Chronic Pain
Ketamine Therapy
Ketamine Treatment for Chronic Pain in Southern California
Ketamine is a safe and highly effective treatment for several chronic pain syndromes, especially chronic pain conditions that have a neuropathic component. IV ketamine therapy produces strong pain relief by inhibiting the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor and through other mechanisms, including reducing inflammation. IV ketamine, which can rapidly and robustly alleviate depression and suicidality, has also shown strong efficacy for treating chronic pain conditions including peripheral neuropathy, diabetic neuropathy, CRPS, phantom limb pain, cancer pain and patients with depression and pain, especially when conventional treatments have not provided satisfactory relief.
What is Ketamine IV Therapy?
Chronic pain and depression are both leading causes disability worldwide, and they both can be refractory to conventional treatments.There is considerable comorbidity with chronic pain and depression and there is also overlap in terms of treatment, with many therapies typically used to treat one being effective for the other, like IV ketamine therapy.
IV ketamine therapy has generated enormous interest for the treatment of depression and chronic pain among health care providers, patients and their caregivers, and patient advocacy groups. Research has found ketamine to be effective for both chronic pain and depression, and recent years have witnessed a dramatic increase in research and publications, clinical use, and publicity.
Patients treated with IV ketamine for chronic pain may be able to reduce or eliminate their dependency on prescription medications, like opioids, to manage their symptoms. The may also find that they are able to make greater progress in therapy or in adapting other lifestyle changes needed to help keep chronic pain at bay.
How Is Chronic Pain Treated with Ketamine IV Therapy?
Over the past 2 decades, the use of intravenous ketamine infusions as a treatment for chronic pain has increased dramatically. When people have certain types of chronic pain that are not easily manageable, intravenous (IV) ketamine treatment is an alternative, cutting-edge option to consider. IV ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that works partially by stimulating neuronal growth within the brain.
Ketamine is also thought to reduce signals in your brain that are connected to inflammation. Ultimately, ketamine works in several ways simultaneously to ease your sense of pain through its anaesthetic properties and to improve your mood and the way you think about things, thus alleviating feelings of depression and hopelessness.
Ketamine has been used in medicine since the early 1960s, when it was synthesized as a safer alternative to other anesthetics. However, evidence that suggests ketamine is a safe and effective treatment for chronic pain, including:
- Phantom limb pain after amputation
- Neuralgia
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
- Fibromyalgia
- Cancer pain
Traditionally, chronic pain may be treated based on a trial and error approach with:
- Antidepressants
- Anti-seizure medications
- Narcotic pain medications
- Topical creams
In contrast to the slow onset of antidepressants and other medications, ketamine for chronic pain has shown surprisingly quick and long-lasting results. In multiple studies, IV ketamine treatments have produced sustained pain relief for months after a series of treatments. Specifically, one study found ketamine substantially reduced chronic neuropathic pain after 30 minutes and a second set of studies using multiple infusions of ketamine relieved pain for three months or more.
If medications and nonpharmacological interventions have not provided adequate pain relief, IV ketamine therapy may be a treatment option. IV ketamine is known for its ability to help relieve medication-resistant chronic pain syndromes, especially those syndromes that have a neuropathic component, such as complex regional pain syndrome type 1 (CRPS-1), post-herpetic neuralgia and neuropathic pain from peripheral nerve damage. With IV ketamine infusion therapy, it’s possible to experience an improvement in your pain or mood within just a few hours.
How Does Ketamine Therapy Work for Chronic Pain?
At Neuro Wellness Spa, we administer low levels of ketamine in a controlled environment. Ketamine can be used an anesthetic during surgery. However, the dosage we use during to treat mood and chronic pain is much lower. Delivered at a slow and controlled rate, IV ketamine is very safe and well-tolerated. During a ketamine infusion, patients remain aware of their surroundings and experience a deep relaxation. Your clinician may lower the lights, offer an eye mask or aromatherapy, or take other measures to make the setting more comfortable.
Some patients may experience dissociation, perceptual disturbances or nausea. Generally, any changes in perception or dissociation dissipate very quickly after the infusion. However, many patients report that feelings of dissociation experienced during the infusion can help them develop an objective perspective about past experiences.
