Depression and chronic pain often coexist, with individuals experiencing long-term health issues such as neuropathy or spinal pain being more susceptible to depression. Living in constant pain can lead to feelings of hopelessness and depression.
Ketamine Infusion Therapy: An Innovative Solution
If you have exhausted other treatment options without success, ketamine infusion therapy may offer a solution. This cutting-edge therapy has shown promise in managing symptoms and enabling a more active life.
Understanding Intravenous Ketamine Infusion Therapy
Since the 1960s, ketamine has been utilized as an anesthetic. In the context of depression and chronic pain, intravenous (IV) ketamine infusions employ lower doses than those used for anesthesia. The exact mechanisms through which ketamine functions are not fully understood, but it is believed to influence the brain receptors associated with pain and depression.
Reducing Depression and Pain with IV Ketamine Infusions
Ketamine binds to N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors, increasing the amount of glutamate in the brain. This activation of brain receptors leads to the release of molecules that facilitate neuronal communication, ultimately impacting mood and thoughts. Ketamine may also diminish inflammation-related signals in the brain. Overall, ketamine works through multiple pathways to alleviate pain and enhance mood.
When Other Treatments Fail: Ketamine as a Potential Relief
Ketamine infusion therapy is typically considered when all other treatment options and medications have been exhausted without significant improvement in depression symptoms or long-term pain relief. For individuals grappling with opioid dependence due to chronic pain, IV ketamine infusions can provide a controlled and immediate reduction in pain, potentially reducing or eliminating the need for addictive opioid pain medication.
A medical professional wrote this article at Florida Medical Pain Management. Florida Medical Pain Management is proud to offer comprehensive pain management services to a diverse group of patients. Patients at Florida Medical Pain Management can get help managing hip, knee, leg, and neck pain. The practice also offers comprehensive arthritis management, along with treatments for auto accidents, sports, and work injuries as well as ketamine infusion.