Struggling with chronic pain or symptoms of PTSD? A stellate ganglion block (SGB) shot could be the breakthrough you need to regain control of your life. Connect with us today to learn how this targeted, innovative treatment can help reduce your pain and calm an overactive nervous system.
Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) is a medical procedure that involves the injection of a long-lasting local anesthetic into the stellate ganglion, a bundle of nerves located in the back of the neck. It was first used by the Veterans Administration to help veterans manage chronic pain in the upper body, but it also helped rapidly reduce PTSD symptoms.
While newer studies indicate about a 70-75% rate of positive reaction to the shots, Corner Canyon Health Center screens clients carefully before recommending the shot, and our clients have typically had fairly significant reductions in PTSD symptoms like anxiety.
If a client’s anxiety level is at an extremely high baseline before the shots, the first one may not appear to have that typical response, but the second and third ones (if recommended) will often produce that. The SGB shot is administered at an outpatient clinic and is an extra cost for clients.
The SGB is believed to work by reducing the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, which is often overactive in individuals with PTSD. By blocking the stellate ganglion, SGB can reduce the release of adrenaline and other stress hormones, which can lead to a reduction in anxiety, hyperarousal, and other PTSD symptoms.
Several studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of SGB in reducing symptoms of PTSD. For example, a randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry in 2016 found that SGB led to significant reductions in PTSD symptoms, anxiety, and depression compared to a control group who received a placebo injection. Another study published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress in 2021 found that SGB was associated with significant improvements in PTSD symptoms, sleep quality, and quality of life.
While SGB may not work for everyone, it is a promising treatment option for individuals who have not responded to traditional therapies or who are unable to tolerate the side effects of medications. Some of the key benefits of the SBG shot include:
The Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) is not recommended for certain individuals with underlying conditions and can increase the risk of adverse side effects such as headaches, dizziness, droopy eyelids, and a sore throat. We carefully screen clients to ensure they meet the eligibility criteria for receiving the shot. Those who should not receive stellate ganglion include:
sav headden
My experience at Corner Canyon to put it simply, was life changing. The program gave me a structure to set a solid foundation for my life outside of treatment. The people that are involved with Corner Canyon are amazing. From the staff, to the clients, these people quickly began to feel like family. This place felt like home to me. I truly was cared for in a way that I had never been before. I can honestly say that in the 62 days I was there I didn’t have a single bad day, and that to me speaks volumes. I’m grateful to have had the experience that I did. To anyone who is looking for help – I would heavily recommend going to Corner Canyon.
Jordan Brown
I arrived at Corner Canyon during the worst depressive episode of my life. I had no hope and felt disconnected from everything. I’m a therapist, and I had been doing all the “right” things to care for myself. But sometimes self-care is simply not enough.
Corner Canyon met me where I was and crawled with me until I could walk again. Literally. One mentor sat on the floor beside my bed and talked to me when I didn’t yet have the strength to regularly go out into the common areas. Another mentor coaxed stories out of me and excitedly shared them with other staff. He reminded me of how much time I had spent serving others and made sure I knew how valuable my service had been. Little by little, connections with staff and clients helped my find myself again.
Because, above all else, Corner Canyon was where I rediscovered the power of human connection. Yes, the treatment was top-notch. Yes, the food served was beyond delicious and healthy. But it was the way in which the treatment was provided, the food was served, and the connections were forged that made all the difference.
Specific techniques treated my depression, but so did the stories of healing and recovery told by therapists, house staff, and other clients. Healers have often been wounded at one point in their lives.
There’s a lot of stigma attached to mental illness, even, sadly, among mental health providers. I was worried I was going to be looked down upon. But what makes Corner Canyon so special is that you will get to know your pain in a welcoming, non-judgmental space. All kinds of people go to Corner Canyon for treatment. And that’s because the treatment center is grounded in acceptance and professionalism.
At Corner Canyon, you will come to realize the power of vulnerability, the healing that comes from meaningful connection, and the love that binds us all together.
Dominique Suazo
When I came to Corner Canyon I was lost. I was 31 years old, struggling with addiction issues and my own mental health, and didn’t know which way to turn. I was very fortunate to land here. Through the help of some people who loved and cared about me, they got me in the doors of this wonderful program.
I was nervous at first, but I soon realized I was amongst peers who were feeling and going through the same things, which put me at ease. I was surrounded by staff who themselves had been through their own treatment and had such compassion and support for me and my well-being.
