Ketamine

At Innovative Pain Medicine, we give a personalized approach to pain relief because each person is unique. Practice physician and Pain management specialist Usman Saleem, MD, MSPT, uses state-ofthe-art methods of treating acute and chronic pain in four offices all over New York. Innovative Pain Medicine takes an integrative approach to patient care, tackling any debilitating form of pain. Diversity and accessibility are a priority here at Innovative Pain Medicine, ensuring care for all. We accept most insurances as well as workers’ compensation and nofault injury cases. We are currently welcoming new patients, so book an appointment today to get the relief you need!

Ketamine for Pain Management?

Ketamine therapy is a newer approach to managing chronic pain. While early results are promising, there’s a lot to consider before giving it a try.

What is Ketamine?

While ketamine therapy is a relatively new concept, ketamine has been used for decades. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved it as an anesthetic in 1970. However, the FDA has not approvedTrusted Source ketamine for any psychiatric disorder.

The medication acts on N-methyl-Daspartate (NMDA) receptors in the brain. These receptors operate “channels” that are like switches. Normally, a neurotransmitter called glutamate switches the NMDA receptor to the “on” position. Glutamate has excitatory effects on the brain and body, meaning it makes you feel more alert and awake. When ketamine occupies the receptor, you start to feel sleepy, rather than alert and awake. That’s why ketamine has traditionally been used as an anesthetic. Ketamine therapy is an emerging treatment for chronic pain. If you’re interested in trying it, talk to us at Innovative Pain Medicine.

Be sure to mention any other treatments you’ve tried, medications you take, and any underlying health conditions. 

How can Ketamine help?

In addition to the effects mentioned above, experts have uncovered other ketamine effects that suggest it may help with pain management: In higher doses, ketamine can work on opioid receptors. Activating these receptors can help reduce pain sensations. It can also block some sodium and potassium channels, which is similar to what local anesthetics do.

Ketamine can help increase the amount of gamma-aminobutyric acid A (GABA) in
the brain. GABA is the opposite of glutamate. It causes the brain to experience relaxed sensations. While experts are still learning about the potential benefits of using ketamine therapy for chronic pain, it may be recommended if other treatments, like opioids or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, aren’t working.

How can Ketamine help?

Usman Saleem MD, MSPT, is a highly skilled Pain Medicine Specialist and Double Board-Certified in Pain Medicine and Anesthesiology. Before attending medical school, Dr. Saleem received a Master’s in Physical Therapy (MSPT) and practiced as a Physical Therapist. He completed his Bachelor of Science at New York University, gaining knowledge and skills in Pain Management and Anesthesiology. 

Dr. Saleem is Board-Certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA) and trained in state-of-the-art methods of treating acute and chronic pain. He is also skilled and practiced in treating neck pain, back pain, shoulder pain, hip pain, and knee pain. He always takes a personalized and integrative approach to treating each patient. 

Dr. Saleem is fluent in English and Urdu.