Chronic Pain & PTSD Treatment?

CPT Tracy St.Onge-Lamie — Tue, 25 Jun 2019 00:58:27 -0400

Has anyone ever tried SPG blocks (Sphenopalatine Ganglion Blocks) for chronic pain, anxiety, depression or PTSD? I recently learned about this procedure on “60 minutes” as well as a friend informing me about this procedure. I’ve suffered from chronic pain/PTSD related to service connected injuries (multiple neck/back injuries & surgeries) & I am desperate for any sort of relief after trying everything under the sun. I am curious if there are others out there who have heard of this & tried this?

Response by PO3 Phyllis Maynard made Jun 25 at 2019 4:01 AM

PO3 Phyllis Maynard — Tue, 25 Jun 2019 04:01:14 -0400

CPT Tracy St.Onge-Lamie I have not heard of it. But I think it would be a good idea to run it by your VA primary care provider and ask if there is any information on this treatment.

Response by SFC Michael D. made Jun 25 at 2019 8:10 AM

SFC Michael D. — Tue, 25 Jun 2019 08:10:32 -0400

Very interested. Is it a surgery? Injection?

Response by 1SG Cj Grisham made Jun 25 at 2019 9:41 AM

1SG Cj Grisham — Tue, 25 Jun 2019 09:41:35 -0400

I've never heard of it. I have chronic back pain from an explosion outside As Samawah. What helps for me is radio frequency ablation. I also have a TENS unit. As for PTSD, I've learned to rely on CAM (complimentary alternative medicine) like deep tissue massages, reflexology, and physical activity like bike riding and kayaking.

Response by CPT Mike Sims made Jun 25 at 2019 5:30 PM

CPT Mike Sims — Tue, 25 Jun 2019 17:30:00 -0400

Tracy, with the recent new regualtions regarding VA healthcare allowing Veterans to seek Community Care as of June 6th, if the VA says your pursuit of these treatment methods are not covered by them at a VA facility because they are considered "experimental", then I would recommend pursuing Community Care option with a specialist. Be advised that any prescriptions may still go through the VA and the pharmacy at the VA could still deny to issue the medicine even though a Community Care civilian doctor authorized it. I am facing this issue now for my TBI... my Community Care civilian neurologist that the VA referred me to (since the VA hospital doesn't have a neurologist) has prescribed me Aimovig and Cambia for my chronic headaches related to my TBI. The pharmacist at the VA refused to issue the medicines unless I agreed to take 3 injections of Botox first! The neurologist as a primary care provider has now filed a complaint against the pharmacist at the VA for interferring with patient treatment. So, I wanted to give you advanced warning that you might face similar issues in your attempt to seek a logical and effective treatment plan. Another piece of advice is to look at the formulary plan to determine if the medicines are covered by the VA. Best of luck and thank you for your service!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2019 11:20 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Jul 2019 11:20:47 -0400

While I havent tried it, I was offered it a few months back. I think the term might be the stellate ganglion block, unless there is another in which case I'm unfamiliar. I'm not all that versed on it, but if I recall correctly its affects the sympathetic nervous system to decrease whatever chemicals cause the fight or flight response.

People I know who have had it say it works wonders though. In his case his most severe symptom was anxiety. As for the effects on issues outside of PTSD or other symptoms I'm unsure.

Response by 1st Lt Padre Dave Poedel made Aug 8 at 2019 6:29 PM

1st Lt Padre Dave Poedel — Thu, 08 Aug 2019 18:29:18 -0400

My pain doc has submitted this to Medicare for authorization....as soon as he does I will undergo the procedure. I will let you know....

Response by SMSgt Donald Beckham made Nov 17 at 2021 8:13 PM

SMSgt Donald Beckham — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 20:13:55 -0500

I have tried this and while it helps, it is only temporary. I had to endure three treatments per week for about 8 weeks. I was not a fan of putting a catheter up my nose! Botox every three weeks with Aimovig in between helps much more. Only problem is that it doesn’t help with pain just migraines. Hope this helps!

Response by SSgt Jeff Kummerow made Nov 16 at 2023 6:46 PM

SSgt Jeff Kummerow — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 18:46:42 -0500

I did, it only helped a little bit, but there were people that found it to be a great help.

Response by SSgt Jeff Kummerow made Mar 16 at 2024 7:07 PM

SSgt Jeff Kummerow — Sat, 16 Mar 2024 19:07:03 -0400

Yes i did, it did help some. Really depends on the person doing it. I use calm app, deep breathing, meditation and distraction. Find anything you like to do and try too push through pain. Sometimes I realize hours have gone by, and I felt like a person. Also, we all have those bad pain days, keep telling yourself its just one bad day. Good luck