The Clinical team is wonderful and they are all highly trained experts. They practice many different modalities and with that they were able to get to the core of my issues to treat both my trauma, and subsequently my substance abuse. They did this with such grace, compassion, and empathy, that I always felt they had my best care in mind.
I could write forever about how this place changed my life, but the reality is that there would never be enough words. This program, it’s wonderful staff, and the people who come here make this place more than just a rehabilitation center. It’s a home. I found myself here, I found my tribe, and I was able to unlock decades worth of trauma that led me to a life I didn’t want to lead. After coming here I found the life I always wanted, and it started at Corner Canyon.
Angel Warrior 68
Corner Canyon has put together an excellent residential program. I need a comprehensive program that addressed my health and mental health with cutting edge treatment — they exceeded my expectations. With the continuum of health, mental health, and wellness services offered – they truly individualized my treatment plan. They have an excellent, well-trained staff that genuinely care. I wish I had found them 5, 10 years ago it would have saved me a lot of heart ache. I feel ALOT better than I have felt in sometime and as I continue to take care of myself, I am confident I will be an even better version of myself. Michelle Feb-Mar 2023
Amber Litz
So it doesn’t sound so cliche I won’t say this place saved my life. But I will say this place saved my future!! There are no descriptive words that exist that hold enough volume to describe how extraordinarily phenomenal this place is! They get it, they listen! It kind of feels like the beginning of an awesome horror movie when you first get there cause everyone is so nice, kind, and caring you’re waiting for the ball to drop. Then you realize they are truly that kind & caring! (I have severe trust issues) I never thought I could ever get better so there was no point in going for help because I have been through so much trauma that there wasn’t any facility out there that could handle the magnitude and complex trauma I have endured. However I was wrong! The mentors, I seriously will never be able to thank them enough for listening to my emotional babble some days & they never made me feel like they needed to run off & do the other work they had to do or nothing! Liz & Dom the two on the front line that you only really interact with when you’re checking in. They deserve a lot of recognition & praise that I don’t think they get very often! The fact I struggle with anxiety & answering my phone most days fills me with dread & fear even though I’m the one who emailed the treatment center that was on my caller ID I still froze & couldn’t answer & felt dumb for even reaching out for help. Then the debilitating depression & shame would set in cause I didn’t pick up the phone would set in & I would get so angry at myself! It was a vicious cycle! Up until the day Liz text me & she never left me alone (haha I’m forever grateful for that) it was like chatting with a new friend. After her portion of the admissions process was done I was passed off to Dom, who again never left me alone! The ease & friendly chatting made it easier to commit to checking in. And I did it, I went to Corner Canyon & checked in & it was by far the best thing I’ve ever done for myself! The first week I was there Adam who is a mentor there (I won’t elaborate but…) did something for me that I’ve never had anyone do for me, that was thought of me. I always take care of everyone in my life & make sure they have what they need & they’re okay before myself. Usually not leaving time for myself. But for the first time in 46 years someone thought of me first. It was such a small gesture, but will forever make a monumental impact in my life. That day sealed my fate! I could stay at Corner Canyon, I could complete the program! They really did care! I have so much more to say about every single person there! But this is supposed to be a review, not a novel of my life so I will end this by saying, what you got to lose?! I can 100% guarantee that your worst day at Corner Canyon will still be 10 times easier than your worst day before you got there!
Britney Dowrick
I came to Corner Canyon during one of the darkest chapters of my life. I was grieving the loss of my father, on the edge of divorce, and completely numb from life continually beating me down. I had reached a point where I was ready to end my life. I submitted an online insurance inquiry, not knowing what to expect, and received a call that same day from Shaun in admissions. That call changed everything.
Shaun didn’t pressure me; he simply listened. He calmly walked me through what treatment could look like and helped ease my fears. He was understanding, relatable, and genuinely compassionate. Without him and the way he advocated for me, I truly don’t believe I would be where I am today.
Facilities
I was initially nervous about the co-ed environment, but I felt safe and supported from day one. The facility is very clean and well-maintained, and there is an incredible night crew that resets the house each evening. I want to specifically thank Marissa and her graveyard shift team for giving clients a fresh, organized start to each day. Rooms are shared by two to three people, depending on the size, and even the three-person rooms are spacious and comfortable. One thing I truly appreciated was how intentionally the intake team paired roommates based on compatibility. If for any reason a room change was needed, the staff took it seriously and prioritized each person’s comfort and safety.
