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How do you manage chronic pain

How Do You Manage Chronic Pain?

You got a small paper cut, put on some ointment and a bandage, and never gave it a second thought. Why? Because you knew the cause and that the pain would eventually subside. But what if you experience pain without injury or illness, and it lingers for months or years? How do you manage that pain? 

What is Chronic Pain?

Chronic pain is discomfort that lingers for more than three months. It can be pervasive, or it may start and stop. Chronic pain can occur anywhere in your body.

“Chronic pain can interfere with your daily activities, such as working, having a social life, and taking care of yourself or others. It can lead to depression, anxiety, and trouble sleeping, making your pain worse. This response creates a cycle that’s difficult to break.”

Types of Chronic Pain

If you suffer from chronic pain symptoms, some of them can be managed with ketamine. They include headaches, post-surgical pain, pain after trauma, low back pain, cancer, arthritis pain, pain resulting from nerve damage, and pain not derived from disease, injury, or nerve impairment.

According to some estimates, more than 1.5 billion people globally experience chronic pain. It’s the most widespread reason for long-term disability in America, harming about 100 million citizens.

How Do You Manage Chronic Pain?

Some people manage chronic pain in various ways, some recognized by science, some not at all. But before you attempt to manage chronic pain, you need to know the symptoms. Common chronic pain symptoms may include moderate to very severe pain that doesn’t go away as you’d expect following an illness or injury. Everyone has a different experience with pain and different thresholds, but chronic pain is often described as:

  • a dull ache
  • soreness
  • rigidity
  • stinging
  • squeezing
  • pulsing
  • burning
  • shooting

What Causes Chronic Pain?

Chronic pain may be caused by injury, illness, psychological trauma, or something else not easily identified. There also could be an underlying health issue, such as:

  • Chronic fatigue syndrome, where you oftentimes experience intense, protracted tiredness that’s often escorted by pain
  • Endometriosis, which is an excruciating condition that happens if the uterine lining develops outside the uterus
  • Fibromyalgia, which is pervasive discomfort within your bones and muscles
  • Inflammatory bowel disease, a set of conditions that results in painful, chronic swelling in a person’s digestive tract
  • A chronic disorder (interstitial cystitis) characterized by bladder pressure and discomfort
  • Temporomandibular joint dysfunction, where a person suffers from uncomfortable clicking, popping, or jaw locking 
  • Chronic vulva pain happens but as no precise cause

Are There Pain Management Techniques?

Yes, some of which people have used successfully for years to control their chronic pain symptoms. Here are some things to try as needed.

  • Try whole-body stretches, soothing yoga, or tai chi in 10 to 15 minute stretches each day.
  • Follow an activity plan recommended by your healthcare provider to strengthen muscles, better your mood, and take your mind off the pain. 
  • Try passive or progressive muscle relaxation, relaxed breathing, or mindfulness. 
  • Engage in regular planning by balancing daily tasks, leisure, and other duties to foster structure and routine. Be sure to take regular breaks. 
  • Find out what else may worsen the pain. It may be beneficial to treat anxiety and depression to minimize pain and boost your quality of life. Talk with a doctor or therapist if you notice signs of anxiety or depression. 
  • Stay positive and do the things you enjoy, which may take some effort. Finding enjoyable activities has been known to reduce the impacts of pain indicators in the body.
  • Spending time with loved ones and friends in person or remotely can lessen your focus on pain. 
  • Try and get a good night’s sleep.

Final Thoughts

Chronic pain can be confusing and, sometimes, even depressing. By its very nature, but it can also result in other physical and psychological issues that may need treatment. If you suffer from chronic pain symptoms, contact us today to learn more about treatment options for chronic pain.

 

Other-perinatal postpartum-mood-disorders

Other Perinatal/Postpartum Mood Disorders

Postpartum depression is a common complication of childbirth, affecting up to 15 percent of new mothers. Symptoms of postpartum depression can include feeling sad, anxious, or empty; feeling guilty, hopeless, or worthless; having trouble sleeping, eating, or concentrating; or experiencing angry outbursts and mood swings.

However, postpartum depression is not the only mood disorder affecting new mothers. Other perinatal/postpartum mood disorders can occur during pregnancy or after childbirth. They are as follows:

Anxiety

Anxiety is a common symptom during pregnancy, and for some people, it can become more severe during pregnancy or postpartum. Anxiety symptoms may include restlessness or “on edge,” fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and sleep disturbances.

Perinatal anxiety could be centered around fear of childbirth, adjusting to motherhood, excessive worry about the health and safety of the baby, or financial stressors, to name a few. Anxiety can make taking care of yourself and your baby difficult and may interfere with mother-child bonding.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

OCD is a mental illness characterized by intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions). Perinatal OCD can develop during pregnancy or after childbirth and can be triggered by the stress of caring for a new baby.

Symptoms of OCD can include intrusive thoughts about harm coming to your baby, and compulsive behaviors such as excessive cleaning or checking on your baby. It’s estimated that between 1.7 and 4 percent of women have their OCD onset after childbirth.

