Ketamine for Chronic Pain Management

Chronic Pain Management in San Diego, CA, That Provides Fast & Efficient Relief

Are you struggling with chronic pain that traditional treatments just can’t seem to alleviate? You are not alone. Chronic pain affects millions of Americans, with epidemiologic studies estimating the prevalence of pain between 18% and 34.5%.

Imagine finally finding relief from the constant pain and discomfort that has been impacting your daily life. Ketamine infusion therapy may be the solution you’ve been searching for.

Book your consultation today at West Coast Ketamine Center and learn how ketamine infusions can help manage your chronic pain symptoms.

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How Does Ketamine Help Manage Chronic Pain?

Ketamine is an anesthetic and a pain management medication that works by acting on the nervous system. It is thought to work by blocking certain receptors in the brain that are involved in pain perception, as well as by altering the levels of certain neurotransmitters, such as glutamate and GABA, that are involved in pain signaling.

In addition to its pain-relieving properties, ketamine may also have anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety effects. While the use of ketamine to manage chronic pain is still being studied, it has been found to be effective in reducing pain in patients with certain types of chronic pain conditions, such as CRPS, neuropathic pain, and chronic migraines.

The Benefits of Ketamine for Chronic Pain

Ketamine has been found to have a number of benefits for managing chronic pain, including:

Rapid onset of action: Ketamine can provide pain relief within minutes of administration, making it a useful option for patients experiencing severe or acute pain.

Long-lasting effects: The pain-relieving effects of ketamine can last for several hours or even days, making it a good option for managing chronic pain.

Multimodal pain management: Ketamine not only helps to reduce pain but also helps in reducing depression and anxiety, which are commonly associated with chronic pain.

Wide range of applicability: It has been found to be effective in treating a wide range of chronic pain conditions, including neuropathic pain, CRPS, chronic migraines, and phantom limb pain.

Low risk of addiction: Unlike many other pain management medications, ketamine is not considered to be addictive, making it a safer option for long-term use.

It’s important to note that while ketamine has many benefits, it’s not a cure for chronic pain, but it can be an effective management tool in certain cases when other treatments are not working.

The Ketamine Treatment Experience

During a ketamine treatment for chronic pain, a patient will typically receive an intravenous (IV) infusion of the medication. The treatment is typically administered in a medical office or clinic, and usually takes about 40 minutes to an hour.

Our patients can relax in a comfortable chair, and a small IV catheter will be inserted into their arm. The ketamine will be administered through the IV at a slow, controlled rate. The patient will be monitored throughout the treatment by the healthcare provider.

Patients may experience some dissociation during the treatment, which means they might feel detached from their surroundings, or they might experience changes in perception, such as feeling as if they are in a dreamlike state or experiencing changes in the way they perceive time, colors, or shapes. These side effects usually subside shortly after the infusion.

After treatment, the patient will be observed for a short period of time by our staff before being allowed to go home. It is advised that patients should not drive or operate heavy machinery for at least 24 hours after the treatment.

Begin Your Journey To A New Life Without Pain

In conclusion, ketamine infusions have shown to be an effective treatment option for managing chronic pain conditions. If you or a loved one are struggling with chronic pain and have not found relief through traditional treatment methods, it may be worth discussing ketamine infusions with your healthcare provider.

Keep in mind that ketamine is not a cure for chronic pain, but it can be a valuable management tool when used in conjunction with other treatments under the guidance of a medical professional.

If you are interested in learning more about ketamine infusions for chronic pain management, we recommend scheduling a consultation with us here at West Coast Ketamine Center in San Diego, CA, and learning how we can help you.

Additional Information About Chronic Pain

Pain is considered chronic when it lasts for longer than three to six months, or beyond the normal healing time of an injury or illness.

It’s important to note that chronic pain is not just the prolonged presence of pain, but it also affects the quality of life, as well as social and emotional well-being, leading to depression, anxiety, and other psychological conditions. It can also cause sleep disturbances and fatigue.

Chronic pain can be caused by a variety of conditions, including arthritis, fibromyalgia, nerve damage, lower back pain, and migraines, among others. It can also occur as a result of an injury or an underlying medical condition, such as cancer or a chronic illness.

The symptoms of chronic pain vary depending on the underlying cause and the individual, but they can include:

  • Persistent pain: Pain that lasts for more than three to six months or beyond the normal healing time of an injury or illness.
  • Pain that affects the quality of life: Chronic pain can interfere with daily activities, affect the ability to work, and cause emotional distress.
  • Pain that is not well-controlled by over-the-counter or prescription pain medications.
  • Pain that is described as dull, achy, sharp, or burning.
  • Sensitivity to touch or pressure.
  • Tingling or numbness in the affected area.
  • Weakness or fatigue.
  • Difficulty sleeping or insomnia.
  • Depression or anxiety.
  • Loss of appetite.