Ketamine Therapy for Chronic Pain: How It Works to Reset Pain Pathways

Living with chronic pain can make even simple daily tasks feel impossible. When standard treatments fail, you may feel like you have run out of options.

At The Beloved Medicine Clinic, Pain and Spine in Dallas, TX, Dr. John Melek offers advanced options like ketamine for chronic pain. This therapy is gaining attention for its ability to target treatment-resistant pain. We design personalized plans to help you reclaim your comfort.

What is ketamine therapy for chronic pain?

Ketamine is an anesthetic that doctors now use in lower doses to manage severe, ongoing pain. It works directly on the central nervous system to quiet hyperactive pain signals. 

For many, this treatment offers hope when other therapies fail. However, clinical results can vary. A 2025 systematic review by the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews analyzed 67 trials of adults with chronic non-cancer pain. The authors found that ketamine did not show a clear, consistent advantage over a placebo across all patients.

Because of this, we perform careful evaluations to see if you are a good candidate. We focus on finding the right approach for your unique body.

How does ketamine help manage chronic pain?

While clinical trials show mixed results, real-world outpatient programs show promising benefits for specific patients.

A 2025 study in Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine followed 1,034 US adults with chronic refractory pain. Researchers found that 15.7% to 46.4% of patients achieved meaningful improvements in physical and mental health. These patients received a five-day series of daily infusions, and their improvements lasted through three- and six-month follow-ups.

At our Dallas, TX clinic, we use these structured protocols to help build a cumulative, lasting effect. We often combine infusions with other therapies, such as treatments for complex regional pain syndrome or nerve pain.

What should you expect during treatment?

Ketamine infusions for pain require higher doses and longer times than those used for mental health.

According to the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, pain protocols require continuous infusions over several hours or days. This is different from the shorter, lower-dose sessions used for depression. Because of the higher doses, these infusions can cause temporary changes in your heart rate and blood pressure.

The American Society of Anesthesiologists states that ketamine can alter cardiovascular and central nervous system functions. This makes strict medical monitoring essential. We monitor your vital signs closely during every session to ensure you remain safe and comfortable.

How we ensure your safety at The Beloved Medicine Clinic, Pain and Spine

Your safety is our absolute priority. We never start ketamine therapy without a thorough medical screening.

We evaluate your cardiovascular health, liver function, and medical history before your first session. This screening helps us minimize risks and tailor your dosage. Dr. John Melek personally oversees your care, providing a highly monitored, professional environment for every infusion.

If you are ready to explore new options for pain relief, we are here to help. Please contact our team in Dallas, TX to schedule a consultation today.