How Ketamine Helps Treat Pain

Low doses of Ketamine (compared to anesthesia) inhibit the NMDA receptors, which is responsible for central sensitization, and can work synergistically with many other analgesics. There are a number of scientific studies and clinical impressions supporting the use of IV infusions for the treatment of a variety of different types of pain. During recent years, it has become increasingly clear that long-term or escalating opioid use does not lead to improvement of function in every patient. Case studies of pain report that opioids actually increase pain in some patients as a consequence of injury or surgery, often associated with a modification of the pain character and an extension of the affected region that may persist for days, weeks, or even years.