Ketamine may be right for chronic pain, particularly for, but not limited to, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), migraine, or fibromyalgia that hasn’t responded to traditional treatments.
When to Consider Ketamine Therapy:
- Failed Other Treatments:You have tried conventional, non-invasive, or first-line treatments without success.
- Specific Conditions:You suffer from complex pain conditions, such as CRPS, nerve damage (neuropathy), fibromyalgia, or chronic migraines.
- Goal of Reducing Opioids:You are looking to reduce or eliminate reliance on addictive pain medications.
- Accompanied by Mental Health Factors:Your chronic pain is accompanied by related mood disorders like depression
Potential Risks and Considerations
- Side Effects:While low-dose infusions are used, it can still cause temporary cardiovascular effects (increased heart rate/blood pressure) and, rarely, psychological side effects.
- Not for Everyone:It is not a guaranteed solution, and its use should be part of a comprehensive, multidisciplinary pain management plan.
Why Choose Bridgeway to Treat Your Chronic Pain?
- Evidence-Based Guided Ketamine Therapy
- Physician-Led, Medically Supervised Care
- An Option for Chronic Pain That Hasn’t Been Controlled By Standard Treatment
- A comprehensive review found Ketamine improved pain symptoms, patient satisfaction, and quality of life in select randomized controlled trials.
- Another long-term observational study of 79 patients treated with oral Ketamine for up to 12 years reported a 41.6% reduction in pain, significant mood improvement, and better quality of life – while remaining generally well-tolerated.
- In a cohort of 329 individuals with treatment-resistant chronic pain, repeated Ketamine use was associated with meaningful pain relief. Notably, preexisting depression was the only significant mediator of this benefit – highlighting the role of addressing emotional health in pain treatment.
Source: Europe PMC, Frontiers in Pain Research, Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, JAMA Network Open, Cochrane Review, ScienceDaily
Clinical Evidence
Review scientific literature on ketamine’s role in managing chronic pain, showcasing its potential as a fast-acting option for patients unresponsive to conventional treatments.
Is Ketamine Right for My Pain Condition?
Ketamine may be a fit if:
- You’ve tried nerve blocks, opioids, or other conventional treatments with
limited success. - Your pain is worsening due to stress or emotional factors.
- You’re looking for a
non-opioid, rapid-onset, neurologically informed approach.
At Bridgeway, we personalize treatment based on your history, emotional health, and pain profile – because relief should address body and mind together.
What to Expect at Bridgeway
A Calming, Private Experience Tailored to You
Our approach to chronic pain recovery with Ketamine is both targeted and compassionate. Here’s what your experience may involve:
- Calm, private setting: Comfortable environment in our Indianapolis clinic.
- 45–60 Minute Sessions: Each Ketamine session is carefully timed for optimal results.
- Medical Monitoring: One-on-one monitoring by our medical professionals.
- Treatment Schedule: 6 infusions over 2–3 weeks, with maintenance as needed.
We aim to holistically support your physical and emotional recovery.
FAQs About Ketamine for Chronic Pain
How does Ketamine relieve pain?
Ketamine acts on NMDA receptors to interrupt pain signaling and spinal sensitization. It also helps lift emotional burdens like depression, which can amplify pain experiences.
Can it improve both pain and mood?
Yes – studies show the greatest pain improvement occurs in patients with underlying depression, reinforcing the importance of treating both together.
When will I notice relief?
Some patients feel relief within a couple of sessions; sustained benefits often come from the full course. Responses are highly individual.
Is it safe?
A number of clinical studies have shown that Ketamine can improve pain symptoms, mood, and overall quality of life for many patients. Some people have even experienced long-term relief with ongoing treatment. Research is still developing, and like any therapy, Ketamine isn’t the right fit for everyone. Reported side effects are generally mild and temporary—such as nausea or short-lived changes in perception. At Bridgeway, we carefully screen each patient to make sure treatment is safe, personalized, and closely monitored.
What does the broader scientific evidence show?
Research findings are mixed. Many studies report that Ketamine can reduce chronic pain and improve quality of life, while others—including a large Cochrane review—found the results to be less clear and emphasized the importance of monitoring potential side effects.
Is Ketamine covered by insurance?
Usually not. Bridgeway offers transparent self-pay options and assistance with out-of-network documentation.