Like other perinatal mood disorders, OCD can make caring for yourself and your baby challenging and may interfere with the bonding process.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD is a mental illness that can develop after exposure to a traumatic or life-threatening event. For some women, the experience of childbirth can be traumatizing and can lead to the development of PTSD.

Symptoms of PTSD include flashbacks, nightmares, difficulty sleeping, irritability, and avoidance of people or situations that remind you of the trauma. People with postpartum PTSD may avoid or delay getting pregnant again or may choose a different delivery method if they do get pregnant again.

Postpartum Psychosis

Postpartum psychosis is a rare but serious mental illness that can develop a few weeks after childbirth. It is characterized by hallucinations, delusions, manic or depressed mood, and erratic behavior. Postpartum psychosis can lead to suicide or infanticide and requires immediate medical treatment.

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mental illness characterized by extreme and often erratic mood swings. These mood swings can include periods of mania, where you feel an elevated mood and increased energy, and periods of depression, characterized by low mood and decreased energy levels.

For mothers with mild undiagnosed bipolar II disorder, the stress and drastic changes associated with childbirth can cause symptoms to become more pronounced. This can lead to sleep disturbance, irritability, and reckless behavior.

Risk Factors?

Certain risk factors can make new mothers more susceptible to developing perinatal mood disorders. These include:

  • A history of depression or anxiety
  • A family history of depression or anxiety
  • Stressful experiences or complications during pregnancy or childbirth
  • Lack of social support
  • Stressful life events
  • High-risk pregnancy
  • Depression or anxiety during pregnancy
  • Unplanned pregnancy
  • Sleep deprivation

If you have any of the above risk factors, it does not definitively mean that you will develop a perinatal mood disorder. However, it is crucial to be aware of the risk factors and seek help if you are experiencing any symptoms.

Final Thoughts

While having a baby is an amazing experience for most people, it can also come with various challenges, including mood disorders like postpartum depression and anxiety. It’s essential to take care of yourself physically, emotionally, and psychologically and take the necessary steps to get help if you’re struggling to keep up with the challenges of parenthood.

 

The symptoms of fibromyalgia

The Symptoms Of Fibromyalgia

If you’re tired, have trouble sleeping or remembering, or struggle with high or low moods, it may not just be caused by stress at school, work or home. If these continue indefinitely and interfere with daily chores, you may be experiencing the first signs of a disorder known as fibromyalgia.

WHAT IS FIBROMYALGIA?

“Fibromyalgia is a common neurologic health problem that causes widespread pain and tenderness (sensitivity to touch). The pain and tenderness tend to come and go and move about the body. Most often, people with this chronic (long-term) illness are fatigued (very tired) and have sleep problems. The diagnosis can be made with a careful examination.”

Fibromyalgia is a condition most common in women, though it can happen in men. It mostly begins in middle adulthood.

WHO GETS FIBROMYALGIA?

Fibromyalgia impacts as many as four million Americans older than 18. The average age range when the condition is diagnosed is between 35 and 45 years old, but most people have experienced symptoms, particularly chronic pain, much earlier in their lives. Fibromyalgia is more widespread in women than in men. There’s no definitive relationship between specific hormones and the condition, but scientists have observed some possible solid connections with premenstrual syndrome and primary dysmenorrhea.

THE SYMPTOMS OF FIBROMYALGIA

People who suffer from fibromyalgia or another chronic pain condition can relieve symptoms in many ways. Certain kinds of therapy have been known to help, but research has also uncovered intriguing evidence that ketamine treatment may relieve symptoms, also.

The primary symptoms of fibromyalgia include:

  • Pervasive discomfort. The pain related to fibromyalgia often is described as a dull ache that has persisted for a minimum of three months. To be deemed widespread, the pain must happen on both sides of the body and above and below the waistline.
  • Tiredness. People experiencing fibromyalgia often wake up tired, even though they describe sleeping for long stretches of time. Sleep is frequently disrupted by pain, and many people with fibromyalgia suffer other sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome.
  • Cognitive problems. A symptom sometimes described as “fibro fog” weakens your means to focus, pay attention, and concentrate on cognitive tasks.

Fibromyalgia often is accompanied by conditions, such as:

  • Anxiety
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome
  • Depression
  • Interstitial cystitis (painful bladder syndrome)
  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Migraine and other kinds of headaches
  • Postural tachycardia syndrome
  • Temporomandibular joint ailments

It’s also important to understand what triggers a fibromyalgia attack. This can include certain things which trigger fibromyalgia symptoms, especially ones that boost the level of stress. These include:

  • Adjustments in daily routines.
  • Dietary adjustments or a poor diet.
  • Hormone fluxes.
  • Loss of sleep.
  • Stressors like work, illness, emotional stress.
  • Therapy changes.
  • Change in sleep habits (like different shift work).
  • Weather or temperature shifts.

