Four Important Things to Know
Considering Ketamine Infusions?
If you’re considering ketamine infusions, it’s important to be informed about your options and understand what this treatment option does and does not offer. Below, we’ll discuss four things you should know about ketamine therapy.
To learn more about how this service could benefit you, speak with your doctor about the potential benefits. The Center for Pain Management in Hackensack has provided more than 8,000 infusions in our office to help people just like you manage chronic pain.
Facts
There are a lot of misconceptions about what ketamine does and doesn’t do. Here are some important facts to know about ketamine therapy for pain:
Ketamine was originally used for anesthesia beginning in the 1960s.
Ketamine provides pain relief by blocking the nervous system’s pain receptors.
Like many other drugs, ketamine can be abused. However, the NIH has determined that there is not a connection between infusions and addiction.
Many patients report that there is very little pain involved with intravenous ketamine therapy.
How It Works
Many types of pain — especially those labeled “chronic” — are due to the activation of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA), a neural receptor. When ketamine enters the body and is broken down, it binds to the NMDA receptors and blocks them, reducing painful sensations. The pain-blocking effects have been noted to last up to 12 weeks, depending on the condition and dosage.
How It Helps
In addition to its effects on NMDA receptors, ketamine has also been shown to have positive effects for those suffering from depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health conditions. Ketamine acts on neural pathways in the brain and can help patients “rewire” them, allowing patients to more easily break out of harmful thought patterns. This is an important fact for patients suffering from chronic pain, as chronic physical pain and psychological problems often go hand in hand.
Who Can Benefit
Due to the receptors ketamine acts on, it is typically effective for patients suffering from:
Neuropathy and associated pain
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
Traumatic spinal cord injuries
Back and neck pain
Nerve pain
Some forms of back pain caused by cancer
This list is by no means exhaustive. If you’re wondering if ketamine therapy is right for your chronic pain, it’s best to consult with a member of the Center For Pain Management to learn more about ketamine's potential role in your pain management plan.
Learn More About Ketamine Therapy in Hackensack
The Center For Pain Management in Hackensack provides ketamine therapy to patients suffering from the symptoms of chronic pain. If you would like to learn more, we invite you to contact our office today.