Chronic Pain Management

Chronic Pain Management is more than just a medical concern, it’s a daily challenge that can significantly affect one’s quality of life.

Reviews from

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Dr Pamela Walters

Dr Pamela Walters

Reviewed by

Dr. Pamela Walters is our Medical Director and Consultant Psychiatrist at Eulas.

Page last updated:

Wednesday, 26 March 2025

What Is Chronic Pain Management?

Chronic Pain Management involves a comprehensive plan designed to alleviate or control ongoing discomfort that lasts for weeks, months, or even years. It goes beyond occasional aches and pains, focusing on persistent conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, neuropathy, and more.

Traditional approaches, like over-the-counter medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes, can sometimes offer relief, but they don’t always address the root causes or the emotional toll of chronic pain.

Why Chronic Pain Management Matters

Effective management of chronic pain can restore lost mobility and the freedom to engage in daily activities. Chronic pain often leads to stress, anxiety, and depression, making proper treatment crucial for mental health.

Here at Eulas, we are dedicated to helping people improve the quality of their lives through our alternative therapy treatments and UK pioneers of Keatmine-assisted therapies for chronic pain.

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Is Ketamine Therapy Breakthrough in Chronic Pain Management?

Ketamine, originally used as an anaesthetic, has shown promising results in treating both acute and chronic pain. Recent studies reveal that ketamine can help “reset” certain neurological pathways, offering relief where traditional medications fall short.

This is why ketamine therapy for Chronic Pain Management has become a beacon of hope for many individuals seeking a more effective solution.

How Ketamine Therapy Works

Ketamine targets receptors in the brain known as NMDA receptors. By modulating these receptors, ketamine can:

  1. Disrupt Pain Signals: Reduces the intensity and frequency of pain sensations.
  2. Enhance Mood: Increases the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin, potentially improving emotional well-being.
  3. Encourage Neural Plasticity: Helps the brain form new pathways less influenced by chronic pain patterns.

Ketamine therapy, when combined with other treatments such as physical therapy and counselling, can yield a more holistic approach to chronic pain management and could potentially help people who have struggled to manage pain using traditional methods.

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Benefits of Ketamine Therapy for Pain Management

Ketamine Therapy has shown efficacy for chronic pain management is some studies, especially around Fibromyalgia. Alongside some of the major studies now underway in the UK including the EDEN project, new information on the benefits of ketamine as a treatment for a range of physical and mental disabilities is underway.

  • 1. Rapid Relief

    Ketamine is an effective medication that can quickly relieve pain, often within minutes of administration. Unlike traditional pain medications, ketamine targets specific receptors in the nervous system to help block and reduce pain signals. This means patients experiencing severe or chronic pain can find rapid comfort and relief, often when other treatments haven’t been effective.

     

    Another major advantage of ketamine is its ability to provide relief without the typical long-term risks associated with opioids, such as dependency or respiratory issues. Because of its unique action on the nervous system, ketamine is especially helpful for conditions like neuropathic pain, migraines, and postoperative discomfort. Its fast-acting and potent pain-relief qualities mean patients can experience meaningful relief quickly, improving their overall comfort and quality of life, without the worries common to traditional pain treatments.

  • 2. Versatile Application 

    Ketamine is highly valued in pain management due to its versatile applications across various medical settings. It can effectively manage different types of pain, from acute injuries and post-surgical discomfort to chronic conditions like migraines, neuropathy, and complex regional pain syndrome. Ketamine’s flexibility allows doctors to deliver it through multiple convenient methods, such as intravenous infusions, intramuscular injections, nasal sprays, lozenges, or oral medications, making it easy to use based on each patient’s specific needs and preferences.

     

    Additionally, ketamine can be safely combined with other pain-relieving medications to enhance comfort, reduce reliance on opioids, and minimise side effects. Its versatility makes it suitable not only in hospitals but also in outpatient clinics, emergency rooms, and even home-based treatments. This broad applicability allows patients to conveniently access effective pain relief tailored specifically to their medical situation, providing greater flexibility and improving their overall treatment experience.

  • 3. Reduced Dependence on Opioids

    Ketamine is increasingly recognised as an important alternative in pain management because it significantly reduces the need for opioids. Since opioids carry risks like dependency, tolerance, and severe side effects, ketamine offers a safer way to effectively control pain without these drawbacks. By targeting pain through different pathways in the nervous system, ketamine can decrease the amount of opioids patients need, helping them avoid potential addiction or long-term complications.