POSSIBLE RISK FACTORS

Because it’s more common in women than men, women should be aware of certain risks. The condition is more likely in people who:

  • Are overweight
  • Smoke
  • Have another rheumatic condition, like rheumatoid arthritis
  • Have a close relative with fibromyalgia, indicating a gene or genes may trigger pain when it normally wouldn’t happen.
  • Have or had trauma to the brain or spinal cord, caused by an emotional trauma, injury or repeated injuries, ailments, or an accident.

COPING STRATEGIES

Here are some strategies for living with fibromyalgia:

  • Ask your doctor or therapist about the benefits of ketamine treatment.
  • Find time to relax every day. Meditation and deep-breathing exercises will help lower the stress which can trigger symptoms.
  • Establish a consistent sleep pattern by going to bed and rising at the same time every day. Getting enough sleep allows your body to repair itself, mentally and physically. Also, resist daytime napping and limit caffeine, which can disturb sleep. Nicotine is a known stimulant, so patients with sleep trouble should quit smoking.
  • Exercise regularly. This is an important component of therapy. While hard at first, regular exercise often lowers fatigue and pain symptoms. Patients should track the saying, “Start low, go slow.” Gradually add daily exercise to your schedule. For instance, use the stairs rather than the elevator, or use a far-away parking spot at the store. As your symptoms decline with therapy, start boosting your activity. Add in some walking, water aerobics, swimming, and/or stretching workouts, and start doing things that you avoided because of the pain and other symptoms. It takes time to build a comfortable routine.
  • Educate yourself by checking in with organizations like the Arthritis Foundation and the National Fibromyalgia Association or elsewhere online for valuable information.
  • Look to the future, not the past, rather than focusing on what caused your illness.

If you’re looking for more information on treatment options and coping methods for fibromyalgia, contact us today to learn more!

 

Can migraines cause chronic neck pain

Can Migraines Cause Chronic Neck Pain?

Migraines are persistent and often debilitating headaches that can cause severe throbbing or pulsing pain on one side of your head. For most people, migraines go hand in hand with chronic neck pain or stiffness. 

Research shows that neck pain may be more common in migraine patients than nausea, one of the more well-known symptoms. In some cases, neck pain seems to be a precursor or cause of migraines, while in others – it appears to be a symptom. 

This raises the question: can migraines cause chronic neck pain? Or is neck pain a trigger for migraines? Let’s explore the connection between these two conditions.

The Link Between Migraines and Neck Pain

Migraines and neck pain often co-occur because they share common causes, such as muscle tension, posture, and stress. Muscle tension in the neck and shoulders can lead to both migraines and neck pain. Poor posture can also contribute to muscle tension and pain in the neck and head.

Stress is another common factor that can trigger both migraines and neck pain. When we’re stressed, our muscles tense up, which can result in persistent headaches and pain in the neck muscles. Stress can also cause changes in the brain that make people more susceptible to migraines.

So, while migraines and neck pain share some triggering factors, which could partly explain why they often occur together, there is evidence to suggest that migraines may cause chronic neck pain.

Migraines as a Cause of Chronic Neck Pain

In the past, neck pain was thought to be a cause rather than a symptom of migraines. While it’s possible for chronic neck pain associated with cervical musculoskeletal dysfunction to trigger migraines, new evidence suggests that migraines may also lead to the development of chronic neck pain.

One of the areas implicated in the development of migraines is the trigeminocervical complex, a bundle of nerves that extends from the head to the neck. This delicate hub of nerves is responsible for processing pain signals in the face and upper neck.

Experts believe that the trigeminocervical complex is activated during a migraine attack, causing the pain to extend from the head down into the neck. This could explain why many people with severe migraines also experience chronic neck pain.

Another study published by The Journal of Headache and Pain also concluded that migraines are one of the leading causes of chronic neck pain.

Cervicogenic Headache VS Migraine with Neck Pain

While it’s clear that migraines can provoke chronic neck pain, it’s important to distinguish between cervicogenic headaches and migraines with neck pain.

Cervicogenic headaches are caused by problems in the neck, such as injury to the nerves, and mainly affect one side of the head. This type of headache is often mistaken for migraines because they can cause similar symptoms. These include throbbing or pulsing pain that affects one side of the head and neck and increased sensitivity to light and sound.

However, a cervicogenic headache is a separate condition from migraines, and the two require different modes of treatment. If you’re not sure whether you’re dealing with a migraine or a cervicogenic headache, it’s essential to consult with a professional.

Treating Migraines with Neck Pain

Effectively managing migraines can help reduce the severity and frequency of attacks and may also help ease chronic neck pain caused by migraines. Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, may prove effective in managing both types of pain.

If OTC medications don’t work, your doctor may prescribe stronger prescription medications such as antidepressants, beta-blockers, or calcium channel blockers. These medications can help prevent migraines and also provide relief during an attack.

If your neck pain persists, your doctor may opt for ketamine infusion therapy, trigger point injections, occipital nerve blocks, or Botox injections to help curb the pain. 

In addition to medication, several lifestyle changes can help ease migraines and neck pain. These include regular exercises, massage therapy, maintaining good posture, and reducing stress can all help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines and the associated neck pain.

 

Iv vitamin injections what is coq10

IV Vitamin Injections: What Is CoQ10?

