Ketamine for Chronic Pain
For neuropathic pain, CRPS, fibromyalgia, and chronic pain syndromes.
A four-session IV ketamine series for chronic pain, typically higher dose and longer duration than mood protocols, targeting the central sensitization that drives intractable pain.
When pain becomes its own disease.
Chronic pain, pain lasting more than three months, is no longer a signal of injury. It is a rewiring of the central nervous system. The spinal cord and brain become hypersensitive, NMDA receptors stay activated, and ordinary touch can register as pain. Opioids, nerve blocks, and physical therapy often plateau without addressing the underlying sensitization.
IV ketamine is one of the most potent NMDA antagonists available, and at sub-anesthetic doses delivered over hours, it can interrupt and partially reset that sensitization. Northwest Ketamine Clinics has used IV ketamine for chronic pain alongside mood treatment since 2017.
How IV ketamine works for chronic pain.
IV ketamine is nearly 100% bioavailable to the brain, the gold-standard route, with the lowest effective dose and the most consistent therapeutic response. Pain protocols at NWKC typically use higher mg/kg dosing over longer infusion times than mood protocols.
NMDA receptor blockade
Direct antagonism of the receptor system that maintains central sensitization and “wind-up” in chronic neuropathic pain.
Reduces opioid reliance
Many of our pain patients are able to reduce or eliminate opioid use after a ketamine series. We coordinate with prescribing providers.
CRPS-specific evidence
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is one of the most ketamine-responsive pain conditions. Multiple international protocols use ketamine as first-line for refractory CRPS.
Higher doses, longer infusions
Pain protocols at NWKC typically use higher mg/kg dosing over longer infusion times than mood protocols, usually four sessions in the initial series.
The published research on ketamine for chronic pain.
Outpatient Intravenous Ketamine for the Treatment of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Outpatient IV ketamine produced significant pain reduction in CRPS patients refractory to standard care.
View studyConsensus Guidelines on the Use of Intravenous Ketamine Infusions for Chronic Pain
ASRA / AAPM / ASA joint consensus on IV ketamine protocols and patient selection for chronic pain.
View studyKetamine for Chronic Non-Cancer Pain: A Meta-Analysis and Trial Sequential Analysis
IV ketamine produced moderate-to-large reductions in chronic neuropathic pain across pooled randomized trials.
View studyThe Pacific Northwest’s most experienced ketamine clinic.
Over 50,000 infusions delivered
Family-run since 2017, more IV ketamine experience than any other clinic in Washington State.
Three Washington locations
Seattle (First Hill), Bellevue (Eastside flagship), and Tacoma (South Sound). Patients can switch between clinics between sessions.
Whole-body continuum of care
Through our partnership with Northwest Healing & Wellness, Spravato, KAP, IV vitamin therapy, medication management, and supplements under one care plan.
ASKP3 & LegitScript certified
Recognized as a Seattle Met Top Doctors practice. Vetted by the national ketamine clinical standards body.
Trauma-informed, integration-ready
Our staff is trained in trauma-informed care, and KAP integration is available throughout your series.
Most patients start within a week
No referral required for adults. 30-minute intake call, $25 medical consult, then your first infusion.
Four pathways. The one we recommend for chronic pain.
For chronic pain, we recommend the Pain Modulation Pathway. Higher-dose, longer-duration IV ketamine infusions tailored to your pain condition, paired with IV hydration and our Signature Blend support infusions, and coordination with your prescribing pain provider.
See all Healing Pathways →
Mind & Mood Pathway
Six IV ketamine sessions paired with mood-supportive nutrient infusions, medication management consult, and three progress calls.
Nervous System Calm Pathway
Six IV ketamine sessions paired with KAP integration, B12 + hydration support, and the Emotion Balance supplement protocol.
Pain Modulation Pathway
Higher-dose, longer-duration IV ketamine series tailored for chronic pain, paired with IV hydration and our Signature Blend support infusions.
Reset + Recovery Pathway
Six IV ketamine sessions paired with glutathione, magnesium bisglycinate, signature blend, and hydration infusions.
Talk to one of our nurse practitioners about chronic pain.
A 30-minute intake call, no pressure, no waitlist. We will reach out right away to confirm candidacy and walk through pathway options.
Common questions about pain treatment.
How is a pain protocol different
from a depression protocol?
Pain infusions are typically longer (60–90 minutes vs. ~40 minutes for mood) and dosed higher on a mg/kg basis. The initial series is four sessions for pain rather than six for mood. We may also use IV magnesium and lidocaine alongside ketamine for certain pain conditions.
Can I reduce my opioids
after a ketamine series?
Many of our patients do. We do not directly manage opioid prescriptions, but we coordinate with your prescribing provider so any tapering happens safely. Some patients are able to fully discontinue opioids, others reduce dose substantially.
Is ketamine effective for fibromyalgia?
Evidence is mixed but growing. Fibromyalgia is centrally mediated, which is exactly where ketamine acts. Some patients see significant relief in widespread pain, sleep, and fatigue. Others see modest gains. We discuss realistic expectations during intake.
Will I need pain maintenance infusions?
Most pain patients schedule a single maintenance infusion every six to twelve weeks after their initial four-session series. Some pain conditions, CRPS in particular, benefit from more frequent maintenance early on.
Talk to a nurse practitioner, no pressure, no waitlist.
A 30-minute intake call confirms whether IV ketamine, Spravato, or another pathway is the right fit for your chronic pain. Most patients begin treatment within a week.
(206) 309-2299