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Traditionally used as a sedative or anesthesia, the medication . Ketamine has recently become a prospective treatment for several conditions, including chronic nerve pain. Neuropathic pain is highly debilitating and affects up to ten percent of the population. It can result from a variety of sources, including nerve damage, cancerous growths, or dysfunctional patterns in the transmission of information within the nervous system.   Neuropathic pain causes not only physical impairment, but also affects the sufferer’s mental health and overall well-being. It tends to be unique and difficult to treat, despite decades of research dedicated to finding an effective remedy. This has driven researchers to seek out innovative treatments, the latest and most promising of which is the administration of the dissociative anesthetic Ketamine.     When peripheral nerves are damaged, this triggers the release of glutamate, a neurotransmitter serving as an agonist of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor. Glutamate is indicated in several neurological functions, including recognition of pain. The activation of the NMDA receptors is thought to play an important role in neuropathic pain. Ketamine, therefore, alleviates nerve pain by inhibiting this receptor and disrupting the release of glutamate.   A meta-analysis studying Ketamine’s efficacy in pain relief among patients with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) demonstrated a significant decrease in pain after one, two, eight, and twelve weeks of intravenous injection. One of the studies in this meta-analysis found complete remission of CRPS symptoms of all patients after only one month. Ketamine has also been tested among patients with phantom limb syndrome, with fifty percent of respondents experiencing pain relief after one month.   If you’re suffering from chronic neuropathic pain that has been resistant to traditional forms of treatment, consider speaking to the team at Metropolitan Institute of Pain about Ketamine. A number of clinical studies throughout the past several years have demonstrated its effectiveness among patients with chronic nerve pain resulting from a variety of sources. With proper dosage and careful administration, Ketamine has the potential to bring you immediate, long-lasting, and much-needed relief.

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Epidural Injection Facts

To determine if an epidural injection is the right solution for your neck pain, take a look at the following information.

• Epidural injections are minimally invasive, low-risk procedures that inject corticosteroids into the epidural space, the region between the bone and the dura, which is the protective membrane around the spinal nerves.
• Corticosteroids are a proven effective treatment for managing pain, decreasing inflammation, and relieving pressure in the target area.
• They are commonly used by doctors for the treatment of chronic pain, as well as pain during and after surgery.
• X-ray guidance is used to ensure the needle is placed in the appropriate spot. The needle is carefully directed through the skin, between the vertebrae, and into the epidural space.
• Along with the corticosteroids, an anesthetic numbing agent is also injected into the epidural space with the intention of decreasing sensation.
• For the management of neck pain specifically, cervical epidural injections are those used most often. They can also help with pain in the upper back, shoulders, and arms.
• Patients with the following conditions are particularly inclined to benefit from cervical epidural injections:
  • Cervical radiculitis – Nerve compression in the spine that results in pain radiating from the head or neck down the arm
  • Cervical herniated discs – Sharp, intense pain from the neck down the arm, caused by trauma or neck injury
  • Cervical spondylosis – Pain caused by aging and normal wear of the spinal disc in your neck
• Depending on how severe the pain is, more than one injection may be needed.
• Relief occurs within two to seven days, and the effects can last from weeks to years.
• Injections can be repeated over time to prolong their effects.

If your chronic neck pain is interfering with your ability to fully experience and enjoy what you love, you should examine the benefits of an epidural injection. This inexpensive, low-risk procedure has helped thousands of patients and could help you. Contact Metropolitan Institute of Pain today to start your journey back to a pain-free life.

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1. Ketamine is a dissociative aesthetic, meaning it works by blocking sensory perception.
2. For decades, it has been used in medical anesthesia and veterinary medicine for pain relief, as well as inducing and maintaining sedation.
3. The drug functions by disrupting glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter involved in learning, memory, emotion, and pain recognition. Glutamate also plays a role in mediating stress responses and forming traumatic memories.
4. Ketamine has shown promising results in alleviating the symptoms of several anxiety disorders, including general anxiety disorder (GAD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
5. After intravenous injection, patients report reduced anxiety within an hour, with effects lasting up to seven days following a single dosage.
6. Ketamine can be administered at weekly intervals as a form of “maintenance dosing.” Eighteen out of twenty patients with GAD reported continuous improvement in social and work functioning during this maintenance period. These results persisted for up to fourteen weeks.
7. Ketamine has also shown to be effective in rapidly and significantly reducing severity of symptoms among patients with PTSD.
8. It is believed that this efficacy is due to Ketamine targeting and reconsolidating memories of traumatic experiences. This allows the brain to basically expel this trauma rather than retaining it, which can lead to dysfunctional patterns of thought and behavior.