We all need vitamins and nutrients to live healthily and do the things we need to or enjoy doing. Fruits, vegetables, and other foods are a good and obvious source of vitamins, but some people may choose another route – IV vitamin injections. One kind growing in popularity relates to CoQ10.

What Are Vitamin Injections?

Vitamin injections are just what they sound like. Instead of getting vitamins naturally, you can also see your healthcare provider or a licensed, specialized clinic to have a vitamin cocktail injected into your bloodstream. The key benefit is the nutrients are provided directly into your bloodstream, completely avoiding the digestive processes linked to converting food to energy.

Symptoms of Vitamin Deficiency

For many people, a healthy diet and lifestyle result in generally good health. Your body gets all the vitamins and nutrients it needs, but what if it doesn’t? Here are signs of vitamin deficiency to watch for.

  • Fragile hair and nails
  • Lesions inside your mouth or outside it at the corners
  • Your gums may bleed
  • You have trouble seeing at night, and there may be white growth spots on your eyes
  • Scaly patches of skin and dandruff
  • Hair loss
  • You may notice goosebump-like bumps on your arms, buttocks, cheeks, or thighs
  • You may experience restless legs syndrome

What Are Antioxidants?

CoQ10, an antioxidant, plays a huge role in keeping us healthy – constantly waging a silent war against cellular invaders and other substances in our bodies that would do us harm. Antioxidants are substances in the body, numbering in the thousands, which protect our cells and genetic material from being harmed by infections, other threats, and chemicals called free radicals. Our bodies generate free radicals naturally when turning food into energy, but there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. In the case of free radicals, too many can lead to oxidative stress and other things that vitamins and minerals and antioxidants like CoQ10 defend against.

But don’t let the phrase antioxidant fool you. According to the experts at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, “It is really a chemical property, namely, the ability to act as an electron donor.” Getting more antioxidants like CoQ10 is essential, and one way to do that is through IV vitamin injections.

CoQ10 and Vitamin Injections

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an antioxidant that our bodies produce naturally. It’s something that our cells use for growth and maintenance. But as we age, levels of CoQ10 in our bodies start to go down. Low levels have also been observed in people with certain ailments, like heart disease, and in people who use a cholesterol-lowering medication called statins. While it’s found in meat, fish, and nuts, that quantity isn’t measurably significant enough to boost CoQ10 levels in your body. This leads to IV vitamin injections.

What happens if your CoQ10 levels drop?

As you get older, CoQ10 deficiency can lead to problems with:

  • Balance and coordination 
  • Seizures
  • Cognitive problems
  • Bad muscle tone
  • Spontaneous muscle contractions
  • Advanced muscle stiffness
  • Irregular eye movements
  • Vision loss due to issues with the optic nerves
  • Hearing loss because of diseases of the inner ear

Many of these problems worsen unless you’re treated with coenzyme Q10 injections or vitamin supplements.

What conditions can CoQ10 possibly help with?

  • Heart conditions, including congestive heart failure.
  • CoQ10 may help lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and cumulative cholesterol levels in those with diabetes, reducing their chance of heart disease.
  • Parkinson’s disease.
  • Statin-induced myopathy.
  • CoQ10 was shown in one test to prevent migraines, compared to patients who only received a placebo.
  • Physical performance. A study by the U.S. National Institutes of Health found that CoQ10 may improve aerobic power, anaerobic threshold, how you do when exercising, and how recovery proceeds in trained athletes and untrained individuals after exercising.

Are there any side effects?

Possible side effects of too much CoQ10 may include:

  • You experience upper abdominal discomfort
  • You don’t feel like you must eat as much
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • You have diarrhea and bowel problems
  • Headaches and dizziness
  • You may have trouble sleeping or falling asleep
  • Tiredness
  • Itchy skin or rashes
  • You could be easily agitated or irritated

If you think you’re experiencing vitamin deficiency or are susceptible to colds or infections, CoQ10 injections may be one option. But other kinds of treatment like ketamine therapy can be useful, too, for symptoms like tiredness and headaches, so ask your healthcare provider which option is best for you based on your health.

 

How does postpartum depression affect the family

How Does Postpartum Depression Affect The Family?

Postpartum depression is a type of clinical depression that can occur in the weeks or months following childbirth. While most women experience some form of temporary sadness or “baby blues” after giving birth, postpartum depression is more severe and long-lasting.

What Causes Postpartum Depression?

There is no single cause of postpartum depression. Instead, it’s thought to result from a combination of emotional, biological, and environmental factors. 

The stress of caring for a newborn, lack of enough sleep, and changes in hormone levels can all contribute to postpartum depression in new mothers.

Other factors that can increase the risk for postpartum depression include financial stress, complications during pregnancy or labor, a history of depression, lack of a social support network, unplanned pregnancy, and relationship problems.

Can Postpartum Depression Affect The Whole Family?

It is well established that postpartum depression can have a devastating effect on the mother, both emotionally and physically. But did you know that postpartum depression can also cause a significant impact on the entire family?

