Ketamine For Chronic Pain

Ketamine for Pain Management

Ketamine has long been used as an anesthetic to treat a variety of pain syndromes and has shown promise in providing analgesia, or pain relief, for individuals experiencing chronic neuropathic pain. Evidence currently suggests that a longer duration of infusion is associated with prolonged pain relief and therefore infusion times are typically longer than those used for mental health disorders.

What Are Common Types of Chronic Pain?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic medical condition that results in tenderness, fatigue, and pain. It is often characterized by various symptoms, including sleep disturbances, headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, and cognitive difficulties, and can significantly impact an individual's quality of life.

 

It is thought to be caused by abnormalities in the brain and nervous system's processing of pain signals. In addition, genetic and environmental factors may contribute to the development of fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia can be difficult to diagnose because there are no laboratory or imaging tests that can definitively identify the condition.

Trigeminal neuralgia is thought to be caused by trigeminal nerve compression by a blood vessel or other structure in the brain. It is more common in women than men and typically develops after age 50.

 

The diagnosis of trigeminal neuralgia is typically based on a patient's symptoms and a physical examination. Imaging tests such as MRI may also rule out other conditions that can cause facial pain.

 

Treatment for trigeminal neuralgia typically involves medication, surgery, or a combination of both. Medications such as anticonvulsants and muscle relaxants can help to reduce pain and prevent attacks. Surgery may be recommended for patients who do not respond to medication or experience intolerable side effects. Surgical options include microvascular decompression, which involves moving or removing blood vessels compressing the trigeminal nerve, and stereotactic radiosurgery, which uses high-energy radiation to damage the trigeminal nerve and reduce pain.

 

In addition to medical treatment, lifestyle modifications such as stress reduction, avoiding triggers, and maintaining good oral hygiene can also help manage trigeminal neuralgia symptoms.

Neuropathic pain is a type of chronic pain that results from damage or dysfunction of the nervous system. It is often described as a burning, shooting, or electrical shock-like pain and can be constant or intermittent.

 

Various conditions, including diabetes, injuries to the nervous system, infections, and certain medications, can cause neuropathic pain. It can also be a complication of surgery or cancer treatment. Diagnosing neuropathic pain can be challenging, as no specific tests can definitively diagnose the condition. Instead, diagnosis is typically based on symptoms, medical history, and physical examination.

Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), usually affects an arm or a leg. However, it can occur in other parts of the body as well. The condition is characterized by intense pain disproportionate to the injury or trauma that may have caused it.

 

CRPS appears after trauma or physical injury. Still, the severity of the pain and the duration of the condition is not always proportional to the initial injury. The pain associated with CRPS is often described as burning, tingling, or shooting, and swelling, stiffness, and changes in skin color and temperature may accompany it. In some cases, CRPS may also cause muscle spasms, weakness, and loss of mobility in the affected limb.

 

The exact cause of CRPS is not well understood, but it is thought to involve a nervous system malfunction that causes abnormal pain signaling and inflammation. There is no cure for CRPS, but treatment typically involves a combination of medications, physical therapy, and psychological counseling to manage pain, improve mobility, and address any underlying psychological factors contributing to the condition.

 

If left untreated, CRPS can lead to long-term disability and a decreased quality of life. Early diagnosis and treatment are important for improving outcomes and minimizing the impact of this condition on daily life.

Results That Change Minds and Lives

At Midwest Alternative Treatment Clinic, we customize each patient’s ketamine therapy plan to meet their specific goals. Humanity and connections are at the center of all we do, and we make it our business to learn about you and where you are on your path to health. If you believe you would benefit from an infusion of ketamine or oral ketamine to treat your chronic pain, please contact us immediately to schedule a consultation.


Chronic pain is defined as pain that persists for more than three to six months. Various factors, such as injury, illness, or a chronic health condition, can cause it. Chronic pain can significantly impact a person’s quality of life and ability to perform daily activities. Chronic pain is more common in women than men and is more prevalent among older adults.

 
Chronic pain is a significant contributor to healthcare costs in the United States. In 2016, the total cost of healthcare and lost productivity due to chronic pain was estimated to be between $560 billion and $635 billion.


Chronic pain management can be challenging and often requires a multidisciplinary approach involving a combination of medications, physical therapy, psychological counseling, and other interventions. Healthcare providers must work closely with patients to develop an individualized treatment plan that addresses their needs and goals.

How Does Ketamine Therapy for Chronic Pain Work?

