What Does Ketamine Actually Do?
Central sensitization is a neurological process that results in an increase of the frequency and severity of pain signals over time. These increases are caused by both increased neuronal excitability and decreased neuronal inhibition.
A certain class of neuroreceptors in the brain, known as isotropic glutatmate receptors (iGluRs), are responsible for mediating many excitatory neuronal pathways. Thus, these receptors are at least somewhat responsible for the increased neuronal excitability associated with central sensitization. A specific iGluR, the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, is targeted with ketamine infusions.
Ketamine acts as an antagonist to these receptors, and once the ketamine reduces NMDA receptors' ability to send neuronal signals, one of the primary contributors to central sensitization can no longer function properly (with the result being less pain experienced by the person suffering from central sensitization and chronic pain).
Although ketamine was originally designed as an anesthetic, several research studies have shown it can be effective in treating various chronic pain conditions and psychological disorders. Ketamine has been deemed particularly promising as a treatment for treatment-resistant depression (Murrough et al., 2013; Shiroma et al., 2014; Sanacora et al., 2017), complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS; Correll et al., 2004), other chronic pain conditions such as chronic headache and chronic back pain (Patil & Anitescu, 2012), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD; Feder et al., 2014).
We believe that ketamine can be a life-changing treatment option for people suffering from one or more of the above conditions. We strive to provide patients with competitive ketamine treatment rates, and in doing so, we are trying to make this treatment more accessible for everyone. There are few things in life more frustrating and disheartening than knowing there is a treatment for a condition you have that you simply cannot afford - our hope is that this reality will cease to exist for people with the noted conditions.
While ketamine can be used to treat a variety of complex issues, our focus is on chronic pain conditions. If you or a love one suffer from chronic neuropathic pain or central sensitization, we would be honored to be a part of your journey. Pain is more than just a number, it is a quality of life. Working together, we will help restore that quality of life and help you return to a more functional state.