Here are some ways that postpartum depression can affect the family:

Problem Bonding with the Baby

One of the most common ways postpartum depression affects the family is by causing bonding impairment between the mother and her baby. The intense sadness, fatigue, and irritability associated with postpartum depression can make it difficult for a mother to feel love or affection for her child.

This can lead to feelings of guilt and inadequacy, and the mother may even become withdrawn and detached from the baby. This deprives the baby of the nurturing, affection, and tender loving care they deserve. It can also cause the baby to interact poorly with others and become socially withdrawn from a young age.

Loss of Livelihood

Severe postpartum depression can make it difficult for a mother to concentrate, make decisions, or even get out of bed in the morning. This can lead to reduced productivity, increased absenteeism from work, and in some cases, job loss. 

The loss of livelihood can have far-reaching financial repercussions and may result in a reduced quality of life for the whole family.

Strained Relationship with Partner

The emotional and physical toll of postpartum depression can strain the mother’s relationship with her partner. The constant moodiness, withdrawn behavior, and lack of intimacy can take a toll on even the strongest of relationships.

Increased Risk of Child Abuse

Unfortunately, postpartum depression can also increase the risk of child abuse. The stress, isolation, and exhaustion associated with postpartum depression can lead to frustration and anger, which may be taken out on the helpless baby.

Unstable Home Environment

In most cases, mothers are the primary caretakers of their families. When a mother is suffering from postpartum depression, the entire family suffers. The home environment can become chaotic, unpredictable, and unstable.

This can be confusing and frightening for children who rely on their parents for stability and security and may reflect in their behavior.

Misplaced Blame

Watching a loved one suffer from postpartum depression can be frustrating and confusing. It is not uncommon for the partner to blame themselves for the mother’s situation. This can lead to feelings of guilt and self-resentment. The partner may also become withdrawn and detached from the family.

Increased Risk For Depression in Fathers

While postpartum depression is most commonly associated with mothers, fathers with infant children are also at an increased risk for depression. This is often due to the stress of becoming a new father, financial worries, and sleep deprivation. The stress and emotional toll of witnessing a loved one’s struggle with postpartum depression can also increase the risk for depression in fathers.

Final Thoughts

Postpartum depression is a serious condition that can negatively affect the whole family. Luckily, it is highly treatable, and most mothers often make a full recovery.

Talk to your doctor if you think you may be suffering from postpartum depression or if you are having trouble controlling your emotions. Remember that seeking treatment is the best thing you can do for yourself and your family.

 

How to challenge ocd compulsions

How To Challenge OCD Compulsions

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that can cause significant distress and impairment. 

OCD is characterized by intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) that the person feels compelled to do in response to the obsessions.

People with OCD often realize that their obsessions and compulsions are irrational, but they feel powerless to stop them. The compulsions are usually performed in an attempt to ward off the anxiety or distress caused by the obsessions. However, these compulsions only serve to reinforce the OCD cycle and maintain the person’s fear and anxiety.

In this article from Southern Ketamine and Wellness, we’ll explore OCD — its signs and symptoms, the potential causes and triggers, and how to treat this disorder, including ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. 

We’ll also provide actionable steps you can take to challenge the obsessions and compulsions that arise from this condition.

What Is OCD?

As stated above, OCD is an anxiety disorder characterized by intrusive obsessions and compulsions, which the person feels compelled to do in response to the obsessions. 

OCD can cause significant distress and impairment in social and occupational settings and other important areas of life. 

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) estimates that OCD affects about 1 in 40 adults in the United States (about 2.3% of the population).

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of OCD?

The signs and symptoms of OCD can vary from person to person. Some people with OCD experience mainly obsessions, while others have mainly compulsions. 

Obsessions are intrusive, unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that trigger intensely distressing feelings. Common obsessions include fear of contamination, excessive worries about safety or harm, a need for symmetry or orderliness, and intrusive sexual or aggressive thoughts.

Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that a person feels compelled to do in response to an obsession. The purpose of compulsions is to try to prevent or reduce the anxiety and distress caused by the obsessions. However, compulsions are usually not effective in reducing anxiety and may even make the obsessions worse.

Common compulsions include washing and cleaning, counting, checking, touching, hoarding, and mental rituals, such as repeating words or phrases.

For many people with OCD, it may be easier to also develop other mental health disorders, such as depression, additional anxiety disorders, or substance abuse disorders.

What Causes OCD?

The exact cause of OCD is unknown. However, it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors, and there may also be a neurobiological component involved in the development of OCD.

Some studies have shown that OCD may run in families, which suggests that there may be a genetic component to the disorder. In addition, some research has found that people with OCD have abnormalities in certain brain regions and neurotransmitters.

However, it is important to note that having a family member with OCD does not guarantee that you will develop the disorder. And not everyone who has abnormalities in their brain structure or chemistry will develop OCD.

It’s also worth noting that environmental factors, such as stress, can play a role in the development of OCD. For example, OCD may be triggered by a traumatic event, such as sexual abuse or the death of a loved one.

