Chronic Pain Q&A

What causes chronic pain?

A number of injuries and medical conditions can cause chronic pain, a type of pain that persists for six months or longer.

Some of the chronic pain conditions Dr. Ferrer treats at Lighthouse Wellness Center include:

• Cancer
• Arthritis
• Fibromyalgia
• Neuropathic (nerve) pain
• Migraines and headaches
• Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)

Dr. Ferrer can also treat the other underlying causes of pain in your spine and joints that result from medical issues or from falls, automobile accidents, or other types of injuries.

When should I seek treatment for chronic pain?

Chronic pain can feel like a burning, stabbing, or sharp pain that occurs in a specific area of your body. Your pain might also radiate out into your arms and legs and make it difficult for you to stay active.

You can schedule an evaluation at Lighthouse Wellness Center if you have chronic pain that you can no longer treat with over-the-counter or prescription medications or if your pain only worsens despite treatment.

Dr. Ferrer customizes a treatment plan to relieve your pain using ketamine infusion therapy. He can determine if you’re a candidate for this type of treatment by reviewing your current health, your medical history, and the root cause of your chronic pain.

How does ketamine therapy treat chronic pain?

Ketamine is a surgical anesthetic that binds to pain receptors in your brain to block pain signals.

Dr. Ferrer delivers specific dosages of ketamine directly into your bloodstream through an intravenous (IV) line. While you’re receiving your treatment, he continues to monitor your heart rate, oxygen levels, and blood pressure.

The dosages of ketamine Dr. Ferrer uses are significantly less than what you might receive for sedation during surgery. To ensure you receive the full benefit of your treatment, you can expect to receive a series of infusions over several days.

How long until I see the results of ketamine infusions for chronic pain?

Some people experience a noticeable reduction in their pain after the first treatment. However, it can take several days for you to see a dramatic difference in your pain levels.

Ketamine infusion therapy can provide pain relief for several months at a time. Dr. Ferrer determines if you need additional infusions to keep your pain under control based on the results of your initial infusions.

Like with any medication, ketamine can cause side effects. Typically, side effects like hallucinations and nausea are common but resolve on their own soon after your infusion is complete.

Dr. Ferrer might recommend stopping ketamine therapy if you have severe side effects that interfere with your quality of life or if you’re still having chronic pain after your treatment.

To determine if ketamine therapy is a treatment option for your chronic pain, call Lighthouse Wellness Center.