Over 100 million Americans struggle with chronic pain daily, and it can take a toll on the mind, as well as on the body. There are various conditions associated with chronic pain, such as CRPS, fibromyalgia, Lyme disease, diabetic nerve pain, migraine headaches, and more. These conditions interrupt the lives, relationships and activities of those who suffer—sometimes to the point where they no longer feel like themselves anymore.
In a recent Psychology Today article, Toni Bernhard, author of How to Live Well with Chronic Pain & Illness: A Mindful Guide, offers 20 tips to help patients cope with the pain, mentally and physically. Here are a few of our favorite tips from her article:
1. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness—it actually shows courage and wisdom to know when you need help
2. Keep close to the people in your life who are supportive, and let go of those who spread negative energy
3. Try to minimize envy of others, because even without pain, every person has their ups and downs. Do your best to be happy for others, in every situation
4. Do not spend your time worrying about how people view you and your medical condition. Be proud of who you are!
In addition to these daily coping mechanisms, there are many medical interventions that can alleviate the symptoms of a chronic pain condition. One option is psychotherapy, a less invasive treatment or talk therapy that is meant to mentally help a person deal with their symptoms in a more positive manor. Another is acupuncture, which is an ancient method used by the Chinese where thin needles are inserted in the body at various meridian points to help relieve pain and other symptoms. Opiate prescription is another method used to treat chronic pain, but these have a significant and risky side effects, like addiction, which can be fatal.
As an alternative to opioids, ketamine infusions are highly effective in treating chronic pain. Although this drug has hallucinogenic properties, it is non-addictive and highly regulated. It is only administered under medical supervision, by a qualified physician, and not given for take home use, which inherently limits the risk of the drug being abused by the patient or making its way into the wrong hands. The positive response to regular ketamine treatments has proven to be effective and quick, but most importantly it allows people to get back to their lives, the hobbies, and the people they love.
Contact VIP Ketamine Clinics
VIP Ketamine is here to support you if you or a loved one is suffering in chronic pain. To see if you are a candidate for ketamine infusions, contact our clinic today, or fill out the brief form below.