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While ketamine therapy is often discussed as an option for treatment-resistant depression, it’s not limited to mental health conditions. 

Here at Allied Psychiatry & Mental Health in Newport Beach, California, Dr. Hadi Estakhri and our team also incorporate intravenous (IV) ketamine therapy into pain management plans. This may not be surprising considering ketamine was first used as an anesthetic. 

Here are five reasons you should consider ketamine as part of your pain management routine.

1. Ketamine provides pain relief for stubborn pain

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials published in the journal Anesthesia & Analgesia found that IV ketamine infusions provide significant short-term pain relief for patients with refractory chronic pain. 

This is particularly good news because refractory pain is a type of chronic pain that’s resistant to standard treatments and interventions.

Not only is the pain relief effective, but it can be long-lasting. According to a year-long follow-up study in 30 French pain clinics — ketamine is used in over 92% of pain clinics in France — ketamine significantly reduced pain intensity in patients with refractory chronic pain. All participants were assessed monthly for 12 months after their initial ketamine infusion.

While you may need follow-up treatments based on your specific needs, it’s important to note that many people around the world find success with ketamine. Dr. Estakhri works with you to determine a treatment plan that’s right for your needs.

2. Ketamine works for different types of pain

Whether you suffer from neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), or other chronic pain conditions, ketamine can be effective. Its unique mechanism targets different pathways in your brain and spinal cord.

The bottom line is that it affects pain signals and offers relief where other treatments may have failed.

3. Ketamine helps improve your mental health

Chronic pain often goes hand-in-hand with depression and anxiety. 

Depression

Ketamine has been shown to have rapid antidepressant effects. Some effects can be seen as early as one hour post-infusion. Because ketamine works in a different part of your brain than traditional antidepressants, it’s a good option for those who haven’t had great success managing their depression with traditional medication.

Anxiety

Anxiety — a term that includes generalized anxiety, phobia, post-traumatic stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder — and pain are connected in a two-way link. Anxiety can make chronic pain feel more intense and chronic pain can contribute to increased anxiety symptoms.

If anxiety or depression is contributing to your chronic pain, Dr. Estakhri can use ketamine to treat these conditions and help address the root cause of your symptoms.

4. Ketamine side effects are short-lived

Ketamine is generally well-tolerated. You can expect a few mild side effects, such as dizziness or mild hallucinations; these are usually short-lived and manageable. You can expect to feel groggy after your ketamine treatment, but when you wake up the next day, you’ll feel refreshed.

This is in contrast to other pain medications that cause side effects every day. Some of the most common side effects of over-the-counter pain medication are stomach problems, liver damage, dizziness, weight gain, ulcers, and allergic reactions. These risks increase with prolonged use of the medication. 

5. Ketamine complements other pain management strategies

If you’re struggling with chronic pain — whether that’s fibromyalgia, chronic headaches, back pain, joint pain, or nerve pain — it’s important to focus on lifestyle modifications that help reduce inflammation and promote pain relief. 

Consider:

• Eating a nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory diet
• Practicing good sleep hygiene
• Using stress management techniques 
• Exercising regularly (good for mental and physical health)

And the best part? Ketamine therapy complements all of these lifestyle changes.

Is ketamine therapy right for you?

Here at Allied Psychiatry & Mental Health, Dr. Estakhri provides comprehensive care so you can get the relief you need. Depending on your needs, ketamine is available as an IV infusion or nasal spray. 

Other therapies are available if needed, including medication, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and lifestyle modifications for pain management.

To schedule a consultation and find out if ketamine therapy is right for you, call us today at 949-945-0927. You can also book an appointment online anytime.