Ketamine therapy utilizes anesthetic medication for chronic pain management. In recent years, there has been increasing interest in the use of ketamine for the treatment of chronic pain, particularly in cases where other treatments have been ineffective. 

Ketamine infusions block a specific receptor in the brain called the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor.  This receptor is involved in transmitting pain signals in the nervous system and blocking it can help reduce the perception of pain.

 

Ketamine treatment therapy can be administered through various routes, including intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), sublingual, and intranasal. The dosage and administration method can vary depending on the patient’s needs and the type of chronic pain they are experiencing.

Here is an overview of how ketamine treatment help patients dealing with different types of chronic pain:

Neuropathic Pain

Neuropathic pain is a type of chronic pain that results from damage or dysfunction of the nervous system. This can be caused by diabetes, multiple sclerosis, or nerve injuries. Neuropathic pain is often difficult to treat with traditional pain medications, and patients may experience significant disability and reduced quality of life.

 

Ketamine therapy is an effective treatment for neuropathic-related discomfort. In neuropathic patients, it can help reduce pain intensity and enhance overall function. Infusions of intravenous ketamine substantially decreased pain scores in patients with chronic neuropathic pain, and the effects lasted for up to six months, according to one study.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition that typically affects an arm or a leg, although it can also occur in other parts of the body. CRPS is characterized by intense pain disproportionate to the injury or trauma that may have caused it.

 

Ketamine therapy is effective in the treatment of CRPS. It can help to reduce pain intensity and improve overall function in patients with CRPS. One study found that intravenous ketamine infusions significantly reduced pain scores and improved function in patients with CRPS.

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbances. The cause of fibromyalgia is poorly understood, and it can be difficult to treat with traditional pain medications.

 

Ketamine infusion is effective in the treatment of fibromyalgia. It can help to reduce pain intensity and improve overall function in patients with fibromyalgia. One study found that intravenous ketamine infusions significantly reduced pain scores and improved function in patients with fibromyalgia.

Cancer Pain

Cancer pain is a common problem in patients with advanced cancer, and it can be difficult to manage with traditional pain medications. Ketamine therapy treatment is effective in the treatment of cancer pain. It can help reduce pain intensity and improve overall function in cancer patients. One study found that intravenous ketamine infusions significantly reduced pain scores and improved quality of life in patients with cancer pain.

Chronic Headaches

Chronic headaches are a common problem that can significantly impact a person's quality of life. Traditional pain medications may not be effective in treating chronic headaches, and patients may experience significant disability and reduced quality of life.

 

A ketamine infusion can be an effective adjunct for the treatment of chronic headaches. Ketamine therapy can help to reduce headache frequency and intensity and improve overall function in patients with chronic headaches. One study found that ketamine infusions significantly reduced headache frequency and intensity in patients with chronic headaches.

Phantom Limb Pain

Phantom limb pain is a type of chronic pain that occurs after the amputation of a limb. Patients may experience intense pain, tingling, or burning sensations in the missing limb.

 

Ketamine has been shown to help to reduce pain intensity and improve overall function in patients with phantom limb pain. One study found that intravenous ketamine infusions significantly reduced pain scores and improved quality of life in patients with phantom limb pain.

Chronic Low Back Pain

Chronic low back pain is a common problem that can significantly impact a person's quality of life. Traditional pain medications may be ineffective in treating chronic low back pain, and patients may experience significant disability and reduced quality of life.

 

Ketamine therapy is effective in treating chronic low back pain. It can help to reduce pain intensity and improve overall function in patients with chronic low back pain. One study found that intravenous ketamine infusions significantly reduced pain scores and improved quality of life in patients with chronic low back pain.

 

It is important to note that ketamine is a powerful medication that can have significant side effects, particularly at higher doses. Patients receiving ketamine should be closely monitored for potential side effects, such as hallucinations, confusion, or cardiovascular effects. Additionally, ketamine should only be administered by trained healthcare professionals in a carefully controlled setting.

 

Overall, the use of ketamine in the treatment of chronic pain represents a promising avenue for pain management. As more research is conducted in this area, ketamine will likely continue to play an important role in treating chronic pain, particularly in cases where other treatments have been ineffective.

Is Ketamine Right for Me?

Whether ketamine therapy is right for you depends on various factors, including your specific medical history, the condition you are seeking treatment for, and the advice of a qualified healthcare professional. Midwest Alternative Treatment Clinic will thoroughly assess your circumstances and make appropriate recommendations.


Like any treatment, not all patients will have positive results. It’s also important to know that ketamine isn’t a cure but rather an adjunct to improve your current therapy; it’s a better way to help you overcome your unique challenges.

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