Chronic Pain

Interrupting the pain cycle at its source

Low-dose ketamine infusions modulate the central nervous system pathways underlying chronic pain, offering meaningful relief for patients with neuropathic pain, CRPS, fibromyalgia, and other refractory pain conditions.

CRPS

Strongest evidence base

50–70%

Pain reduction reported in responders

Weeks

Duration of relief per infusion course

Chronic pain affects an estimated 20% of Canadian adults and is one of the leading causes of disability, lost productivity, and opioid dependence. For many patients, conventional treatments — NSAIDs, opioids, nerve blocks, physiotherapy — provide only partial relief, if any.

Ketamine addresses chronic pain through a fundamentally different mechanism than opioids or anti-inflammatory agents. It acts on NMDA receptors involved in central sensitization — the process by which the nervous system becomes “wound up” and amplifies pain signals long after the original injury has resolved.

In carefully selected patients, ketamine infusions can interrupt this central sensitization cycle, producing meaningful and sometimes durable pain reduction. It is particularly well-evidenced for complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), neuropathic pain, and fibromyalgia.

How ketamine helps with chronic pain

Chronic pain often involves central sensitization — a state in which NMDA receptors in the spinal cord and brain become hypersensitized, amplifying pain signals. Ketamine’s potent NMDA receptor blockade directly interrupts this sensitization loop. It also modulates descending pain inhibitory pathways and has anti-inflammatory properties at the spinal cord level. For conditions like CRPS and fibromyalgia, this central reset can produce relief that outlasts the infusion by weeks or months.

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What to expect — your treatment path

Detailed pain history and prior treatment review

Baseline pain assessment (VAS, NRS) and functional scoring

Pain-optimized infusion protocol — dosing may differ from psychiatric protocols

Series of infusions over 5–10 days for pain indications

Pain diaries and functional assessments throughout treatment

Coordination with your pain specialist or physiatrist

The evidence base

Peer-reviewed evidence supports ketamine for neuropathic pain and CRPS, with numerous case series, RCTs, and systematic reviews (Orhurhu et al., Anesthesia & Analgesia 2019) confirming clinically meaningful pain reduction. The Canadian Pain Society recognizes ketamine as an option for refractory neuropathic pain. Evidence for fibromyalgia and other centralized pain syndromes is growing.

Common questions about ketamine for chronic pain

Can ketamine replace my opioid medications?

Ketamine is not intended to replace opioids abruptly. However, for some patients, successful ketamine therapy allows for meaningful opioid dose reduction, which is a significant secondary benefit. Any medication changes are made in coordination with your prescribing physician.

How long does the pain relief last?

Duration of relief varies widely. Some patients experience weeks to months of significant pain reduction from a single course; others benefit most from periodic infusions every 6–12 weeks. Response is highly individual and assessed closely throughout.

I have been referred by my pain specialist. What's the process?

Clinician referrals are welcomed. We will request your pain history and relevant investigations, conduct our own assessment, and maintain communication with your referring specialist throughout the treatment process.

Ready to explore treatment for chronic pain?

Our clinical team will review your history and answer your questions — confidentially and with no obligation.