Stellate Ganglion Block's for PTSD
Learn about SGBs, your options, and how to connect with care in your area
SGBs have been performed for a century. If you're looking for a more medical understanding of what an SGB for PTSD is check out the leading researchers at the Stellate Institute for FAQ's from the profressionals.
There some VA clinics providing SGB's for PTSD in their facilities, to get to them your request needs to go through your mental health provider.
Download a PDF about the VA and their understanding of SGBs. This is a great way to have backing during a VA appointment. Remember, precedent ALREADY exists. Don't let the VA tell you no if this is what you want to do.
If your medical history includes neck or back pain or injury, to include neck tension and pain caused by PTSD just follow the steps below:
Send an email with the request below. DO NOT CALL. It's important to keep a document trail of your attempts, it may come in handy in the future if you get push back, it also keeps your care team accountable to completing your request.
If you haven't been in contact with the VA for care in a while the top sentence is applicable, if you go regularly it may not be. It's important to stay kind and professional (I know it’s hard). Dress it up however you see fit, but this is how we’ve been able to get referrals approved:
"I am reaching out to touch base with my PCM, if not can you please connect me with the correct contact.
I would like to continue with my chosen non medicated pain management treatment plan, but would like to add a few therapies. I need referrals for acupuncture, chiropractic care and would also like to see a Pain Management Clinic in the community that provides Stellate Ganglion Blocks."
They may request you come in for updated xray's or an MRI, if so, comply, your referring clinic may require them.
After your referral is put in, the community care team may try connect you with just any pain center. When you talk to them you have to clarify, it must be a clinic that provides Stellate Ganglion Blocks. If they tell you to help look, google the following: "stellate ganglion block pain management (your city, state)"
If you get denied, or have questions, reach out to us.
