglion Block is a minimally invasive procedure which involves injecting local anesthetic near the Stellate Ganglion nerve group located in the neck. These nerves belong to the sympathetic nervous system which plays an integral part in controlling various bodily functions including heart rate, blood pressure, and pain perception.
Blocking the Stellate Ganglion temporarily can help relieve pain, improve blood flow and relieve symptoms associated with Long COVID. The effects may last from several hours to several weeks and repeat treatments may be necessary for lasting relief.
Stellate Ganglion Blocks Can Provide Long COVID Sufferers With Significant Pain Relief
Long COVID patients commonly report chronic pain as one of their chief complaints, yet Stellate ganglion blocks may provide significant relief from conditions like muscle and joint ache, headaches and neuropathic discomfort. Our skilled pain doctors in Chicago most commonly see the following patient benefits:
Improved Autonomic Function: Dysautonomia is a condition wherein the autonomic nervous system malfunctions. Symptoms may include irregular heartbeats, dizziness and difficulty controlling body temperature. By targeting the Stellate Ganglion block and normalizing autonomic function to alleviate distressing symptoms like irregular heartbeats.
Reducing Inflammation: Chronic inflammation is one of the central symptoms associated with Long COVID. Stellate Ganglion Blocks may help alleviate this inflammation by relaxing an overactive sympathetic nervous system, which often contributes to increased levels of inflammatory reactions within your body.
Enhance Mental Health: COVID can have a serious negative effect on mental health, leading to anxiety, depression and even post-traumatic stress disorder-like symptoms. By relaxing the nervous system with a Stellate Ganglion Block therapy device, symptoms may be decreased significantly and overall mood and well-being can be improved significantly.
Improved Sleep Quality: Long COVID patients commonly report issues with their sleeping, including insomnia and frequent awakening. Stellate Ganglion Blocks may help alleviate pain while soothing nerves for an improved night’s restful slumber and faster recovery.
Stellate Ganglion Block Procedure in Chicago
Premier Pain & Spine in Chicago, IL (pain clinic locations in Berwyn, Downers Grove & Schaumburg) provides expert stellate ganglion blocks with precision and care, taking approximately 30 minutes on an outpatient basis to complete this procedure.
As part of the procedure, you will lie on your back with your head slightly tilted forward. Under ultrasound or fluoroscopy (X-ray) guidance, your pain management doctor will locate and treat the Stellate Ganglion using local anesthetic injections into its area of origin. Most patients report minimal discomfort during and post procedure and many experience immediate relief from symptoms.
Once the procedure is over, you will be monitored for a short time afterward before being allowed to go home. Some patients may experience temporary side effects such as hoarseness or difficulty swallowing as well as warmth in the arm on either side of their injection site—these typically clear up within a few hours.
Are You Suffering From Long COVID and Haven’t Found Relief Through Other Treatments?
At Premier Pain & Spine, we specialize in creating personalized pain management plans tailored specifically to each patient’s individual needs—our goal is to help improve quality of life while providing cost-effective, minimally invasive therapies tailored specifically to you and your condition.
Long COVID Treatment in Chicago, IL
Living with Long COVID can be challenging, but there is hope for relief! Stellate Ganglion Blocks offer an effective solution for chronic pain management, autonomic dysfunction and other symptoms associated with this condition. If you live near Chicago and would like more advanced pain management solutions contact Premier Pain & Spine immediately for a consultation and discover how Stellate Ganglion Blocks could assist your journey to wellness.
Schaumburg: 1365 Wiley Rd. #153, Schaumburg, IL. Phone: 847-519-4701
Downers Grove: 3800 Highland Ave. # 101, Downers Grove, IL. Phone: 847-519-4701
Berwyn: 6920 Ogden Ave. Suite C, Berwyn, IL. Phone: 708-637-3534