Chronic pain is an everyday struggle. It impacts every aspect of a person’s everyday life and puts significant strain on both physical and mental health.
Millions of people around the globe suffer from chronic pain and its effects every day. There are treatments like IV Ketamine infusions or some medication that is helpful in relieving the symptoms, but if left untreated, chronic pain may get worse on its own.
Effects
Chronic pain is a limiting and debilitating condition. In especially painful cases, it can lead to something called disuse syndrome – a person goes so far out of their way to avoid the pain that they lose stamina and grow weaker, which then makes physical activity more difficult and pain more intense. It is a vicious cycle that feeds on itself.
The psychological symptoms of chronic pain can be just as difficult as the pain itself. Chronic pain can have a huge impact on psychological state and mental health. It can lead to irritability, anger, and depression.
How To Live With Chronic Pain
Coping Skills
Living with chronic pain can make the future seem bleak or hopeless. Fortunately, many people are able to find treatment options or coping skills that are useful for maintaining a healthy and productive lifestyle. Coping skills include new and alternative treatments like IV Ketamine infusions as well as healthier lifestyle choices.
Exercise
Exercise is the most important part of avoiding disuse syndrome. If your pain is causing you not to move your body, this can actually cause more pain in the long run.
Exercise is not just going to the gym. There are at-home exercises or things like yoga that can also keep you physically active.
Find The Right Treatment
Typically, finding medication for chronic pain is an extended period of trial and error. Different medications work for different people, but there is likely one out there that will work for you.
There are also new treatment options like IV Ketamine infusions that are exciting avenues of treatment. You may also find success by trying alternative treatments like physical therapy or acupuncture.
Relaxation
Stress increases muscle tension, which plays a big part in how much pain you feel at any given moment. To reduce strain and cut back on pain, it is essential to find ways to relax your body. Some approaches that can relieve stress and muscle tension include yoga, tai chi, or meditation.
Reach Out
Do not be afraid or ashamed to reach out for help. Whether that comes in the form of health care professionals and treatment plans, or a lending hand from friends or family, it is important to take time now and delegate.
Medication for Chronic Pain
- Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS): NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) can be purchased over the counter and are very useful for treating acute pain temporarily, but taking these medications for extended periods of times or in large doses puts you at risk of developing blood clots or ulcers.
- Antidepressants: Antidepressants, specifically the tricyclic kind, can also be useful at treating chronic pain, and possibly at lower doses than needed to treat depression. These medications must be taken every day, rather than on an as-needed basis.
- Muscle Relaxers: Medications for treating muscle spasms, but they can also be used to combat chronic pain. They sometimes induce the side effect of drowsiness.
Ketamine For Chronic Pain Treatment
Although Ketamine is most widely known as a powerful FDA-approved anesthetic and rapid pain reliever, it is also what some doctors are calling the biggest breakthrough in depression and pain treatment in nearly 50 years. Ketamine, when infused at a low dose into the bloodstream, has been proven to provide relief in up to 80 percent of patients.
One unique benefit of IV Ketamine infusions for the treatment of chronic pain is Ketamine’s rare ability to potentially bring relief to symptoms within hours or even minutes, rather than the weeks or months other forms of treatment may take in some cases.
While research into Ketamine for pain treatment is still ongoing, it is believed that Ketamine can help foster new connections between synapses and aid in the restoration of damaged nerve connections – essentially rewiring the parts of the brain contributing to your pain symptoms.
With advancements in the Ketamine treatment field and the recent FDA approval of Spravato, a nasal spray based on Ketamine for the treatment of depression may signal a shift in the treatment of chronic pain.
If you or someone you know is looking for a new treatment for chronic pain after all others have failed, Contact us today and find out if Ketamine Infusions for Chronic Pain Management is right for you.
