Are you or your loved one experiencing chronic pain for quite a lot of time? You’re not alone. Chronic pain is defined as pain that lasts for several months. Millions of Americans are suffering from it. In fact, around 26 million adults in the United States suffer from back pain, one of the most common areas of chronic pain.
This chronic pain usually decreases the quality of one’s life. People who suffer from it experience difficulties in working, sleeping, and moving comfortably. This may even snatch away your quality time with friends and family. You may even find it hard to participate in activities and hobbies, limiting your ability to enjoy life.
However, the good news is that we have a wide range of treatments to ease chronic pain. Ketamine infusion is one among many other effective treatments. Thus, giving new hope to people with severe chronic pain.
How does ketamine ease?
In simple words, ketamine blocks pain receptors present in your brain. Not only does it block pain receptors, but it also resets specific nerve cells in your spine and brain. This working principle makes ketamine highly effective if used as a pain-reliever. The best thing about ketamine infusions is their pain-relieving effect lasts much longer than other types of treatment.
Some of the types of pain that can be treated by ketamine infusion therapy include:
- Neuropathic pain
- Traumatic spinal cord
- Fibromyalgia
- Complex regional pain
- Nerve and back pain
- Cancer-related back pain
How do Ketamine infusions work?
Ketamine infusions are always used on-site at your doctor’s office. The most common way to administer ketamine is through an intravenous pump. This usually takes around 45 minutes to 5 hours, depending on your health condition.
Ketamine infusions for chronic pain relief have a lower dosage as compared to its anesthetic usage. Your doctor may use other medications with ketamine infusions to improve pain relief and reduce its potential side effects.
During this treatment, you may feel mild hallucinations or tingling. Once your treatment is finished, you may remain in medical care under observation for at least one hour. It is advisable to bring a friend or family member to drive you home. You should also rest for the whole day following your treatment.
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There are various ways through which ketamine can be administered. The most common way is through an intravenous (IV) line. Other ways to take ketamine are:
- Inhaled through nose
- Injected into a bone or muscle
- Ingested orally as a pill
- Used it as a gel or cream
Note: Ketamine must always be dosed cautiously and adequately to be safe and effective.
When should doctors use ketamine infusions?
Ketamine infusions can be used as a sedative, pain-reliever, and amnesic. As mentioned earlier, ketamine eases pain by acting against pain receptors, known as NMDA, and other receptors. So you don’t have to suffer from chronic pain. Furthermore, ketamine infusions can help treat the following conditions:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Migraines
- Addiction disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
However, it is crucial to understand that ketamine infusions aren’t right for everyone. You must avoid this treatment if you have high blood pressure, fast heart rate, or experience seizures.
If you’re suffering from chronic migraines, you may want to read about “what is the best treatment for chronic migraines?”
