Experiencing headaches occasionally due to stress or an injury is normal. However, you may have chronic headaches and migraines if the headaches become persistent and don’t respond to over-the-counter painkillers. If you are looking for long-term relief from headaches and migraines, the pain management specialist Charlotte, NC, has your back. The specialist may recommend ketamine therapy to alleviate your pain and discomfort.
Factors contributing to chronic headaches and migraines
Daily headaches, also known as tension headaches, are the most prevalent form of headache. These headaches are often due to muscle tension in your head and neck, often due to stress, poor posture, or injury. Other causes of daily headaches include lack of sleep, dehydration, and certain medications. On the other hand, chronic migraines are recurring headaches that can last for weeks or even months. Their signature symptoms include severe pain, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. The exact cause of chronic migraines is not fully understood, but medical experts relate them to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Triggers for chronic migraines can include stress, hormonal changes, certain foods and drinks, and changes in sleep patterns. Some people may also have an underlying neurological condition that contributes to the development of chronic migraines.
How ketamine therapy relieves chronic headaches and migraines
Ketamine therapy is a relatively new treatment option for individuals with chronic headaches and migraines. It is a type of anesthetic that has a powerful effect on reducing pain and improving mood. One of the ways that ketamine therapy relieves chronic headaches and migraines is by modulating the activity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as glutamate and GABA. These neurotransmitters play a crucial role in the regulation of pain, and by altering their activity, ketamine may be able to reduce your perception of pain.
Another proposed mechanism is the modulation of the activity of NMDA receptors in the brain. These receptors are involved in the processing of pain, and ketamine binds them and modulates their activity, which can lead to a reduction of the pain signaling that is associated with chronic headaches and migraines. Additionally, this therapy has a rapid onset of action, which is beneficial for individuals with chronic headaches and migraines who often have to endure long-lasting pain.
Research suggests that ketamine therapy can provide relief within hours of administration, which can be especially beneficial if your symptoms do not respond well to other treatments. It is crucial to note that while ketamine therapy is a promising treatment option for chronic headaches and migraines, there is a need for more research to understand its mechanisms of action fully and to determine the optimal dosing regimen. Ketamine therapy is not yet FDA-approved for treating headaches and migraines and should be done under the guidance of a medical professional.
If you have persistent chronic headaches and migraines, ketamine therapy might solve your discomfort. During your appointment at Charlotte Ketamine Center, the team may discuss your symptoms and perform several tests to rule out other medical conditions. Afterward, they may educate you about the benefits and risks of ketamine therapy before developing a treatment plan. For more information about ketamine therapy, call the Charlotte Ketamine Center office or book an appointment online.