     

    Using ketamine alongside traditional pain treatments also means patients can experience effective pain relief at lower doses of opioids or, in some cases, eliminate opioids entirely. This is especially beneficial for individuals recovering from surgery, managing chronic pain conditions, or dealing with pain that hasn’t responded well to standard medications. As a result, ketamine helps patients achieve comfortable and safer pain relief, greatly improving their overall health and peace of mind.

  • 4. Improved Mental Health

    Ketamine provides notable benefits for mental health by rapidly improving mood and reducing anxiety, often within hours or days of treatment. Unlike traditional antidepressants, which may take weeks to have an effect, ketamine quickly restores emotional balance by promoting new connections in the brain. This rapid improvement is especially helpful for people dealing with depression, anxiety, or trauma-related conditions alongside chronic pain, offering significant emotional relief and better overall well-being.

     

    Additionally, ketamine’s positive impact on mental health can improve pain management outcomes by reducing emotional distress associated with ongoing discomfort. By addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of pain, patients often find greater relief, improved mood, and a stronger sense of control over their lives. This holistic approach not only makes pain easier to manage but also supports long-term emotional health and stability.

Ketamine Therapy for a Range of Conditions

Ketamine therapy has gained recognition for its effectiveness in treating a range of conditions, particularly those involving chronic pain and mental health disorders. Originally used as an anesthetic, ketamine is now being utilised in controlled, low doses to manage treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, anxiety, and bipolar disorder, offering rapid relief when traditional medications fail. In the realm of chronic pain management, ketamine has shown promise for conditions such as fibromyalgia, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), neuropathic pain, and chronic migraines, helping to reset pain pathways and reduce hypersensitivity.

By acting on the brain’s glutamate system and NMDA receptors, ketamine not only alleviates symptoms but also promotes neural plasticity, potentially leading to long-term improvements in mental and physical well-being. As research continues to evolve, ketamine treatment is becoming an innovative option for those seeking relief from debilitating conditions that have proven resistant to conventional therapies.

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a condition characterised by widespread pain and heightened sensitivity to touch, often linked to central sensitisation, where the nervous system becomes overactive.

Traditional treatments like Lyrica, Cymbalta, or physical therapy may not always provide relief. Ketamine helps by blocking NMDA receptors, which play a key role in pain hypersensitivity.

Some studies suggest that IV ketamine infusions can temporarily reduce pain intensity, making it a potential option for patients who do not respond well to conventional therapies.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a debilitating condition that causes severe, persistent pain, often following an injury. CRPS involves dysregulated pain signaling and inflammation, which makes it particularly difficult to treat. Ketamine helps by modulating glutamate activity, effectively reducing pain hypersensitivity.

Some research has shown that ketamine infusions can provide long-lasting relief, especially when administered early in the disease.

For severe, treatment-resistant CRPS cases, ketamine therapy is sometimes considered when other pain management strategies have failed.

Neuropathic Pain

Neuropathic pain, such as diabetic neuropathy and postherpetic neuralgia, arises from nerve damage and is notoriously difficult to manage with standard painkillers. Traditional treatments, including gabapentin, pregabalin, and opioids, may not always be effective.

Ketamine’s ability to reduce central pain amplification and potentially promote nerve healing has made it a subject of interest in neuropathic pain research.

While some clinical trials have suggested ketamine may reduce nerve pain symptoms, further studies are needed to the extent it can help sufferers of neuropathic pain.

Chronic Migraines and Headache Disorders

Chronic migraines and headache disorders can be disabling, particularly when they become refractory to standard treatments like triptans and preventive medications. Ketamine has been explored as an option for interrupting pain pathways involved in chronic migraines and cluster headaches. Some studies indicate that low-dose ketamine infusions can reduce migraine severity and frequency.


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Tips for Maximising the Benefits of Chronic Pain Management

While ketamine therapy is a potent tool, it works best when part of a broader pain management plan. Here are some practical tips for those looking to enhance their overall strategy:

Stay Informed: Research reputable medical studies or talk to your healthcare provider to understand all available treatment options.

Combine Therapies: Pair ketamine infusions with physical therapy, acupuncture, or massage for more holistic relief.

Adopt Mindfulness Practices: Techniques such as meditation and deep breathing exercises help you stay present and reduce stress levels.

Track Your Progress: Maintain a journal of your symptoms, medication schedule, and daily activities to spot patterns or improvements.

