FIBROMYALGIA

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread pain, tenderness, and stiffness of muscles and associated connective tissue structures. It is typically accompanied by fatigue, headache, and sleep disturbances.

Although the cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, many physicians believe that it is linked to faulty communication between the brain and nerve pain signals. Fibromyalgia commonly occurs in people who also struggle with mood disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

How We Help

Our integrated approach to healing fibromyalgia combines ketamine infusion therapy, medication management, lifestyle coaching, and talk-therapy into one treatment plan to address the whole person.

Ketamine works in a variety of ways to decrease pain. It decreases inflammation, regulates glutamate (an important brain fuel source), and increases synaptogenesis and neuroplasticity.

Chronic inflammation can wreak havoc on the body. High levels of inflammatory hormones lead to significant reductions in the size and function of neurons. This can result in nerve cell death. Repeated doses of ketamine protect, repair, and rebuild the damage caused by chronic stress (Ng, Huang, Chang, Chan, & Lai, 2018).

“Ketamine acts both centrally and peripherally. Its action is mediated by multiple receptor subtypes including opioid, NMDA, alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionate, kainite, and gamma-amino butyric acid A receptors. In chronic pain, ketamine appears to interact with the NMDA receptor. When stimulated, primarily by the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate, the NMDA receptor leads to central sensitization via an upregulating feedback mechanism, a potential pathway for chronic pain. Reversal of central sensitization by NMDA-receptor antagonists such as ketamine is believed to reduce pain and may reduce the amount of opioid analgesics patients need as well” (Patil & Antiescu, 2012).

Central sensitization is a state in which the nervous system is always in a state of high reactivity. This results in heightened feelings of pain to non-pain provoking stimuli. The nerves affected by central sensitization have a much lower activation threshold than “healthy” nerves. Central sensitization is thought to occur as a result of decreased pain thresholds, previous injury, and the stress response. Chronic stress is a known causative factor in lowered pain thresholds which may lead to chronic pain conditions.3-4 Allodynia and hyperalgesia are the result of central sensitization.

Allodynia is a disorder in which pain is felt by things that are not painful. Example – if you have central sensitization in your leg, you may be extremely sensitive to bed sheets, light touch, or hot or cold temperatures. These normally non-painful stimuli can evoke massive amounts of pain.

Hyperalgesia is a heightened response to a mildly painful event resulting in an excessive and exaggerated response to pain. Example – bumping your leg on a table may be mildly painful, but with hyperalgesia may feel as though your leg is being amputated.

Frequently, people with chronic pain conditions experience depression and anxiety. It becomes a vicious self-perpetuating cycle. We address the body to help you overcome your pain and your mind and spirit to help you regain your sense of self and purpose. Our integrated approach to medicine addresses all these variables through a variety of therapeutic interventions such as medications, lifestyle coaching, and talk-therapy to help you stabilize and regain your health and inner peace.

“The treatments have exceeded my highest expectations! I have had almost no fibromyalgia pain, and I’ve been able to relax without feeling anxious or depressed about missing out on family time due to having to stay behind during family activities. I can honestly say I feel better than I have in a long, long time. This has been a miraculous improvement, and I intend to recommend it to others!”

– Melisa S. | Patient of Alleviant Health Centers & Depression Sufferer

Ketamine Infusion Therapy for Pain

Ketamine works in the nervous system to help break cycles of chronic pain caused by nerve damage and faulty communication. Ketamine has also potent anti-inflammatory properties and increases circulation in the body, reducing joint pain brought by swelling. We administer low, controlled doses of ketamine through an IV infusion. Many patients find immediate relief from chronic pain during their first infusion.

Ketamine Infusion Therapy for Depressive Symptoms

Ketamine Infusion Therapy can also provide rapid relief from depressive symptoms for a significant number of patients. In controlled, specific amounts, ketamine stimulates the creation and remodeling of neurons that have atrophied in depression. Approximately 70% of patients may experience a significant reduction in symptoms  – many during their first infusion, which creates an excellent opportunity for rapid healing of emotional trauma with a therapist post infusion.

Comprehensive Psychiatric Care 

Comprehensive psychiatric care includes psychiatric evaluations, individual and group counseling, medication management, lifestyle coaching and talk therapy. We recognize that each patient requires individualized attention and we’re committed to helping you maintain the right treatment regimen for your particular diagnosis. Our team of supportive psychiatric professionals and counselors enjoy walking alongside our patients during their healing journey.

Symptoms

The symptoms accompanying fybromyalgia often include the following:

  • Widespread pain. The pain associated with fibromyalgia often is described as a constant dull ache that has lasted for at least three months. To be considered widespread, the pain must occur on both sides of your body and above and below your waist.

  • Fatigue. The widespread pain of fibromyalgia causes people to wake up tired, even though they report sleeping for long periods of time. Often, patients with fibromyalgia have other sleep disorders, such as restless leg syndrome and sleep apnea.

  • Cognitive difficulties. A symptom commonly referred to as “fibro fog” impairs the ability to focus, pay attention, and concentrate on mental tasks.

  • Migraine Headaches

  • Sleep Issues

  • Depression and anxiety

FIBROMYALGIA

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread pain, tenderness, and stiffness of muscles and associated connective tissue structures. It is typically accompanied by fatigue, headache, and sleep disturbances.

