What is Fibromyalgia?
According to the CDC, fibromyalgia is a condition that causes pain all over the body (also referred to as widespread pain), sleep problems, fatigue, and often emotional and mental distress. People with fibromyalgia may be more sensitive to pain than people without fibromyalgia. This is called abnormal pain perception processing.
It is still unclear what exactly causes fibromyalgia. Researchers believe that a combination of genetics, triggering infections, and physical and emotional trauma can result in fibromyalgia. Additionally, it is believed that fibromyalgia amplifies painful sensations by altering the way the brain processes pain signals.
Common Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
While no two individuals suffer from this debilitating condition the same way, the following symptoms of fibromyalgia are commonly shared:
- Muscle Pain
- Muscle spasms
- Muscle tightness
- Increased sense of pain
- Fatigue
- Trouble sleeping
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Difficulty concentrating
The CDC also states that US adults with fibromyalgia may experience complications such as:
- More hospitalizations
- Lower quality of life
- Higher rates of major depression
- Higher death rates from suicide and injuries
- Higher rates of other rheumatic conditions
Traditional Methods for Treating Fibromyalgia
Prescription Medication
Typically, physicians prescribe either painkillers, antidepressants, or a combination of the two, depending on the symptoms of fibromyalgia the person is experiencing. Pharmaceutical medications can provide relief to some, but the potential risks of dependency and adverse reactions, make many searching for an alternative solution, like ketamine infusion therapy a new hope.
Regular Exercise
Regular physical activity can help keep the pain under control to an extent, but more so, continuous movement of the muscles and limbs will help reduce pain and increase energy.
Stress Management
Those diagnosed with fibromyalgia have an increased risk of anxiety, and stress and worry can make symptoms worse. Managing stress through exercise, yoga, or meditation can help keep the mind at ease.
Ketamine Infusion
Despite being utilized as an anesthetic for quite some time, research is revealing that, in small doses, ketamine has tremendous relaxing properties to assist in a variety of pain-related ailments, including treating fibromyalgia. Unlike traditional treatments, ketamine infusion therapy acts to block NMDA receptors which, in turn, greatly weaken and diminish pain signals sent throughout one’s body.
Ketamine works to block these receptors to not only cut down on the pain experienced by the patient, but also has been reported to have tremendous mental-health benefits, including reduced anxiety, increased relaxation, and a better ability to get quality sleep.
Most anti-inflammatory medications or other traditional treatments of fibromyalgia often take longer periods to provide relief, whereas relief from ketamine infusion treatments is reported to be far more rapid. Furthermore, treating fibromyalgia with ketamine over some time can further alter the NMDA receptors, leading to a reported decrease in overall pain and neuropathy over a longer time than traditional treatments.
Contact VIP Ketamine Clinics
Our Modesto, CA ketamine clinic offers ketamine infusions for a variety of mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and bipolar disorder. Our first priority is the emotional, mental and physical wellbeing of our patients. We will help point you in the direction of health and wellness, whatever direction that may be.