Ketamine infusion is a new form of therapy available for people with treatment-resistant conditions. If you’re suffering from chronic pain or a mood disorder that has eluded treatment, you might be a candidate for ketamine therapy. This post will talk about ketamines for pain and how this drug can bring relief to long-suffering patients.
Explaining The Use Of Ketamines for Pain
Often incorrectly referred to as “ketamines,” ketamine was first approved for use in the United States in 1970. The World Health Organization considers it an essential medication, and it was used extensively in emergency surgical procedures, particularly in warzones, ambulances, and emergency rooms.
While ketamine is primarily a general anesthetic, researchers later identified that it is also a very swift-acting antidepressant and pain reliever in lower doses. This is widely acknowledged to be a large breakthrough. Even a single dose of ketamine infusion can show positive results for a large majority of patients.
Some pain conditions that are treated using ketamine are:
- Chronic headache
- Pain related to cancer
- Post-surgical pain
- Nerve damage
- Fibromyalgia
- Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI)
- Back pain
- Endometriosis
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
Is Ketamine Safe?
There is debate as to the exact mechanism by which ketamine functions. Right now, scientists believe that ketamine allows a temporarily improved state of neuroplasticity. That is, the brain can renew important connections between neurons that have weakened with time. However, it is the subject of intense ongoing research.
Ketamine administered under the supervision of a qualified medical professional is safe to use. At a specialized clinic, the patient receives an infusion of ketamine through an IV. Normally, the patient resides in a private room for the duration of treatment. During this time, they are closely monitored for any changes in vital signs. They can relax and listen to calming music or meditate.
After the infusion, the patient can leave but must not drive or operate heavy machinery. The next day, however, they are free to return to their normal daily schedule.
How Does Ketamine Help With Pain?
Ketamine works in several ways to ease signals of pain and inflammation in the body. It does this by binding to specific receptors in your brain called N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors.
It’s also beneficial because of its rapid-acting nature. Ketamine shows marked improvement after just a few hours of the first infusion session. And while more sessions may be required, patients report marked improvement after each session. Compared to the slow-acting nature, side effects, and repeated doctor’s appointments associated with most pain medications, it’s no wonder ketamine is becoming a more popular option.
Coupled with the effects of the drug, the supervised environment is complimented by clinics’ approach to ketamine treatment. So, doctors specifically design a custom treatment plan for your individual needs. This can mean combining infusion therapy with cognitive behavioral therapy to treat your condition holistically.
Conclusion
At Genesis Pain Clinic, we’re proud to be practitioners of the highest standard of interventional pain management. We offer diagnostic testing and regenerative medicine, with the mission to allow all our patients to live healthy, pain-free lives. Please give us a call if you have any questions at (913) 871-9888.
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Genesis Pain Management Clinic of Overland Park
6700 W 121st St Ste #300, Overland Park, KS 66209
913-871-9888
www.genesispain.com