Why Should You Consider Ketamine Infusions For Chronic Pain?

Chronic Pain

Why Should You Consider Ketamine Infusions For Chronic Pain?

Chronic Pain

Do you suffer from chronic pain? If so, you may be looking for ways to manage it that don’t involve prescription medications. However, prolonged use of many pain-relief drugs, including opioids, can create resistance to its effects for many patients, and increasing doses usually means increasing side effects, too. These traditional medications also often have unpleasant side effects and risks, such as dependence or addiction.

Fortunately, an alternative therapy offers relief from chronic pain without the dangers posed by traditional drugs: ketamine infusions. Ketamine infusions are an effective treatment for chronic pain, and many people are now choosing this option over traditional treatments. We will discuss the benefits of ketamine infusions and why you should consider them as part of your pain management routine.

1. Reduce Inflammation and Pain

Chronic pain like arthritis, fibromyalgia and neuropathy can devastate the quality of life. Traditional treatments like painkillers and anti-inflammatories may not always be practical or cause serious side effects. Ketamine infusions provide an alternative by reducing inflammation in the body, which has been linked to improved pain relief. These infusions also help to decrease nerve pain, build a tolerance to specific medications and reduce reliance on opioids.

2. Non-Addictive Treatment for Chronic Pain

Pain relief treatments like opioids are highly addictive, leading to addiction and even overdose. On the other hand, ketamine is not an opioid and therefore does not have the same high potential for abuse or development of tolerance. Ketamine infusions, on the other hand, are well tolerated with a low rate of adverse effects and have been found to help reduce pain intensity more quickly than traditional treatments.

3. Effective Treatment for Conditions That Don’t Respond Well To Other Therapies

Many chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia, complex regional pain syndrome, and neuropathic pain can be stubborn and unresponsive to traditional treatments. With the correct dose of ketamine administered as an infusion, these conditions have seen improvements in reducing chronic pain levels and restoring quality of life.

4. Fast-Acting Relief

Ketamine is known for providing fast-acting relief from various chronic pain conditions. Many individuals who have used ketamine to treat their chronic pain report that the drug works in a matter of minutes, providing temporary pain relief lasting up to two hours after just one infusion session. Studies show that when used as prescribed and combined with other treatments such as physical therapy and counseling, ketamine can effectively reduce pain over the long term.

5. Ketamine Infusion Therapy Is an Outpatient Procedure That Does Not Require Hospitalization

Some painful medical conditions like myofascial pain syndrome, complex regional pain syndrome, fibromyalgia, and radiculopathy can require days or even weeks of hospitalization. It is not only expensive but also restricts your mobility.

Ketamine infusions are outpatient procedures performed in a clinical setting. The doctor will place an IV line, and the infusion will be administered to you in a few hours. The treatment is short-term and does not require any recovery time.

Ketamine is an FDA-approved medication used in anesthesia to reduce pain and provide sedation during surgery. Contact Gateway Spine and Pain for immediate pain management in Chicago. Our doctors understand how chronic pain can impact your daily life and are here to help.

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What Do You need to Know about Neck Arthritis?

What Do You need to Know about Neck Arthritis?

What Do You need to Know about Neck Arthritis?

What Do You need to Know about Neck Arthritis?

If you are one of the millions who suffer from neck arthritis, you know just how debilitating this condition can be. Neck arthritis is a type of osteoarthritis that affects the joints in your neck and can cause pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion. Some habits, like cracking your neck, can increase your risk of developing neck arthritis. You put a lot of stress on the joints of your neck each time you make that popping sound.

Read more: Can Cracking My Neck Cause Arthritis?

Neck arthritis is a prevalent condition, especially for those over 50. The pain it causes can be a nuisance, but there are some steps you can take to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Symptoms of Neck Arthritis

Neck arthritis can cause pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion. It may also lead to difficulty sleeping or concentrating. Other common symptoms include:

  • Headaches that start near the base of the neck and spread up into the forehead or behind the eyes
  • Tenderness, swelling, and inflammation in the neck
  • Grinding or crunching sounds when you move your neck
  • Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms and hands

Causes of Neck Arthritis

There are many causes of osteoarthritis in the neck. These include:

1) Injury or trauma to the neck:

Neck injuries such as whiplash can cause damage to the joints and discs that can lead to arthritis.

2) Aging:

As people age, their bones and cartilage become less flexible and may wear down more quickly. This increases the risk of developing osteoarthritis in the neck.

3) Genetics:

Some people may be genetically predisposed to developing arthritis in the neck.

4) Overuse:

Repetitive motions or activities such as lifting, typing, or playing an instrument can cause wear and tear on the joints in the neck over time and increase the risk of osteoarthritis.

5) Obesity:

People who are overweight or obese put extra pressure on the joints in their neck, increasing the risk of arthritis.

Treatment Methods of Neck or Cervical Arthritis

Many treatment options are available to those suffering from neck arthritis, which can provide significant pain relief and improved range of motion. The most common treatment methods include:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs):

These drugs reduce inflammation in the joints, helping to lessen the pain associated with neck arthritis. NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen can be taken as oral medications or applied topically

Physical therapy:

Exercises designed to increase the strength of muscles around the joints, improve flexibility, and reduce pain can all be beneficial in treating neck arthritis. A physical therapist may also recommend specific postures or movements to avoid aggravating the condition further.

Heat and cold therapy:

Alternating applications of heat and cold can reduce inflammation, improve circulation to the joints, and provide pain relief. To achieve these benefits, heating pads or hot baths may be used with cold compresses.

Corticosteroid injections:

Injecting corticosteroids directly into the affected joint can reduce inflammation and relieve pain and stiffness.

Surgery:

If other treatments fail to provide relief, surgery may be an option for those with severe cases of neck arthritis. Some surgical options include fusion, disc replacement, and laminectomy.

For immediate neck pain relief in Chicago, contact Gateway Spine and Pain Physicians. Our board-certified physicians specialize in diagnosing and treating neck pain, helping patients find the relief they need and get back to living their lives.

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