Although the cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, many physicians believe that it is linked to faulty communication between the brain and nerve pain signals. Fibromyalgia commonly occurs in people who also struggle with mood disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

Symptoms

The symptoms accompanying fybromyalgia often include the following:

  • Widespread pain. The pain associated with fibromyalgia often is described as a constant dull ache that has lasted for at least three months. To be considered widespread, the pain must occur on both sides of your body and above and below your waist.

  • Fatigue. The widespread pain of fibromyalgia causes people to wake up tired, even though they report sleeping for long periods of time. Often, patients with fibromyalgia have other sleep disorders, such as restless leg syndrome and sleep apnea.

  • Cognitive difficulties. A symptom commonly referred to as “fibro fog” impairs the ability to focus, pay attention, and concentrate on mental tasks.

  • Migraine Headaches

  • Sleep Issues

  • Depression and anxiety

How We Help

How We Help

Our integrated approach to healing fibromyalgia combines ketamine infusion therapy, medication management, lifestyle coaching, and talk-therapy into one treatment plan to address the whole person.

Ketamine works in a variety of ways to decrease pain. It decreases inflammation, regulates glutamate (an important brain fuel source), and increases synaptogenesis and neuroplasticity.

Chronic inflammation can wreak havoc on the body. High levels of inflammatory hormones lead to significant reductions in the size and function of neurons. This can result in nerve cell death. Repeated doses of ketamine protect, repair, and rebuild the damage caused by chronic stress (Ng, Huang, Chang, Chan, & Lai, 2018).

“Ketamine acts both centrally and peripherally. Its action is mediated by multiple receptor subtypes including opioid, NMDA, alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionate, kainite, and gamma-amino butyric acid A receptors. In chronic pain, ketamine appears to interact with the NMDA receptor. When stimulated, primarily by the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate, the NMDA receptor leads to central sensitization via an upregulating feedback mechanism, a potential pathway for chronic pain. Reversal of central sensitization by NMDA-receptor antagonists such as ketamine is believed to reduce pain and may reduce the amount of opioid analgesics patients need as well” (Patil & Antiescu, 2012).

Central sensitization is a state in which the nervous system is always in a state of high reactivity. This results in heightened feelings of pain to non-pain provoking stimuli. The nerves affected by central sensitization have a much lower activation threshold than “healthy” nerves. Central sensitization is thought to occur as a result of decreased pain thresholds, previous injury, and the stress response. Chronic stress is a known causative factor in lowered pain thresholds which may lead to chronic pain conditions.3-4 Allodynia and hyperalgesia are the result of central sensitization.

Allodynia is a disorder in which pain is felt by things that are not painful. Example – if you have central sensitization in your leg, you may be extremely sensitive to bed sheets, light touch, or hot or cold temperatures. These normally non-painful stimuli can evoke massive amounts of pain.

Hyperalgesia is a heightened response to a mildly painful event resulting in an excessive and exaggerated response to pain. Example – bumping your leg on a table may be mildly painful, but with hyperalgesia may feel as though your leg is being amputated.

Frequently, people with chronic pain conditions experience depression and anxiety. It becomes a vicious self-perpetuating cycle. We address the body to help you overcome your pain and your mind and spirit to help you regain your sense of self and purpose. Our integrated approach to medicine addresses all these variables through a variety of therapeutic interventions such as medications, lifestyle coaching, and talk-therapy to help you stabilize and regain your health and inner peace.

“The treatments have exceeded my highest expectations! I have had almost no fibromyalgia pain, and I’ve been able to relax without feeling anxious or depressed about missing out on family time due to having to stay behind during family activities. I can honestly say I feel better than I have in a long, long time. This has been a miraculous improvement, and I intend to recommend it to others!”

– Melisa S. | Patient of Alleviant Health Centers & Depression Sufferer

Ketamine Infusion Therapy for Pain

Ketamine works in the nervous system to help break cycles of chronic pain caused by nerve damage and faulty communication. Ketamine has also potent anti-inflammatory properties and increases circulation in the body, reducing joint pain brought by swelling. We administer low, controlled doses of ketamine through an IV infusion. Many patients find immediate relief from chronic pain during their first infusion.

Ketamine Infusion Therapy for Depressive Symptoms

Ketamine Infusion Therapy can also provide rapid relief from depressive symptoms for a significant number of patients. In controlled, specific amounts, ketamine stimulates the creation and remodeling of neurons that have atrophied in depression. Approximately 70% of patients may experience a significant reduction in symptoms  – many during their first infusion, which creates an excellent opportunity for rapid healing of emotional trauma with a therapist post infusion.

Comprehensive Psychiatric Care 

Comprehensive psychiatric care includes psychiatric evaluations, individual and group counseling, medication management, lifestyle coaching and talk therapy. We recognize that each patient requires individualized attention and we’re committed to helping you maintain the right treatment regimen for your particular diagnosis. Our team of supportive psychiatric professionals and counselors enjoy walking alongside our patients during their healing journey.

We are here to help you

Reach out to us by calling 866-951-HEAL, stopping by a clinic close to you, or filling out the form. One of our intake coordinators will be in contact with you within 24 to 48 hours.