Are you struggling with the aftereffects of COVID-19 for long periods of time? You may be one of the many people who are suffering from “Long COVID,” which is defined as symptoms that persist or recur over several weeks – even months – after recovering from the virus. While this condition is likely an unwelcome surprise to anyone who develops it, receiving long COVID treatment is possible.
Explore how to identify common long COVID signs and treatments available to help cope with its often debilitating effects. With expert advice and long-term care, recovery is possible for those living with long COVID symptoms.
Long COVID Symptoms
Long COVID symptoms can vary from person to person and may include fatigue, shortness of breath, brain fog, headaches, joint pain, and other long-term effects. While these are generally the same type of symptoms experienced during a typical COVID infection, long COVID sufferers often experience them for weeks or months after their initial infection. Most long COVID sufferers also report that their symptoms get worse before improving – this is known as “post-exertional malaise” or PEM.
PEM is often associated with long COVID and is characterized by an increase in symptoms after performing even small amounts of physical activity or mental exertion. Long-term fatigue, depression, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating can also be long-lasting effects of long COVID.
Long COVID Treatment
Treatment for long COVID is still being researched, but some methods have been found to provide relief from long COVID symptoms. These strategies include:
- Getting adequate rest – this means taking ample time away from activities that require physical activity or mental concentration in order to give your body the time it needs to recover.
- Avoiding triggers – This may mean avoiding certain environmental factors that worsen long COVID symptoms, such as stress, temperature, or humidity changes.
- Finding support – Joining a healing support group or finding a long COVID therapist to talk to can provide much-needed emotional relief from long-term symptoms.
Long COVID sufferers should also seek medical advice before pursuing any treatments to ensure that the symptom relief sought is safe for them. With careful management, long COVID sufferers can find the necessary tools and resources to lead healthier lives in spite of the long-term effects of the virus.
SGB as Treatment for Long COVID
Stellate ganglion block (SGB) is an innovative long COVID treatment option and a minimally invasive procedure that involves injecting anesthetic into the stellate ganglion – a bundle of nerves located in the neck region – to reduce long-term symptom severity and improve quality of life for long COVID sufferers.
This procedure has been found to be effective in reducing fatigue, insomnia, brain fog, depression, anxiety, and other long COVID symptoms. Researchers are currently looking into the long-term benefits of SGB as well as possible mechanisms behind its effectiveness. With more research, this promising long COVID treatment may provide more relief to those living with long-term symptoms from the virus.
Access Long COVID Treatment Today
Southwest Pain Management offers long COVID treatment options to help those living with long-term symptoms from the virus. Our experienced team of pain relief experts can provide comprehensive care for long COVID sufferers, including stellate ganglion block (SGB) therapy and other treatments that can reduce long-term symptom severity and improve quality of life.
Contact us today to learn more about our long COVID treatments and how we can help address your long-term condition.