Between thirty and forty percent of patients suffering from anxiety disorders are unable to achieve remission with the use of traditional antidepressants combined with psychotherapy techniques. Thankfully, there is a rapidly growing evidence base from many reputable sources indicating Ketamine may finally provide much-needed relief from these debilitating symptoms. If you’re interested in learning how Ketamine can help your treatment-resistant anxiety disorder, please contact Metropolitan Institute of Pain for more information.

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Exercises to Stretch Your Neck

• Forward and backward tilts should be slowly completed while seated or standing and should be repeated several times each day.
• Side tilts should be completed while standing with feet hip-width apart and arms at sides. Repeat for several sets, working your way up to ten.
• Side rotations should be completed while seated or standing and repeated in a set of ten.
• Shoulder rolls should be completed while standing and repeated six times forward, then six times backward.
• Upper trapezius stretches should be completed until a comfortable stretch is felt on the opposite side of the neck. Repeat on each side three times and perform twice daily.
• Levator scapular stretches should be completed until a comfortable stretch is felt on the opposite side of the neck. Repeat on each side three times and perform twice daily.
• Doorway stretches should be completed until feeling a comfortable stretch in your chest region. Repeat on each side three times and perform twice daily.

Exercises to Strengthen Your Neck

• Shoulder scapular squeezes should be performed hard enough to support good posture, but not hard enough to induce pain.
• Wall push-ups should be repeated ten times with one-two sets and performed twice daily.
• Prone rows should be repeated twenty times and performed twice daily.
• Theraband rows should be completed by squeezing the shoulder blades without lifting the shoulders toward the ears. Repeat twenty times and perform twice daily.

Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do to control what’s going on in the world, but you can try these easy exercises to help improve your neck pain. Practice this set frequently and feel some of your stress start to melt away. If you need help with your neck pain, talk to the team at Metropolitan Institute of Pain.

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Methods for Managing Anxiety from Home

If you’re having trouble with anxiety during this ongoing crisis, a few simple but effective techniques can help you get a handle on your stress.

• Read information from credible sources to avoid unnecessary stress.
• Limit your time on social media; other people’s fears can affect your own.
• Stay connected with your loved ones virtually to decrease the sense of social isolation.
• Stick your normal routine as much as possible to retain a sense of normalcy.
• Experiment with new hobbies or creative pursuits you didn’t have the time to try before the quarantine.
• Take breaks from news stories about the pandemic or limit time spent on these stories – constant or obsessive viewing/reading can exacerbate anxiety.
• Keep your home clean & organized, as cluttered spaces tend to worsen feelings of unease.
• Exercise, stretch, or meditate to stay active & in shape.
• Eat healthy, well-balanced meals and remember to drink water.
• Avoid drugs & alcohol to prevent worsening mental health symptoms.

Have you employed the tips above but still feel overwhelmed? Reaching out to a professional may be the best option if you are unable to cope with this anxiety on your own.

Benefits of Ketamine

Along with changing your mindset and behavior during this period of anxiety, there is a promising pharmaceutical option you may want to explore with your doctor. Used mainly for anesthesia and sedation, the medication Ketamine has recently been the focus of medical studies across the country as a means of alleviating severe, treatment-resistant anxiety and depression.

Researchers have demonstrated that low doses of intravenous Ketamine can provide over 70% of patients with short-term relief (3-14 days) of their symptoms, starting hours after the first dose. Additional studies show that administering doses at weekly intervals further extends the duration of these benefits. Please contact Metropolitan Institute of Pain for more information on how Ketamine can help you.

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While the quarantine is keeping you from attending the gym, don’t let that become an excuse that ends up hurting your back. Check out these doctor-approved exercises that can be completed from home.

At-Home Exercises to Relieve Lower Back Pain

1. Partial stomach crunches strengthen muscles in your back, as well as your stomach.
2. Hamstring stretches alleviate tightness in muscles supporting your lower back.
3. Wall sits can be easily performed while reading or watching television.
4. Press-up back extensions extend and stretch your spine.
5. The bird dog helps to stabilize the lower back during the movement of your limbs.
6. Knee to chest exercises boost your leg strength.
7. Pelvic tilts strengthen your pelvis and core muscles, taking pressure off of your spine.
8. Glute bridges work muscles in your core, hips, and legs, as well as your lower back.
9. Careful selection of a weightlifting program and proper technique can further strengthen and support your lower back.
10. If you have access to a pool, swimming is an aerobic exercise that not only bolsters your cardiovascular system, but also removes weight from your back to avoid further straining or pain.
11. Incorporating Pilates into your daily work-out routine allows you to stretch and strengthen the muscles in your back and abdominal core.

