Ketamine Therapy for Chronic Pain Disorders

It is estimated that 1 in 5 Americans in the United States suffer from chronic pain. About 8% of patients have chronic pain that interferes with their daily activities and quality of life.

Chronic pain is a condition that cannot be cured. Symptoms may be alleviated through treatment options such as pain medication, psychical exercise, and cognitive behavioral therapy.

In recent years, ketamine therapy has become a viable treatment option used in conjunction with current treatments.

Patients in Philadelphia, Bala Cynwyd, and Doylestown looking for alternative options for managing chronic pain should consider ketamine infusion therapy.

Read more to learn how ketamine alleviates symptoms of chronic pain and how to schedule your consultation with Ketamine Wellness infusions PA.

What is Chronic Pain? 

Chronic pain is pain caused by inflammation and/or dysfunctional nerves. 

Unlike acute pain, which only lasts a short period and goes away, chronic pain is ongoing and lasts over three months. Patients may experience pain all at once, or it may come and go. 

Chronic pain’s interference with daily routines can lead to depression and anxiety, trouble sleeping, and other health problems. 

Types of Chronic Pain:

Patients with chronic pain may experience an aching or burning sensation at one or multiple parts of their body. Stiffness, throbbing, stinging, and/or shooting pains may also be experienced. 

The most common types of chronic pain are listed below:

• Migraines
• Arthritis
• Back pain
• Fibromyalgia
• Neuropathic pain
• Cancer pain
• Neck pain

Causes 

Illnesses such as cancer, fibromyalgia, or injuries left untreated are common causes of chronic pain. 

Some patients may experience chronic pain that isn’t caused by a physical injury or underlying illness. These patients suffer from psychogenic or psychosomatic pain.

Psychogenic pain stems from poor mental health, personal history, and other health conditions. 

Patients with anxiety or depression are more likely to experience psychosomatic pain, as their brain’s pain receptors are more active.

How to Deal with Chronic Pain: Traditional Treatment Methods 

Chronic pain is usually treated with a combination of different methods, including medication, therapy, and exercise.

The most common traditional treatment method used by healthcare professionals is opioids. Opioids are helpful for patients whose chronic pain stems from conditions such as cancer. They are not supported as a long-term treatment for chronic pain from arthritis, migraines, neuropathic pain, or fibromyalgia.

Other pain treatments that help alleviate symptoms of chronic pain are interventional therapies such as steroid injections and nerve stimulation. 

How does Ketamine Help Chronic Pain? 

Ketamine works to block pain receptors in the brain and increases the activity of a neurotransmitter, glutamate. Treatment may also decrease inflammation of the nervous system and promote the development of new nerve connections.

Increased levels of glutamate may enhance a patient’s mood and decrease anxiety and depression symptoms. Decreased symptoms of depression and anxiety can alleviate symptoms of psychosomatic pain. 

Ketamine therapy can help to reduce chronic pain by building new nerve connections and reducing inflammation. This can be helpful for people with underlying illnesses like cancer and fibromyalgia.

Does Insurance Cover Ketamine Infusion Therapy for Chronic Pain?

Insurance companies will typically not cover ketamine infusion therapy for chronic pain management. 

What to Expect During Your Ketamine Infusion

Our team of professionals will work with your physicians to create a plan that will work best with your current treatments.

We ask that you arrive 10-15 minutes before your scheduled appointment. During that time we will be happy to answer any questions you may have about ketamine for chronic pain management. 

Our board-certified nurses will administer an IV catheter after numbing the injection site for optimal comfort. They will remain with you throughout treatment to monitor vitals and tend to any concerns that may arise. 

There is a minimum of 30-minutes downtime after the infusion is completed. Patients must be driven home by a friend or family member following treatment. Patients are not permitted to drive or operate heavy machinery until the next day.

Most patients experience positive effects from ketamine infusions for chronic pain after one treatment. Effects may vary from patient to patient and last 1-6 months. Once the initial series of ketamine infusions are completed, we consult with your physicians about treatment progress and future infusions. 

Working together with your provider in conjunction with your current treatment plans will benefit treatment outcomes. Providing patients with sustainable relief from chronic pain is our main goal.

Manage Chronic Pain with Ketamine Infusion Therapy at Ketamine Wellness Infusions PA

Ketamine Wellness Infusions PA is happy to offer patients in Philadelphia, Bala Cynwyd, and Doylestown ketamine treatment for chronic pain management.

Contact our team today to see if ketamine for chronic pain is a viable treatment option. Our team is looking forward to helping you achieve better days ahead!

Opioids are not a recommended long-term treatment for chronic pain from conditions such as arthritis, migraines, neuropathic pain, or fibromyalgia.

Our team of professionals will work with your physicians to create a plan that will work best with your current treatments.

Ketamine therapy can help to reduce chronic pain by building new nerve connections and reducing inflammation. This can be helpful for people with underlying illnesses like cancer or fibromyalgia.

Ketamine Has Been Shown To Help

Pain Syndromes

In addition to neuropathic pain, Ketamine has had success relieving the symptoms of other chronic pain syndromes.