Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition affecting 2–4 percent of the U.S. population, which translates to about 6–12 million people. It impacts women’s health significantly more than men’s, as approximately 90 percent of those diagnosed are female. For those suffering from fibromyalgia, finding effective treatments can be difficult, and current methods may not alleviate symptoms effectively. Treatments often include pain relievers, antidepressants, anti-seizure medications, and physical therapy.
However, this standard approach may not work for everyone and does not always address the specific needs of fibromyalgia patients. Additionally, diagnosing fibromyalgia can be challenging due to symptom overlap with other health issues. Our ketamine clinic in Gainesville, FL, offers effective and lasting treatment for chronic pain associated with fibromyalgia. Contact us today for more information and to schedule your treatment.
Fibromyalgia is a painful disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep issues, memory problems, and mood changes. It heightens pain sensations by altering how the brain processes pain signals. Those with fibromyalgia may also experience tension headaches, migraines, anxiety, and depression. The exact causes are not fully understood but may involve genetics, infections, and trauma.
Key aspects include increased sensitivity of the brain’s pain pathways. Individuals with rheumatic diseases, such as ankylosing spondylitis or rheumatoid arthritis, are at higher risk of developing fibromyalgia.
Patients report a constant, dull pain primarily in the muscles, along with fatigue and cognitive difficulties, often centered in specific tender points.
Research indicates that ketamine is both an anesthetic and a potential treatment for fibromyalgia, offering advantages beyond traditional therapies. Its clinical use varies with dosage; in the context of fibromyalgia, only small, subanesthetic doses are administered over extended periods. Ketamine infusions are effective and lasting—while other pharmacologic treatments often fall short in managing fibromyalgia symptoms, ketamine can alleviate pain for weeks after an initial session. These infusions can also be paired with other medications to create a customized treatment plan based on the patient’s specific needs. Additionally, ketamine’s pain-relieving properties can support physical recovery, facilitating easier physical therapy.
Ketamine infusions are proving to be a valuable option for relief from fibromyalgia’s challenging symptoms. The treatment works by inhibiting N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, which play a vital role in how the brain processes pain signals. Ketamine binds to these NMDA receptors during an infusion, interrupting their communication with other brain parts. This action helps block pain signals traveling through the spinal cord, allowing the brain to rebuild essential connections disrupted by fibromyalgia. This reset can improve mood and overall well-being, sometimes after just one treatment.
Traditionally, doctors diagnosed fibromyalgia by examining 18 specific points on the body to see how many were painful when pressed. However, current guidelines do not mandate this tender point exam. Now, a diagnosis can be made if patients report widespread pain for over 3 months and there is no other medical condition causing it. Although no single test confirms fibromyalgia, blood tests—like complete blood counts and thyroid function tests—may help exclude other similar conditions. Diagnosing fibromyalgia can be difficult, and many patients endure symptoms for years before receiving the correct diagnosis. Additionally, due to the unique nature of this condition, finding the right mix of treatments for symptom relief can be challenging for many patients.
Our ketamine clinic offers tailored treatment plans to ensure every patient receives the necessary care for recovery. Ketamine infusion therapy works quickly and shows promising results for fibromyalgia after just a few sessions. We provide a variety of ketamine treatment options to meet our patients’ needs. If you experience pain or fibromyalgia symptoms, reach out to us today to learn how ketamine infusion therapy can help.
