Ketamine: A New Approach to Pain Management

Ketamine is an anesthetic that has been used in medicine for over fifty years. Its most common application has been in surgical procedures. In more recent years, doctors have been administering it as a treatment for chronic pain management and even severe depression. Ketamine’s anti-inflammatory effects are even noted by the NIH (National Institute of Health).

How does it work? Ketamine takes over certain pain receptors in the brain. Specifically, it acts against a chemical receptor known as N-methyl-D-aspartate, or NMDA. This receptor is found in the nervous system, and it modulates pain. By blocking this receptor, it blocks the pain.

For chronic pain management, the Ketamine treatments are administered in a very low dose via IV. Patients suffering from chronic pain have found this treatment to be helpful for a variety of conditions, including the following:

• Fibromyalgia
• Back pain
• Neck pain
• Shoulder pain
• Migraines
• Arthritis
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Bone and joint-related pain

Ketamine has been especially helpful for patients who have not had success with other medications and treatments. It has even been effective in cases where opioids were not. While it might not work for every patient, if you deal with chronic pain then it’s worth talking to your doctor about whether Ketamine treatments might be a good option for you.

Intravenous Ketamine treatments are administered by a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist and trained healthcare professionals. Each treatment takes about an hour, and patients are not able to drive after the treatments. If you’d like to learn more, you can call (706) 286-8344 or visit our contact page: https://www.ashfordpain.com/contactus