Actionable Steps To Challenge the Obsessions and Compulsions of OCD

If you or someone you know is struggling with OCD, some things can be done to help challenge the obsessions and compulsions.

1. Keep a Journal

One of the best ways to challenge OCD obsessions and compulsions is to keep a journal. In your journal, you can track your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to your OCD. This will help you see patterns in your OCD and give you a way to vent about the things that are bothering you.

2. Identify Your Triggers

Another helpful step in challenging OCD is to identify your triggers. What are the things that make your OCD worse? Once you know what your triggers are, you can try to avoid them or be prepared for them when they do occur.

3. Challenge Your Thoughts

It’s important to remember that just because you have a thought, that does not mean it’s true. For example, just because you have an intrusive thought about harming someone does not mean that you will actually do it. Once you realize this, you can start to challenge your thoughts or attempt to let them go.

4. Expose Yourself to Your Fears

One of the most effective treatments for OCD is exposure and response prevention (ERP). This treatment involves gradually exposing yourself to the things you fear and then learning to resist the urge to engage in your compulsions.

5. Seek Professional Help

If you’re struggling to manage your OCD independently, it’s vital to seek professional help. A medical professional can provide you with support and guidance as you work to overcome your OCD.

OCD can be a very debilitating disorder, but these are a few steps you can take to challenge the obsessions and compulsions. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with OCD, don’t hesitate to reach out to someone who can support you. With treatment, it is possible to live a happy and fulfilling life.

Find Relief for OCD With Ketamine Therapy From Southern Ketamine and Wellness

If you’re struggling with OCD, ketamine therapy may be able to help. At Southern Ketamine and Wellness, we offer IV ketamine therapy for the treatment of OCD and other mental health disorders.

Ketamine has been shown to be an effective treatment for OCD. In one study, participants who received ketamine therapy showed more than 35% improvement in their OCD symptoms.

Ketamine works by increasing levels of glutamate in the brain. Glutamate is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in memory and learning, so by increasing levels of glutamate, ketamine helps to reduce the symptoms of OCD.

If you’re interested in learning more about ketamine therapy for OCD, contact us today. We would be happy to answer any of your questions and help you schedule a consultation.

[Contact Southern Ketamine and Wellness Today]

 

How to cope with covid anxiety

How To Cope With COVID Anxiety

Anxiety is a normal emotion that we all experience at one time or another. 

It’s what we feel when we’re worried, nervous, or scared about something. But for some people, anxiety can be much more than just an occasional feeling. It can be an ongoing and overwhelming experience that impacts their daily lives.

For many people, the COVID-19 pandemic has been a source of immense anxiety. 

The virus itself is scary, and the potential consequences of contracting it are serious. But beyond that, the pandemic has also created a great deal of uncertainty and disruption in our lives. 

We’re suddenly dealing with new challenges like working from home, homeschooling our children, and managing our finances during an economic downturn. Plus, we’re having to do all of this while maintaining social distancing and avoiding contact with others as much as possible.

It’s no wonder that so many people are feeling anxious right now. The good news is that there are things you can do to manage your anxiety and feel better.

What Causes Anxiety?

There are a number of things that can cause anxiety. In some cases, it may be due to an underlying health condition like heart disease, thyroid problems, or diabetes. Other times, it may result from medications you’re taking or substance abuse. But for many people, anxiety is caused by stress.

Stressful life events like divorce, job loss, or the death of a loved one can trigger anxiety. Even day-to-day stressors like work deadlines, traffic jams, or family arguments can contribute to it.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a considerable source of stress for many people. In addition to the virus itself, we’re also dealing with the economic impacts of the pandemic as well as changes to our daily routines and social interactions. 

All of this can lead to anxiety.

What Are the Symptoms of Anxiety?

Anxiety can cause a variety of physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms. 

Physical symptoms include:

  • Racing heart
  • Sweating
  • Trembling
  • Shortness of breath
  • Stomach upset
  • Headache
  • Fatigue

Emotional symptoms include feeling restless, irritable, on edge, or worried. Behavioral symptoms include avoidance of certain situations, difficulty concentrating, or difficulty sleeping.

People with anxiety may also experience panic attacks. A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear or anxiety that usually lasts for a few minutes. During a panic attack, you may have physical symptoms like a racing heart, shortness of breath, or chest pain. 

You may also feel dizzy, lightheaded, or nauseous. Panic attacks can be very frightening and may make you feel like you’re having a heart attack or going crazy.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms on a regular basis, it’s essential to talk to your doctor. They can help you determine if your symptoms are due to anxiety or another health problem.

Coping With COVID Anxiety

If you’re struggling with anxiety, there are some actionable steps you can take to feel better:

Get the Facts

Make sure you’re getting your information from reliable sources, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the World Health Organization (WHO). Also, limit your exposure to media coverage of the pandemic. This can help put your mind on other things while avoiding exposure to possible sensationalism. 

Connect With Others

Isolation can make anxiety worse, so reach out to your friends and family, even if it’s just virtually. Schedule a regular time to check in with each other or join an online support group. Talking to others who are going through the same thing can be very helpful.