If lower back pain is impeding your ability to enjoy day-to-day life, the most effective way to improve your discomfort is also the easiest. This set of 11 exercises can be completed from the comfort of your own home.

Talk to a Medical Professional

If your back pain worsens, it may be time to talk to a medical professional. Metropolitan Institute of Pain can help you explore options for more immediate relief. Call us today for help with your chronic pain.

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Most Common Causes of Lower Back Pain

The team at Metropolitan Institute of Pain’s Pain Management Clinic in Chicago have seen many different types of lower back pain, and some of the most common reasons for patients to seek pain management in Chicago for lower back pain include:

1. Herniated intervertebral discs. Between the bones of the spine are the intervertebral discs. These discs contain two main segments: a soft inner nucleus and a thicker, fibrous outer wall. If the outer wall deteriorates, the inner nucleus can move out of position and aggravate the nerve root. This type of chronic pain typically radiates down one or both legs.
2. Facet joint pain. The facets of the spine are the joints where the vertebrae connect to one another. Injuries and degenerative diseases can cause facet joint pain, which often requires an extensive plan for pain management. Chicago residents who experience facet joint pain should talk with the team at Metropolitan Institute of Pain about potential treatments.
3. Sacroiliac joint pain. The Sacroiliac joints connect the spine to the pelvis. When these joints experience pain, it can be difficult to move the joint. Sacroiliac joint pain most commonly results from overuse or underuse of the Sacroiliac joint.

These are only a few of the most common causes of lower back pain. If you have suffered from lower back pain and conventional treatments haven’t offered any long-term relief, it’s time to try a different approach. For more information about chronic pain management in Chicago, contact Metropolitan Institute of Pain’s Pain Management Clinic in Chicago.

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Types of Sports Injuries

All types of sports and physical activities carry a risk of causing injuries. There are different types of common sports injuries that may require medical attention:

● Overuse injuries. If you experience a particular pain or other symptom in the same part of the body, but only during certain activities, you likely have an overuse injury. These injuries may only affect a specific part of the body, but they can interfere with playing sports and engaging in other tasks. Over time, these injuries may lead to permanent damage or long-term problems in the affected area.

● Traumatic injuries. Some sports are inherently dangerous, and traumatic injuries like broken bones, dislocated joints, or any injuries that cause significant swelling, bleeding, and bruising typically require immediate medical attention.

Ultimately, there is no hard and fast rule as to when you definitely need to see a doctor about a sports injury, but it’s fairly safe to assume that most traumatic sports injuries will require immediate medical treatment. However, overuse injuries may only cause periodic pain and discomfort, but that does not mean they do not warrant treatment. If an injury makes it difficult or impossible to enjoy your favorite sports, then it’s probably best to see a doctor and ask about potential treatments.

If you need pain management for a sports injury in Chicago, Hoffman Estates, or the surrounding area, our team can help. Contact the Metropolitan Institute of Pain’s Pain Management Clinic today for more information about sports injuries and pain management in Chicago.

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At Metropolitan Institute of Pain’s Pain Management Clinic in Chicago, we provide safe and effective treatments for chronic pain. One of the more recently discovered treatments that show significant promise as an effective chronic pain treatment is ketamine. If you are interested in chronic pain treatment for fibromyalgia, consider the effects of ketamine treatment and whether they might work for your symptoms.

How Does Ketamine Treat Chronic Pain from Fibromyalgia?

For years, ketamine has seen use as an anesthetic and as a pain management treatment in combat situations. It’s capable of reducing pain without causing cardiovascular problems, making it ideal as a fast-acting and effective painkiller. More commonly, ketamine is used as an assistive anesthetic, starting and stopping anesthesia treatment seamlessly. Recently, the FDA approved Spravato, an esketamine-based nasal spray, as a treatment for depression.

While more research is required before ketamine can become a mainstream treatment for chronic pain from conditions like fibromyalgia, the chemical interactions caused by ketamine show incredible promise as an effective treatment. Ketamine acts upon the brain in several ways, enhancing glutamine production, increasing dopamine production, and stimulating synaptogenesis that can improve cognition.

Can Ketamine Help My Fibromyalgia Symptoms?

As of right now, many medical researchers believe that ketamine could be incredibly valuable in teaching the medical community more about fibromyalgia, and its true value lies in the insights it can provide in addition to traditional treatments.

If you have fibromyalgia or any other condition that causes chronic pain, it’s vital to know your treatment options. Contact Metropolitan Institute of Pain’s Pain Management Clinic in Chicago today for more information on ketamine treatments for chronic pain.

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