How Ketamine Infusions Work for Chronic Pain and Nerve Disorders

Living with chronic pain or nerve-related disorders can feel like a never-ending battle, especially when traditional treatments no longer provide relief. For patients who have exhausted conventional therapies, ketamine infusions offer a promising, science-backed option to help manage pain, improve function, and restore quality of life.

At Greater Austin Pain Center, we offer ketamine infusion therapy as part of our comprehensive approach to treating chronic pain and nerve disorders. Here's what you need to know about how ketamine works, what conditions it can treat, and whether it might be right for you.

What Are Ketamine Infusions?

A Modern Use for an Established Medication

Ketamine was originally developed as an anesthetic, but today, low-dose ketamine infusions are used in a variety of medical settings, particularly for treatment-resistant pain and neuropathic conditions. Administered through an IV under medical supervision, ketamine offers fast-acting relief by targeting key pain pathways in the nervous system.

How Ketamine Affects the Nervous System

Ketamine works differently from opioids and other pain medications. It functions primarily as an NMDA receptor antagonist, meaning it blocks a specific receptor in the brain that plays a key role in amplifying pain signals. By disrupting this feedback loop, ketamine can "reset" the nervous system, providing relief for patients whose pain pathways have become overactive or dysfunctional over time.

What Conditions Can Ketamine Infusions Treat?

Ketamine infusions are most often used for chronic pain that is resistant to conventional treatments, especially when nerve involvement is a factor. Some of the most common conditions we treat with ketamine include:

Chronic Pain Conditions

• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
• Fibromyalgia
• Chronic back and neck pain
• Chronic migraines

Nerve Disorders

• Peripheral neuropathy
• Postherpetic neuralgia (nerve pain after shingles)
• Spinal cord injury pain
• Diabetic neuropathy

Pain and Mood: A Dual Benefit

Many people living with chronic pain also suffer from anxiety or depression. Ketamine is unique in that it can address both physical and emotional pain by modulating neurotransmitters like glutamate. This makes it a valuable tool for improving overall well-being, not just symptom relief.

How the Ketamine Infusion Process Works

Step 1: Consultation and Evaluation

Before treatment begins, you’ll meet with one of our pain specialists to review your medical history, current symptoms, and previous treatments. We’ll determine whether ketamine therapy is a safe and appropriate next step for your condition.

Step 2: During the Infusion

During your appointment, you’ll receive a low-dose ketamine infusion via IV over the course of 40 to 60 minutes. You’ll be comfortably seated and closely monitored by a member of our team to ensure your safety. Most patients remain awake but feel relaxed or slightly dissociated.

Step 3: After the Infusion

You’ll be observed for a short period after your treatment before returning home. Some patients feel relief within hours, while others may notice improvement after a series of treatments. Your provider will develop a custom infusion plan based on your response.

Benefits and Potential Side Effects

Benefits of Ketamine Infusions

• Rapid pain relief—often within hours or days
• Improved nerve function and mobility
• Reduced reliance on opioids or other medications
• Boosted mood and mental clarity
• Safe for long-term use in monitored settings

Potential Side Effects

While ketamine is generally well tolerated, some patients experience mild side effects such as:

• Temporary dissociation or altered perception
• Nausea or dizziness
• Increased blood pressure or heart rate (monitored during treatment)
• Fatigue after the session

These effects are usually short-lived and resolve shortly after the infusion ends.

Is Ketamine Right for Your Condition?

Ketamine is not a first-line treatment, but it may be the right choice for patients with chronic pain or nerve disorders who haven’t found relief through other means. Ideal candidates:

• Have been diagnosed with a chronic pain condition
• Have not responded well to traditional treatments or medications
• Are under the care of a pain specialist
• Want to avoid long-term opioid use or invasive procedures

Our team at Greater Austin Pain Center will assess your condition and walk you through the pros and cons of ketamine therapy, always with your comfort and safety in mind.

Ready to Explore Ketamine Therapy?

If you're living with chronic pain or a nerve disorder, and want to learn whether ketamine infusion therapy is right for you. With locations in Austin, San Marcos, Kyle, and throughout the Austin area, we’re committed to offering local, compassionate pain management care. 

Contact Greater Austin Pain Center today. We’ll answer your questions, evaluate your needs, and build a plan that moves you toward relief safely and effectively.