Ketamine therapy is emerging as a promising approach for managing chronic pain conditions like Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), neuropathic pain, and fibromyalgia, particularly when other treatments have limited efficacy.
Read on to learn more about the latest research supporting ketamine therapy for various types of chronic pain, how to choose a ketamine clinic in San Diego if you’re experiencing treatment-resistant chronic pain, and why Luma Wellness Center may be the right clinic for you.
Ketamine Therapy for CRPS
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) presents significant challenges in pain management, as traditional therapies like NSAIDs, opioids, and antidepressants often fall short in providing relief. According to a 2023 study, ketamine’s role in alleviating CRPS pain has shown considerable promise due to its unique effect on NMDA receptors in the brain, which are involved in pain sensitization and the amplification of pain signals (see full study).
This study explored the effectiveness of low-dose ketamine infusions in patients with CRPS and found a marked reduction in pain intensity among participants, with many reporting lasting relief up to 12 weeks post-infusion. The study highlighted ketamine’s impact on central pain pathways, effectively “resetting” some of the pain amplification processes that are typically overactive in CRPS patients.
Notably, the study also addressed concerns over ketamine’s side effects, which include nausea and, in some cases, transient psychological effects like hallucinations. While these effects were generally mild and short-lived, the authors emphasize the need for proper medical monitoring during treatment. They recommend ketamine therapy as an option for CRPS patients who have not responded to conventional treatments.
Ketamine Therapy for Neuropathic Pain
Neuropathic pain, often stemming from nerve damage, remains challenging to treat due to its complex mechanisms and persistence even when the initial injury has healed.
A recent 2022 study found that ketamine offers substantial relief for neuropathic pain through its action as an NMDA receptor antagonist, interrupting the pain amplification processes in the brain and spinal cord (full study available here). The study highlights ketamine’s significant impact on reducing pain scores in patients with neuropathic pain unresponsive to conventional therapies.
Participants reported both immediate pain relief and reduced pain intensity for weeks following treatment. This was attributed to ketamine’s unique ability to block NMDA receptors, thereby dampening the overactive pain signaling often seen in neuropathic pain conditions.
Ketamine Therapy for Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a complex chronic pain condition characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and often accompanying cognitive difficulties. Traditional treatments, including medications like antidepressants and anticonvulsants, offer limited relief for many patients.
A recent 2021 study investigated the effects of ketamine on fibromyalgia patients and found promising results in pain reduction and overall symptom improvement (see study here).
The study demonstrated that low-dose ketamine infusions led to significant pain relief in fibromyalgia patients who had not responded to other treatments. In addition to reducing pain, ketamine improved fatigue and quality of life measures in many participants.
Researchers attribute these effects to ketamine’s NMDA receptor antagonism, which appears to reduce central sensitization—a key mechanism believed to contribute to the chronic, amplified pain in fibromyalgia. Patients also reported that symptom relief lasted for several weeks after treatment, suggesting ketamine’s potential for intermittent, rather than continuous, use.
While the study’s results are promising, the authors caution about potential side effects, including mild dissociative experiences and nausea, though these effects were generally short-lived and manageable.
How to choose a ketamine therapy clinic for your chronic pain
Regardless of what is causing it, chronic pain can be a debilitating challenge. If you determine that ketamine therapy is right for your chronic pain, follow the steps below to make sure you choose the best clinic for you.
Medical Credentials and Expertise
First, verify that the provider has a strong medical background. Ideally, they should be a licensed healthcare professional with training in pain management, anesthesiology, or psychiatry. Many experienced providers have advanced certifications in anesthesiology or specific training in ketamine therapy for chronic pain.
Confirm that the clinic operates under the supervision of a licensed physician, as ketamine is a powerful anesthetic and should only be administered by qualified medical personnel.
Luma Wellness Center’s ketamine therapy clinic is led by Dr. Troy Kurz MD, MS, a board-certified psychiatrist, specializing in psychopharmacology. Dr. Kurz is certified in ketamine treatment through the Integrative Psychiatry Institute.
Experience with Ketamine for Pain Management
Not all ketamine providers specialize in chronic pain; some primarily focus on mental health disorders like depression. When seeking treatment for conditions such as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), fibromyalgia, or neuropathic pain, choose a provider who has documented experience in managing these types of chronic pain with ketamine. Providers with pain-specific experience will better understand the nuances of your condition and tailor the treatment for optimal results.
Customized Treatment Plans
A reputable provider should develop a personalized treatment plan based on your unique pain profile, health history, and response to prior treatments. Ketamine dosing and infusion frequency can vary depending on the condition and individual tolerance. For example, some patients may benefit from a single infusion, while others might require multiple sessions for sustained relief. Avoid providers who adopt a one-size-fits-all approach; instead, opt for those who offer a tailored regimen with adjustments as needed based on response and side effects.
Monitoring and Support During Treatment
Ketamine infusions can cause side effects like nausea, hallucinations, or confusion, so the provider should offer continuous monitoring by trained medical staff. Look for clinics that have appropriate medical equipment and emergency protocols in place, and ensure there’s a clear plan for monitoring and support throughout the treatment. Providers should also offer follow-up care, including support for managing any delayed side effects or residual symptoms post-infusion .
Transparency in Pricing and Policies
Ketamine therapy can be costly, as it is often not covered by insurance for pain management. Request a clear breakdown of costs and clarify if any follow-up sessions or assessments are included in the fee structure. Also, review the provider’s policies on cancellations, refunds, and post-treatment support, as these can vary widely among clinics.
Patient Reviews and Reputation
Reading reviews from previous patients can provide insight into the provider’s quality of care, staff professionalism, and overall patient satisfaction. Look for reviews that mention successful pain management outcomes, attentive care, and a safe clinical environment. Some reputable ketamine providers may also be affiliated with pain management associations or adhere to industry standards, which can be reassuring when evaluating their credibility.
Luma Wellness Center currently holds a 5 star rating on Google, with 32 five-star reviews (and counting!).
Luma Wellness Center for Your Chronic Pain Treatment
Selecting the right ketamine provider is a crucial step in finding effective relief from chronic pain. Prioritize providers with a strong medical foundation, chronic pain expertise, and a patient-centered approach to increase the likelihood of a positive outcome.
At Luma Health, we are devoted to helping you regain control of your life, equipping you with a powerful tool to combat your chronic pain. We invite you to call us at our 858-617-0004, or contact us to learn more about how ketamine therapy can help you live your best, pain-free life. Your journey to wellness begins with Luma Health and Wellness. Embrace the change, embrace wellness.
