Chronic pain can be very challenging, affecting all aspects of life and often not responding well to usual treatments. Ketamine infusions are becoming a hopeful option if you are seeking relief from ongoing pain. Our pain doctors in Sherman TX (pain clinics also in Rowlett, Greenville & Forney, TX) at the Dallas Pain Institute are using this innovative treatment for chronic pain cases that haven’t improved with other therapies. But how do ketamine infusions work and would you benefit? Let’s see!
Understanding Ketamine Infusions
Ketamine is a special type of anesthesia that can change how the nervous system reacts to pain signals. Unlike regular pain medications that focus on reducing inflammation or blocking specific pain receptors, ketamine acts on the brain and spinal cord to interrupt the pathways that transmit pain. When given through an IV over a few hours, ketamine can bring strong pain relief and a calming, relaxing effect.
Conditions Treated with Ketamine Infusions
Ketamine infusions can be helpful for various chronic pain conditions, especially when other treatments aren’t working. Conditions ketamine can treat include:
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): Chronic pain affecting a limb typically occurs after an injury or surgery that has already healed. It may also induce joint issues, swelling, and alterations in skin color or texture.
- Neuropathy: Pain, numbness, and weakness caused by nerve damage, especially in cases of small fiber neuropathy.
- Fibromyalgia: A disorder that triggers widespread pain due to alterations in how your brain processes pain signals.
- Mental Health Conditions: Ketamine infusions have also shown promise in relieving symptoms of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), in addition to their pain-relieving effects.
What to Expect During Ketamine Infusions
Each time you undergo ketamine infusions, your vital signs will be closely monitored, and our doctors will be there with you every step. If you experience any side effects, they can be immediately managed. The infusion process includes mixing ketamine with saline and delivering it through an IV.
Because ketamine has sedative effects, you might feel drowsy and relaxed during the infusion. The dosage is adjusted carefully to provide the best pain relief while ensuring safety. Sometimes, other medications like lidocaine or magnesium may be added to enhance effectiveness.
Aftercare and Follow-Up
If the treatment is successful, our doctors might schedule periodic booster infusions or prescribe a lower dose of nasal ketamine to be taken at home.
Are You a Candidate for Ketamine Infusions?
If you’re dealing with chronic pain that hasn’t improved with typical treatments, ketamine infusions could offer a transformative solution. To find out if you’re a good candidate for ketamine infusions in Sherman, TX (pain clinics also in Rowlett, Greenville & Forney, TX) contact our team at the Dallas Pain Institute for a consultation today. Our specialists can evaluate your condition and create a personalized treatment plan to help you live a life without ongoing pain.