Ketamine has been shown to effectively and safely treat mood and chronic pain disorders by inhibiting N-Methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. When the NMDA receptor is blocked, ketamine brings acute and chronic pain relief. Some researchers indicate that ketamine does this by resetting the hyper-sensitized pain receptors in the nervous system.
What Is Chronic Pain?
Chronic pain is a very common condition that over 3 million people suffer from every year. This is a persistent sensation that occurs within the nervous system. It is caused by:
- Inflammation
- Injuries
- Nervous system dysfunction
- Autoimmune disorders
For pain to be considered “chronic” it must last for more than 12 weeks.
Pain, whether it is acute or chronic, occurs when nerves fire signals of pain, hurt, or injury to the brain. These messages travel in the form of electrical signals from nerve to nerve until they reach the brain. When these signals stop, the pain should stop too. However, with chronic pain, the nerve signals continue to fire even after the body has healed.
What Causes Chronic Pain?
Usually, chronic pain begins after an injury or health condition. Leading causes of chronic pain include:
- Previous surgeries
- Migraines
- Back problems
- Arthritis or Fibromyalgia
- Damaged nerves
- Infections
Chronic pain cannot be fully cured, but it can be treated. Symptoms vary from person to person and can range from mild to severe. Chronic pain can be experienced anywhere on the body, but commonly affects the back and joints.
The symptoms of chronic pain may include:
- Aches
- Burning sensations
- Throbbing signals
- Soreness
- Stiffness
With chronic pain, it is also possible to experience migraines or intense headaches.
Three major professional organizations, the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, the American Society of Anesthesiologists, and the American Academy of Pain Medicine, have all concluded that ketamine infusions for chronic pain can be an effective treatment option.
It is important to note that ketamine should always be prescribed and administered by a doctor. At Neuro Wellness Spa, we are happy to discuss whether you or a loved one may be a candidate for IV ketamine. Feel free to contact us to learn more.
Chronic Pain Statistics
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that in 2016, 20.4% of adults living in the United States suffered from chronic pain. Chronic pain can be life-altering. Its sufferers are more likely to have depression, anxiety and reduced quality of life.
IV Ketamine Treatment in Southern California
Neuro Wellness Spa is a leading IV ketamine therapy provider in Southern California. We take pride in relieving symptoms of chronic pain, and helping our patients get their lives back.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, give us a call today at 1-877-847-3984. We are available 7 days a week.
For more information about the services we offer or whether Ketamine for chronic pain is covered by your insurance provider, contact us today.
What Our Patients Are Saying
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My Life Started To Turn Around
Within just a couple of weeks of TMS treatment, my life started to turn around. I felt in more control of my emotions and that led to better life decisions & a healthier lifestyle.
John -
Incredible Progress In A Short Amount Of Time
My life has completely changed with ketamine therapy. My therapist even said she had never seen such incredible progress in such a short amount of time.
Shannon -
We Got Our Son Back
After eight weeks of MeRT treatments, our son is now more verbal and much happier. He started communicating with us and making jokes.
MeRT Patient -
A Game Changer
IV nutrition has been a game changer and a great way to start my week. I love how I instantly have more focus, energy and I feel like I can tackle anything.
Amber -
Got The RIGHT Meds
Spent decades on meds that weren’t right for me. Took the genetic test, learned about what would work for me and got the RIGHT meds. Has made such a difference for me.
Jean -
TMS Changed Everything
I was so low on energy and TMS changed everything. Now, I look forward to starting my days. My focus has improved. I appreciate things I couldn’t even notice before.
Rob -
Relieved My Symptoms After A Lifetime of Struggle
I was amazed that Spravato relieved my symptoms after a lifetime of struggle. Today, I’m leading a class in mental health, working in my greenhouse & spending time at the beach with my dog, Oshi.
Robin -
It Gave Me A Bigger Picture
It was interesting to see that according to the genetic test, I’m a fast metabolizer of that particular pain medication. It gave me a bigger picture of how my genes work.
Rachel
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