Seek Professional Guidance: Whether you’re exploring new treatments or adjusting existing ones, always consult a medical professional.

    Why Choose UlAS For Alternative Therapy

    Scotland’s Leading Psychedelic Addiction Treatment Centre

    As Scotland’s first clinic specializing in ketamine assisted therapy, Eulas Clinic combines clinical expertise, evidence-based protocols, and compassionate support. Our mission is to provide every patient with:

    • Thorough medical assessments
    • Personal treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs
    • Carefully measured, low-dose ketamine administration
    • Continuous supervision by experienced medical professionals
    • Guidance from psychologists, psychiatrists, and mental health specialists
    • Complementary therapies, including mindfulness, nutritional support, and psychotherapy
    • Structured follow-up care post-treatment
    • Access to support groups, resources, and relapse prevention strategies

    An Alternative Treatment For Chronic Pain

    Chronic Pain Management can be a complex and sometimes frustrating journey, but ketamine therapy offers a promising path toward meaningful relief. By understanding the science behind this innovative treatment and combining it with a well-rounded plan, encompassing physical, mental, and emotional support, you can reclaim your quality of life.

    If you wish to enquire about our leading therapies and to undertake an initial assessment on suitability, please contact our team using the form below.

    What Treatments Do We Offer?

    Recent research has indicated that the addition of Ketamine to psychotherapy can enhance the therapeutic outcomes for certain individuals. Another advantage of this approach is that patients typically require much lower doses of medication compared to traditional antidepressants.

    Ketamine Assisted Therapy

    A pioneering psychedelic therapy treatment for mental health. Our experienced therapists use ketamine to help you reach a deeper level of insight and healing.

    Psychotherapy Treatment for Ketamine Therapy

    Psychotherapy treatment is an essential part of our ketamine-assisted therapy programmes, ensuring you receive the emotional and psychological support needed for sustainable, long-term healing and growth.

    Breathwork

    Drug-free approach to psychedelic therapy has shown promising results in treating a range of mental health conditions and has the potential to offer a safe and effective alternative

    Meet The Team

    Find out how we use brand new developments in psychedelic advamcements to help improve addiction recovery for our clients

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      David Clogg

      Psychotherapist

      With over 15 years experience, David Clogg is an experienced psychotherapist specialising in the treatment of various mental health conditions.

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      Dr Alexander Lapa

      Psychiatrist

      Dr. Lapa, Psychiatrist at Eulas Clinics, graduated in Medicine in 2000. MBBS, PG Dip Clin Ed, OA Dip CBT, OA Dip Psychology, SCOPE Certified.

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      John Gillen

      CEO & Director

      For the past two decades John Gillen has dedicated his life to exploring the latest NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) therapies, delivering cutting-edge treatments to the UK and across Europe.

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      Sean Gillen

      Registered Manager / Director

      Sean has over 10 years’ experience in the field, during this time he has been an integral part of various services management structure.

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      Dr Pamela Walters

      Medical Director

      Pamela is our MD and consultant psychiatrist, offering extensive experience and expertise in general adult, addiction and forensic psychiatry.

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      Dr David Luke

      Patron

      Dr David Luke is currently a highly experienced Honorary Senior Lecturer and Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Greenwich.

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      Dr Lee M Riddell

      Consultant Anaesthetist

      Dr. Riddell has over 20 years of experience working with ketamine therapy and brings a wealth of expertise in the mental health sector.

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      Dr Luqman Khan

      Psychiatrist

      Dr Luqman Khan (MBchB, FRCS, MRCPsych) is a highly experienced and well-qualified psychiatrist with over ten years of experience in general psychiatry and addiction services.

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      Dr Christoph Zwolan

      Lead Therapist

      Christoph is a Senior Counselling Psychologist and Psychedelic Integration Therapist based in Edinburgh, Scotland.

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      Meghan Newton

      Virtual Reality Therapist and Admin

      Psychology graduate working as an administrator in the addiction sector, with experience in administrative duties. Further responsibilities in areas of: compliance and risk, training and development and data analysis.

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      Raymond McGregor

      Pharmacist

      Raymond McGregor is an experienced pharmacist with a strong background in providing expert pharmaceutical care.

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    Enquire About Treatment Today

    Eulas Clinic, we pride ourselves on being Scotland’s first psychedelic addiction treatment centre, offering safe, effective, and empathetic care. If you’re ready to explore how ketamine treatment in Glasgow could benefit you or a loved one, don’t hesitate to get in touch today.

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