Chronic pain can interfere with daily activities, leading some patients to explore other treatment options with their care team. Ketamine is one option used in certain clinical settings, with suitability determined through an individual assessment. Here is an overview of the use of ketamine in treating chronic pain
Understanding Ketamine’s Role
Ketamine works differently from opioids and common pain relievers. It blocks NMDA receptors, proteins in the nervous system that help transmit pain signals. When the nervous system becomes overly sensitive, it may amplify pain signals without new tissue damage, a process researchers refer to as central sensitization. Providers generally use ketamine alongside other treatments rather than as a standalone therapy. A pain care plan may also include physical therapy, behavioral health support, or medication adjustments.
Assessing Your Treatment Suitability
Not every patient with chronic pain qualifies for ketamine therapy. A provider completes a detailed evaluation before recommending treatment, and this process generally includes two main parts. The assessment helps the provider determine whether the potential benefits outweigh the risks for each individual.
Review Medical History
A provider reviews your pain history, prior treatments, and current medications. Providers sometimes evaluate ketamine for patients who have complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain, cancer pain, or sickle cell disease. Pain linked to spinal injuries or degenerative conditions also falls within this group.
Screen for Health Risks
Certain health conditions may make ketamine therapy unsuitable. Providers screen for uncontrolled high blood pressure, heart disease, a history of psychosis, liver problems, and substance use disorders. Providers also review pregnancy during screening. If a provider identifies a risk, they may recommend a different treatment approach.
Exploring Treatment Safety Monitoring
Clinics commonly deliver ketamine for chronic pain through IV infusions. Trained staff remain present throughout the infusion, and they follow safety procedures. Here are some of the safety procedures staff follow:
- Pre-infusion check: Staff records your blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels before treatment begins.
- Continuous monitoring: Equipment tracks vital signs during the infusion so staff can adjust the dose if needed.
- Dose management: Providers start with a low dose and adjust it based on your response and tolerance.
- Recovery period: You remain in the clinic until staff confirms that the immediate effects have worn off.
- Transportation planning: A responsible adult drives you home, as ketamine affects coordination and judgment for several hours.
Reviewing Results and Follow-Up
Providers track your response using pain scores, daily function, and sleep quality. Your provider reviews these measures after each session so that the plan reflects your actual progress. Responses to ketamine vary widely, and some patients notice little change while others report reduced pain for days or weeks.
If you respond to the initial series of infusions, your provider may recommend periodic booster sessions. The frequency of these sessions differs for each patient. Ongoing care often combines ketamine with physical therapy, medication management, and behavioral health support, and your provider adjusts this plan over time.
Learn More About Ketamine Treatment
Ketamine is an anesthetic that some providers use as part of care for chronic pain that has not responded to other treatments. Treatment begins with a detailed assessment, and it continues with monitored infusions and regular progress reviews. Results vary between patients, so a provider evaluates each case individually. To learn more about ketamine, contact a qualified pain specialist near you to schedule your appointment today.
