Are you struggling with persistent pain that seems to have no end in sight? At Southern Ketamine & Wellness, we understand how debilitating chronic pain and neuropathic pain can be. Located in Birmingham, AL, our clinic is dedicated to providing effective, compassionate care tailored to your unique needs. In this blog, we’ll explore the differences between chronic pain and neuropathic pain, and how our innovative ketamine infusions can help you reclaim the fullness of life.
What Is Chronic Pain?
Chronic pain, also called Chronic Pain Syndrome (CPS), refers to persistent pain that lasts longer than three months and doesn’t go away after typical healing. It can result from injuries, surgeries, or medical conditions like fibromyalgia or arthritis—but in many cases, no clear cause is found. This ongoing discomfort can significantly impact your quality of life, making everyday activities feel overwhelming.
At Southern Ketamine & Wellness, we offer ketamine infusions in Birmingham and Opelika, AL as part of a comprehensive strategy for managing chronic pain. Our goal is to help you find relief and regain control over your life.
What Is Neuropathic Pain?
Neuropathic pain is caused by nerve damage or dysfunction. It often feels like burning, stabbing, tingling, or electric-shock-like pain. Unlike other types of pain, neuropathic pain may not respond well to traditional medications like NSAIDs or opioids. This can leave you feeling frustrated and hopeless, especially when conventional treatments fail to provide relief.
Conditions like diabetes, shingles, chemotherapy, HIV, and spinal injuries are commonly associated with neuropathic pain. Understanding the nature of your pain is crucial for effective treatment, and that’s where we come in.
Shared and Distinct Symptoms
Both chronic and neuropathic pain may cause fatigue, sleep issues, anxiety, and depression—but the physical sensations can be quite different. Chronic pain often involves aching or soreness in muscles and joints, while neuropathic pain tends to feel sharp, shooting, or numb.
Understanding these differences helps guide appropriate treatment—and ketamine is uniquely positioned to support both. By identifying the specific type of pain you’re experiencing, we can tailor a treatment plan that addresses your individual needs.
Why Ketamine Is Effective for Both
Ketamine works by blocking NMDA receptors in the brain and spinal cord, which are involved in pain signaling and hypersensitivity. This mechanism helps disrupt the feedback loop of pain and inflammation, offering fast and often long-lasting relief.
Additionally, ketamine promotes neuroplasticity by boosting glutamate and BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor), which can help restore damaged nerve pathways in cases of neuropathic pain. At Southern Ketamine & Wellness, we’ve seen patients with fibromyalgia, CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome), RLS (Restless Leg Syndrome), and post-surgical nerve pain find new hope through ketamine infusions.
What to Expect from Treatment
When you choose to explore ketamine infusions at our clinic, you’ll begin with a consultation to review your pain history, health background, and goals. This personalized approach ensures that we understand your unique situation and can create a tailored treatment plan.
Infusions are administered in our relaxing Birmingham or Opelika clinic, supervised by Dr. Harrison Irons and our experienced team. Each session lasts 45–60 minutes, with most patients reporting symptom relief after just one to three infusions.
We collaborate with pain management physicians and therapists to support a full-circle recovery process tailored to your needs. Our infusions are delivered in a serene environment where healing is supported by science and guided by empathy.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re dealing with chronic or neuropathic pain, you deserve relief that meets your body’s unique needs. At Southern Ketamine & Wellness, we believe in helping you reclaim the fullness of life—starting with effective, compassionate pain care.
If you’re ready to take the next step toward relief, contact us today to schedule your consultation. Together, we can explore the best options for managing your pain and improving your quality of life.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