Take Care of Yourself

It’s important to take care of yourself both physically and mentally. 

Eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and getting enough sleep can help reduce anxiety. Try to find ways to relax, such as reading, listening to music, or spending time in nature.

Focus On What You Can Control

One of the things that can make anxiety worse is feeling like you have no control over what’s happening, so it’s crucial to focus on the things you can control. You can’t control the pandemic, but you can control how you respond to it. 

You can control your own behavior, such as washing your hands regularly and wearing a mask when you’re in public. You can also control your environment, such as making sure your home is clean and clutter-free.

Remember, this situation is temporary. The pandemic will eventually end, and life will go back to normal. In the meantime, focus on taking care of yourself and those around you. 

Do what you can to stay healthy and safe, and try to find the silver linings in other aspects of your life.

Know That You’re Not Alone

Millions of people are struggling with anxiety during this pandemic, so if you’re feeling anxious, remember that you’re not alone. 

People worldwide are dealing with the same thing, and it’s important to talk to someone about how you’re feeling — whether it’s a friend, family member, or therapist, talking to someone can help you feel better.

Get Help and Relief From Medical Professionals

If your anxiety is severe or interfering with your everyday life, you may need to see a mental health professional. They can provide you with tools and strategies to manage your anxiety and get you back on track to a happy, healthy, stress-free life.

Receive Ketamine Infusion Therapy From Southern Ketamine and Wellness

If you’re struggling with anxiety that doesn’t seem to be going away, you may be interested in ketamine infusion therapy. Ketamine is a medication that’s been used for decades to treat pain, but research has shown that it can also be effective for treating anxiety.

Ketamine infusion therapy involves slowly infusing ketamine into your bloodstream continuously over a short period of time. The ketamine therapy process helps reduce anxiety by blocking receptors in the brain that control fear and stress. It’s generally well-tolerated and has very few side effects.

If you’re interested in ketamine infusion therapy, Southern Ketamine and Wellness can help. 

We offer ketamine treatments in a safe and comfortable setting. Our team of experienced medical professionals will work with you to create a treatment plan tailored to your needs and anxiety symptoms.

Contact us today to learn more about ketamine therapy and how it can help you cope with anxiety.

[Contact Southern Ketamine and Wellness Today]

 

How do antidepressant treatments ease fibromyalgia symptoms

How Do Antidepressant Treatments Ease Fibromyalgia Symptoms?

Fibromyalgia is a disorder known for whole-body musculoskeletal pain, often paired with tiredness, sleep, cognitive problems, and mood issues. Researchers believe that fibromyalgia intensifies painful feelings by affecting how your central nervous system – the brain and spinal cord – processes painful and nonpainful messages.

Symptoms often start after something happens, like physical trauma, surgical procedure, infection, or substantial psychological pressure. In other cases, fibromyalgia symptoms slowly occur over time without an identifiable triggering event.

What Are The Symptoms?

Symptoms of fibromyalgia can be treated in many ways. Some healthcare providers recommend first trying therapy or certain antidepressants, but the evidence suggests that ketamine may be a good option. Common symptoms include:

  • Pain and stiffness throughout your body
  • Fatigue and tiredness
  • Mental health issues
  • Sleep troubles
  • Problems with cognitive function
  • Headaches, sometimes with migraines
  • You may have tingling or numbness in your limbs
  • Pain in the face or jaw
  • You may experience digestive problems

Who Gets Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia can happen to anyone, regardless of age or gender. However, it usually begins in middle age and worsens as people get older. But it’s believed that certain diseases or health conditions can predispose someone to have fibromyalgia at some point in their lives. These include:

  • Systemic lupus erythematosus (also called lupus).
  • Ankylosing spondylitis.
  • Osteoarthritis.
  • According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, 90% of people with fibromyalgia will also experience depression symptoms during their lives.
  • Chronic back pain.
  • Irritable bowel syndrome.

Is Fibromyalgia a Kind Of Arthritis?

Fibromyalgia is often lumped together in plain language as a kind of arthritis, but it’s not. Some people, for instance, confuse fibromyalgia with rheumatoid arthritis or other pain conditions. However, one of the key differentiators to be aware of is that with fibromyalgia, there are problems with how a person’s nervous system, including the brain and spinal column, transmits and processes pain signals.

Would Ketamine Help?

Research has been ongoing for years as to whether medicine like ketamine can help ease the pain and discomfort associated with chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia. Evidence supports using ketamine as a pain reliever, but how exactly does it work? It’s thought that ketamine acts quickly to strengthen and repair faulty neurotransmitters in the brain like glutamate, which are essential in how brain signals are transported and perceived throughout the rest of the body.

Antidepressants and Fibromyalgia

Ketamine, originally solely used as a human or animal anesthetic, is now regularly employed to treat symptoms of mental illness like treatment-resistant depression and chronic pain conditions that are non-responsive to regular therapy. One of the benefits of working with a healthcare provider to learn about treatment options is a clinician understands how different medicine and treatment – not necessarily specific to one condition – can apply to the problem you’re facing. This is especially true when discussing the application of antidepressants outside the realm of treating mental health issues.

