The Scope of the Chronic Pain Problem
Among the chronic conditions that people might suffer in the United States, chronic pain is one of the most common. If you suffer from chronic pain, then you know just how debilitating this can be. Some people end up with chronic pain as a result of a serious illness. Other people might have chronic pain due to an injury they received at some point in the past. Regardless, chronic pain is a serious issue. Some of the relevant statistics regarding chronic pain include:
- In 2016, more than 20 percent of all adults in the United States suffered from chronic pain at some point
- 8 percent of adults in the United States suffered from severe, high-impact chronic pain
- Chronic pain is more prevalent among those who are living in poverty as well as those who live without insurance (or are underinsured)
Clearly, this is a major issue. Therefore, it is important for everyone to think about how they can address this problem. Sadly, the first-line treatment of chronic pain has also contributed to a serious public health issue.
Chronic Pain Treatment has Contributed to the Opioid Epidemic
When it comes to the treatment of chronic pain, first-line treatment has always been medication. Pain medication has its place in society; however, this should be used to treat acute pain, not chronic pain. This is because these medications are highly addictive and can contribute to tolerance, dependence, and destruction. Furthermore, when people become hooked on opioid and narcotic medications, they run the risk of overdosing. Some of the statistics on opioid use in this country include:
- More than 130 people die every day due to opioid-related drug overdoses
- More than 10 million people misused their opioid prescriptions in 2018 alone
- In 2018, more than 2 million people had an opioid use disorder, leading to more than 47,000 deaths
- Opioid medications are a gateway to heroin use
Clearly, this is a major problem. The good news is that there are alternative treatment options available. This comes in the form of Ketamine IV therapy for Chronic Pain.
A New Approach to Chronic Pain Treatment
If you want to find a new way to manage your chronic pain, then you need to take a well-rounded approach. This includes diet and exercise. While exercise might be the last thing on your mind when you suffer from chronic pain, it helps you place your body in a position to heal. Some of the important points to note about chronic pain management include:
- Eat a healthy, nutritious diet to reduce inflammation and pain in your body
- Make sure that you get at least eight hours of sleep per night to give your body time to rest
- Engage in regular, low-impact exercise to maintain your muscle strength and flexibility
Exercise also releases endorphins, which make you happy. Another treatment option that releases endorphins is Ketamine IV therapy for Chronic Pain. There are a few benefits of Ketamine therapy for Chronic Pain that everyone should note.
The Benefits of Ketamine IV Therapy for Chronic Pain
Ketamine can be an effective part of a well-rounded approach to chronic pain management. Some of the benefits of using ketamine to treat chronic pain include:
- Reports have suggested that ketamine can effectively increase the production of endorphins in your body, which can help you feel happy, increase your energy, and reduce your discomfort
- Ketamine can also prevent the brain from transmitting signals that reflect pain, soreness, and discomfort
- Ketamine is particularly effective at reducing neuropathic pain such as numbness, tingling, paresthesias, and other unusual sensation that might make you feel uncomfortable
- Ketamine can also reduce your production of cortisol, which is a hormone that may contribute to inflammation and pain throughout your body
These are only a few of the many benefits of using ketamine to help you manage your chronic pain. If you are living in chronic pain, you should follow the guidance of a doctor; however, you should also try to stay away from addictive medications when possible. Ketamine can help you do that. Take a new approach to the management of your chronic pain and improve your overall quality of life.