Spinal cord injury, or SCI, are severe injuries that can lead to varying degrees of motor and sensory defects and often paralysis. The severity of the injury, as well as where along the spine it took occurred, causes not only physical trauma, but can also cause a severe decline in quality of life, and as a result, mental health. For the 294,000 Americans who are living with a SCI, as well as their loved ones, this pain and trauma can be all too familiar. Unfortunately, many of those suffering from an SCI are often suffering from neuropathic pain related to the injury as well.
Fortunately, medicine continues to evolve, and we are discovering new options to treat the pain that comes with SCI’s. One of those options is low dose Ketamine infusions, which can be effective even for those that suffer from chronic pain after months and years of treatment with no relief.
What are Ketamine Infusions?
Ketamine works by blocking specific pain receptors in your brain(NMDA receptors). At the same time, it resets some of the nerve cells in your brain, helping the nerves to find new pathways around the areas signaling pain. It is these new pathways, sometimes called “remapping” that can lead to long term reduction in both pain and depression.
How Do Ketamine Infusions Work?
Ketamine infusions are received through an intravenous line. Depending on your specific condition, a ketamine infusion usually takes anywhere from 1 to 2 hours. There is typically an induction series of 3-6 infusions, followed by monthly booster infusions to maintain the positive effects.
Find Out If Ketamine Infusions Could Work For You
If you suffer from chronic pain due to a spinal cord injury, then you could be a candidate for ketamine infusions. Contact New Horizon Infusion Clinics for a consultation to learn more about ketamine infusions and what they could do for you and your chronic pain.