Ketamine for Chronic Pain: Can it Really Help?

ketamine for chronic pain

Ketamine is a medication traditionally used in anesthesia and veterinary medicine, but in recent years, it has become a popular treatment option for chronic pain. But can ketamine really help with chronic pain? Since 2005, researchers have been exploring the effectiveness of using ketamine for chronic pain as long-term analgesia, and it appears that it does, in fact, offer several benefits. 

The last few decades have witnessed a growth in the number of patients suffering from one or the other kind of chronic pain, but the development of targeted treatment has not grown proportionally. Doctors have to try different treatment methods to see which works the best on patients – from antidepressants and antiepileptics to opioids are tried initially – and even then, the effectiveness is highly limited. Only 30-40% of chronic pain patients have shown pain relief to some degree. 

Ketamine therapy is a breakthrough in medical science as a potent treatment for numerous illnesses, including depression, anxiety, and chronic pain. 

The Development of Ketamine for Chronic Pain

Generally speaking, chronic pain is a condition that lasts longer than three months. An underlying medical condition, such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, or spinal cord injury, often causes it. As chronic pain often does not respond to traditional treatments, such as medications or physical therapy, some people have turned to alternative treatments, such as ketamine. 

Ketamine is a phencyclidine derivative used for sedation and analgesia. It was developed in the 1950s and became a prevalent anesthetic in the 1960s, but eventually fell out of favor due to the development of more effective anesthetics. However, in recent years, research has shown that low doses of ketamine for chronic pain may be beneficial and help improve mood in those suffering from chronic pain.

It is available as an injection but can also be administered in tablet form. As it works by blocking certain receptors in the brain that play a role in pain perception, it is gaining prominence in the USA as an alternative to conventional trial-and-error treatments for chronic pain and neuropsychiatric syndromes. 

How Ketamine Therapy Helps Patients with Chronic Pain

Ketamine therapy for chronic pain is an innovative, non-traditional approach to managing chronic pain symptoms. As already discussed, ketamine is a sedative, an anesthetic, and a psychostimulant drug approved by the FDA for use in certain medical conditions. 

The use of ketamine for pain relief is not studied extensively, so there is limited research to back up its effectiveness. However, the research that has been conducted suggests that ketamine may be an effective treatment for certain types of chronic pain. Some evidence gathered over the years also suggests that repeated ketamine usage under the supervision of a licensed mental health therapist may work as a long-term pain-relief treatment. 

But how does ketamine affect pain receptors? Phencyclidine, also called ‘angel dust,’ is a dissociative anesthetic used primarily for its mind-altering effects resulting in a trance-like state. When a patient has chronic pain with a neuropathic component, ketamine’s dissociative properties can relieve the pain to an incredible degree by restoring internal pain modulation in patients. Ketamine blocks the brain’s receptors for the neurotransmitter glutamate, responsible for managing pain signals. This results in reduced pain and improved mood in those suffering from chronic pain. In addition, ketamine can also reduce anxiety, stress, and depression. It also exerts anti-inflammatory effects that help regulate mechanisms responsible for managing chronic pain.

Ketamine For Chronic Pain

When used in a clinical setting, ketamine is prescribed and administered by a certified mental health therapist. The dosage and frequency of treatments vary depending on the individual and the type of chronic pain they are experiencing. Ketamine treatment should never be administered without the supervision of a licensed therapist because there are several potential side effects associated with using ketamine for chronic pain, including nausea, confusion, and dizziness. Additionally, long-term use of the drug can lead to addiction, increased tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms. Patients can avoid harmful side effects if they consume the medication only as prescribed by their physician.

Therefore, if you are considering using ketamine therapy for chronic pain, it is important that you speak to a certified therapist or pain management specialist first. They will be able to assess your condition and determine the best course of action. Moreover, you should note that while ketamine can help reduce pain, it is not a complete cure for chronic pain and will not fix the underlying causes.

To Conclude

Ketamine therapy for chronic pain may be an effective way to reduce chronic pain symptoms and improve quality of life. While there is limited research to back up the effectiveness of ketamine, the research that has been conducted suggests that it may be a beneficial treatment option for individuals suffering from chronic pain. It is crucial to consult with a licensed mental health therapist to ensure that ketamine is used safely and effectively to treat chronic pain. 

If you are a chronic pain patient, you don’t have to suffer anymore thanks to at-home ketamine treatment. Impact Psychedelics offers safe and effective science-backed ketamine therapy to treat mental health problems and chronic pain in patients who have not seen any positive effects from traditional medication. We believe everybody deserves a happy life where they don’t have to stay shackled by problems that can be efficiently managed. 

Opt for ketamine for chronic pain today and strive for a healthy, happy life!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

SEARCH

CATEGORIES

SOCIAL

TAGS

Scroll to Top