Chronic pain is one of the most common health issues in the United States, affecting 50 million people each year. Chronic pain can lead to depression and anxiety. It can also send stress signals to the brain which not only heightens the physical pain, but also the perceived level of stress.
Most chronic pain management treatments will include a combination of medications, as well as some holistic remedies. These include:
Medications. Drugs such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, acetaminophen, and opioids are frequently prescribed to those experiencing chronic pain symptoms. Some medications are not administered orally, such as patches applied to the skin where the active drug, such as lidocaine, is released into the bloodstream topically.
Acupuncture. Acupuncture is a non-surgical method of a pain management. Needles are inserted into points on the body where they release endorphins. These endorphins decrease inflammation and alleviate pain.
Meditation. Meditation involves practicing mindfulness and breathing, while focusing on living in the moment. A study of 109 patients with chronic pain participated in a mindfulness class, and were compared to a group of participants who did not take the class. Those who did the meditation class reported more relief from pain, with lower anxiety and depression.
Massage therapy. Massage promotes blood circulation, relieves stress, and reduces pain from muscle tension. Massage increases circulation throughout the body, which means a quicker removal of the waste that builds up in the muscles. When toxins build up, they can become painful trigger points.
Turmeric & ginger. Curcuma, the anti-inflammatory ingredient in turmeric, has surprisingly effective pain-relieving effects. In a study looking at the treatment of knee osteoarthritis, curcuma extract was proven to be an effective pain management solution once a patient used it for 4-weeks or longer. Ginger is a natural root that is also a pain reliever with anti-inflammatory properties. A 2015 study showed that those who took 2 grams of ginger per day had a greater reduction in pain than those who did not.
Ketamine. Ketamine has been around since the 1970s as a highly effective way to treat acute pain. More recently, the benefits of ketamine for chronic pain management have made it a popular choice for those who aren’t getting relief from more traditional pharmacological approaches. Ketamine is not addictive and therefore is a great alternative to opiate-based pain medications. It has long-lasting effects with many patients reporting a decrease in symptoms for up to 11 months after their initial series of infusions. It usually takes 1-2 infusions for ketamine infusions to begin to work. Ketamine is a great alternative pain management for those who need relief quickly.
Are you suffering from chronic pain? Have you tried every pain management solution available, but to no avail? Reach out to us to see if you are a good candidate for ketamine infusions.
Contact VIP Ketamine Clinics