Chronic Pain and Ketamine

Over the last few years, the use of ketamine as a legitimate medication has grown in popularity. Recent research has now indicated that it might not be very helpful in the fight against chronic pain.

 

Ketamine is used as an anaesthetic or to treat mental illnesses by medical professionals. However, this new research might help open up other avenues of treatment for battling pain.

 

Because of its hallucinogenic and dissociative effects, ketamine is sometimes used recreationally. Recreational or illicit use is not what this article is referring to. If you are considering the use of ketamine, it is very important that you work closely with a doctor that is familiar with the medication and its safe use. There’s also a distinct danger of overdosing or of negative side effects, especially if other medications are also being used. It’s certainly not right for everyone. Speak with a medical professional if you have questions about medication.

 

The research stated that ketamine isn’t very effective when it comes to treating pain.

 

The team warned that more research take place in order for safer and more effective treatments to be used.

 

This research came from UNSW Sydney. The team published their findings in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Chronic pain continues to be an ongoing issue in our society–and not just for seniors. Unfortunately, many of the pain treatments that have been used in the past have created even more issues, such as substance misuse and death. Hopefully, this research can be a step in the right direction and provide better alternatives for the future.

 

There are a number of different approaches for helping seniors live a happier and higher quality of life. Managing pain might be high on your list of priorities, but it’s not the right approach or even a major need for everyone. Likewise, you might find yourself not too concerned about treating pain for yourself or an older loved one. That doesn’t mean that the right care options don’t apply to your family. Each situation is unique and needs to be treated as such.

 

 

That’s why we are such strong advocates of in-home care when it comes to helping the elderly. In-home care meets people right where they are and addresses them as an individual, rather than asking them to adhere to a more cookie cutter approach, like what you might find in many nursing home settings.

 

If in-home care sounds like something that might benefit your family, please feel free to reach out to us. One of our professional caregivers will be happy to talk more with you. We offer a free consultation session to those that would like to learn more about what in-home care is, how it might benefit you and your family, and how it can help to meet your families unique needs.

 

We know that finding the right care service is tough. You already have so much going on with your family. We’d be happy to talk more and help get you pointed in the right direction.

 

Call us today to get started.