Food
The food was one of the highlights of my experience. Each day, a chef prepares three clean, healthy meals, which truly support the healing process both mentally and physically. On weekends, we were allowed to shop for personal groceries, and the kitchen was open for use, allowing some flexibility. A BIG thank you to Chef Daniel, Trent, and Jodie, who clearly cared about nourishing the clients, for letting us help with cooking, and for all of the real conversations.
Staff
The staff is the heart of Corner Canyon, and I cannot say enough good things about them. Thank you to Dante, Jan, Kobe, Ricky, both Joes, Valin, Chloe, Cam, Jaden, Quinn, Scott, Shaun, Dom, Jasmine, and so many others I may be forgetting. On my hardest days, the mentors were there to listen, to let me cry, to offer advice, or even just to make me laugh when I needed it most. They helped me process my divorce, guided me in setting healthy boundaries, and reminded me of my worth. These are not just employees; they are human beings who genuinely care and want to see every person succeed. My biggest advice to anyone entering treatment is to open up to them and let them in.
Therapists and Healing
Each client is assigned a primary therapist, and group sessions are held Monday through Friday. I encourage anyone attending to open up during group. Be honest, be messy, and speak your truth; some of my most transformative moments came in those sessions. My therapist, Milene, helped me reconnect with my inner child, and through brainspotting, I began to process years of unresolved trauma. I also worked with Chris for ketamine assisted therapy. He created a safe, grounded space that allowed me to confront trauma I had buried for years. Through this work, I processed my fear of abandonment, accepted my divorce, and began grieving the loss of never becoming a mother. Most importantly, I reconnected with my authentic self. Someone I lost a very long time ago.
Final Thoughts
Corner Canyon gave me something I had been missing for years: tools. Real, applicable tools that helped me break through walls that years of traditional therapy could not. Treatment is scary, especially at first, but Corner Canyon is safe, clean, and full of people who want to help you heal. If you are considering treatment, go. Stay as long as you can. Embrace the experience, the lack of electronics, and the opportunity to disconnect from the chaos of the outside world.
I am not the same person I was before checking in, and, I am still here healing and thriving at my second opportunity in life because of the compassion from the staff. If you are on the fence, do it. You will not regret it.
Emmalee Lizzarazo
This trauma treatment center saved my life. Without the support from my peers and the mentors, especially Kiera, Dom, Dante, Remi, Marissa, Nikki, and Jaden I would not have been able to be so successful within the program. They talked me off so many ledges, let alone treated me like I was human, not something fragile about to break. The work I put in with the love and care of everyone who works there saved my life. I have nothing but the nicest of things to say about this center and the people within it. If you are considering treatment I HIGHLY recommend here. It is individualized treatment, I never felt more cared for and supported than within these walls. Thank you all. From the very bottom of my heart. Thank you for seeing the best in me and pushing me to be my best. I now know I will not only survivor but thrive in this life thanks to your help.
Corner Canyon Health Center has a trusted reputation in providing evidence-based mental healthcare with residential and outpatient locations in Draper and the surrounding areas. Our clinical team is passionate about helping those in recovery heal. We offer a range of comprehensive treatments to complement your SGB shot and maximize results. At Corner Canyon, you can expect:
We work with most commercial insurance providers, and whether they cover Stellate Ganglion Block depends on your plan. Contact our admissions team to learn more about your options.
The SGB shot has shown effectiveness after two treatments, spaced two weeks apart, with many patients reporting lasting relief for months.
Some of the reported side effects after receiving the SGB shot are droopy eyelids, red or bloodshot eyes, nasal congestion, mild bruising at the injection site, headache, dizziness, and hoarseness. However, these usually wear off after a day or two.
If you are on blood thinners or blood pressure medication, you may be unable to receive the SGB shot due to an increased risk of bleeding. Always speak with your doctor first so they can decide whether you are a good candidate for Stellate Ganglion Block.
We are specifically formulated to offer personalized therapeutic interventions to adult individuals with mental health disorders.
We provide a comprehensive Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) that offers clients the opportunity to attend group therapy sessions three to five times a week.
Corner Canyon now accepts most major health insurance plans. Get in touch with our admissions team today.