Numerous effective and frequently used medicines to treat chronic pain are compounds made to solve other conditions. Antidepressants are now a go-to medicine in a healthcare provider’s toolbelt for treating many chronic pain conditions, even when depression isn’t believed to be a contributing factor. However, the key point is that dispensing antidepressants to reduce fibromyalgia pain symptoms needs to happen in a controlled environment and in smaller doses than may be described to treat mental health issues.

As with ketamine, antidepressants may boost neurotransmitters in the spinal cord that lower pain signals. But the positive outcome isn’t realized immediately. Antidepressants may offer relief for a week after taking medicine, but you may not derive maximum relief for several weeks. Ketamine, on the other hand, works very quickly. And pain relief from antidepressants is normally considered moderate.

If you have any questions about the risks or benefits of taking antidepressants to relieve pain from fibromyalgia, contact your healthcare provider for more information.

Diagnosis & Treatment

To diagnose fibromyalgia, your healthcare provider will conduct a thorough physical examination and review 18 points on your body to determine pain levels when each of those spots is pressed firmly. The American College of Rheumatology says that diagnosis may be confirmed if you have pain in four of the following five areas. The exam may also include blood and other tests.

Treating fibromyalgia symptoms often include antidepressants, other medicine, therapy, and ketamine.

 

Chronic pain vs. Neuropathic pain

Chronic Pain Vs. Neuropathic Pain

Everyone thinks they know what pain is, and because it’s subjective, they often do. Some have a higher tolerance for pain than others and can plow through it, while others have more problems with everyday life. However, questions and difficulties arise when discussing chronic versus neuropathic pain, its causes, and how it can be treated.

According to the experts at Beaumont Health, there are five kinds of pain to be aware of.

  • Acute pain is normally short and often related to soft tissue injuries.
  • Chronic pain is more prolonged, lasts several months, and often happens because of a health condition.
  • Neuropathic pain is related to problems with the central nervous system.
  • Nociceptive pain is any discomfort related to damaged body tissue.
  • Radicular pain is related to spinal nerve compression or inflammation.

How Are Chronic & Neuropathic Pain Different or Similar?

Pain means something different to everyone. Everyone reacts to it differently, battling various symptoms unique to their condition as they try to live their lives as best as possible. When looking at chronic and neuropathic pain and deciding how they’re different or similar, let’s start with the obvious.

By its very nature, chronic pain is mysterious and long-term and doesn’t necessarily have an identifiable cause. You may think you know what’s causing your leg pain, but if you broke it years ago and nothing’s shown up on x-rays, why does your limb still hurt after all this time? And is a healed broken bone the cause of such long-lasting discomfort?

Chronic pain is normally much longer in duration than other pain and can be constant, occasional, mild, or severe. For instance, headaches can be regarded as chronic when they persist for many months or years – even in the absence of the pain at a particular moment in time. Chronic pain is often caused by a health condition, like arthritis, fibromyalgia, or a spinal problem.

Precise boundaries limit neuropathic pain. Yes, this kind of pain can encompass your entire body, but it’s always confined to problems with the central nervous system – meaning your brain, spine, and nerves outside of them. So, whereas your healthcare provider may work diligently to understand how your central nervous system was damaged or why it’s not working correctly, there remain deep mysteries about the whys and what not – especially related to the brain. 

One of the key goals of researchers everywhere is fully understanding the brain and chronic pain, outside of the fact they’re intimately related. The brain is responsible for sending pain signals throughout the body. How we perceive pain, so one line of thinking is that if medicine and science can figure out how to rewire the brain – teaching it to process pain differently – we may deal with various kinds of pain more effectively. The same, of course, applies to neuropathic pain.

Another way to think of differences and similarities is this. Neuropathic or nerve pain relates to inflammation, irritation, and other issues with the central nervous system not associated with a physical problem. Nociceptive pain, also considered chronic pain, relates to how your body reacts to physical stress, like a muscle strain or a broken bone. However, in both cases, the pain can be near-debilitating and severely affect the quality of life.

Diagnosis & Treatment

Diagnosing and treating pain from either condition follows similar but different paths.

For nerve pain, you can expect to undergo a:

  • Complete medical examination. This is to document your problem and symptoms when the pain happens and related details. You may also be asked about your personal and family medical history and if you know of any specific causes.
  • The neurological examination involves your healthcare provider checking tendons, muscle strength and tone, how you react to certain sensations, and posture and coordination level.

Diagnosing chronic pain is slightly different. A clinician will inquire about medical history and want as much detail as possible (where the pain is located, intensity on a scale of one to 10, how often it happens, its effect on your quality of life, and other information), and suggest using blood tests, x-rays, and other procedures to uncover the source of your pain.

In either case, the best form of treatment is normally an integrated approach. This may involve physical or occupational therapy, psychological counseling, prescription or over-the-counter pain medicine, self-help strategies, diet and lifestyle changes, and treatment like ketamine therapy.

 

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