Chronic Pain & Migraine Treatment in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA
Ketamine Therapy for Chronic Pain & Migraines in San Diego
IV ketamine infusions target NMDA receptors and central sensitization — the brain’s amplification of pain signals. Combined with stellate ganglion block, metabolic optimization, and lifestyle medicine, we treat chronic pain at its neurological roots, not just its symptoms.
- Board-Certified Physician
- NMDA Receptor Expertise
- Stellate Ganglion Bloc
- 3,500+ Infusions
Your Brain Has Learned to Amplify Pain
Central sensitization is a neurological state where your brain and spinal cord amplify pain signals, creating pain out of proportion to (or independent of) tissue damage. This is the mechanism underlying chronic pain conditions like CRPS, fibromyalgia, chronic migraines, neuropathic pain, and persistent post-surgical pain. Opioids often make central sensitization worse through opioid-induced hyperalgesia.
The Opioid Trap and the NSAID Ceiling
Opioids address pain temporarily but create dependence, tolerance, and paradoxically increased pain sensitivity over time. NSAIDs and acetaminophen have a ceiling effect and can’t address the central nervous system changes driving chronic pain. Gabapentinoids help some patients but cause cognitive dulling and weight gain. None of these approaches reverse the neurological changes at the heart of chronic pain.
The Inflammation-Pain Connection
Chronic pain is intimately linked to systemic inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, and mitochondrial impairment. Research shows elevated inflammatory markers in chronic pain patients, and dietary interventions that reduce inflammation can significantly impact pain levels. Magnesium deficiency alone — present in up to 50% of Americans — can drive muscle pain, headaches, and neuronal hyperexcitability.
Why Standard Pain Management Falls Short
Most conventional depression treatment focuses narrowly on symptom suppression. While SSRIs can be helpful for some patients, they represent just one small piece of a much larger biological puzzle.
- Opioids create tolerance, dependence, and paradoxical hyperalgesia
- NSAIDs have a ceiling effect and can’t reverse central sensitization
- No assessment of central sensitization, neuroinflammation, or metabolic contributors
- Pain psychology alone can’t override a neurologically amplified pain signal
- No metabolic workup: inflammation, magnesium, vitamin D, and mitochondrial function untested
- One-size-fits-all approach without precision testing
The Seaside Method: A Smarter Path Forward
RAPID RELIEF
IV ketamine infusions using pain-specific protocols that directly target NMDA receptors and reverse central sensitization. Stellate ganglion block for sympathetically-mediated pain conditions.
- Pain-protocol ketamine infusions (higher dose, longer duration than mood protocols)
- Stellate ganglion block for CRPS, complex regional pain, and sympathetically-mediated conditions
- tVNS for neuroinflammation modulation
ROOT CAUSE
Comprehensive metabolic assessment of pain drivers through Seaside Longevity.
- Inflammatory markers panel
- Nutrient status (magnesium, D, B12, omega-3)
- Hormonal assessment
- Metabolomic profiling
- Pharmacogenomic testing
REWIRE & REBUILD
Neuroplasticity-based retraining of pain processing circuits.
- Pain neuroscience education
- The Gupta Program for central sensitization
- Mindfulness-based stress reduction for pain
- Graded movement and exposure
RESILIENCE
Anti-inflammatory lifestyle and pain self-management.
- Anti-inflammatory nutrition protocol
- Movement programming
- Sleep optimization
- Stress management
- Opioid taper support when appropriate
WHAT TO EXPECT
Free Consultation
Discuss your pain history and determine if ketamine therapy is appropriate.
Medical Evaluation
Comprehensive pain assessment, safety screening, and metabolic lab orders.
Treatment Plan
Pain-specific ketamine protocol plus metabolic optimization and integration therapies.
Treatment Sessions
IV infusions in our calm setting with continuous monitoring. Pain protocols are typically 4-6 hours.
Optimization
Ongoing pain management, metabolic optimization, and building of self-regulation tools.
FAQ
Q: How does ketamine treat chronic pain?
A: Ketamine is an NMDA receptor antagonist. By blocking NMDA receptors, it can reverse central sensitization — the brain’s amplification of pain signals that underlies many chronic pain conditions. This mechanism is distinct from how opioids work, and ketamine does not carry the same addiction risk.
Q: What chronic pain conditions respond to ketamine?
A: Conditions with strong evidence for ketamine treatment include CRPS (complex regional pain syndrome), fibromyalgia, chronic migraines, neuropathic pain, central sensitization syndromes, and persistent post-surgical pain. A comprehensive evaluation helps determine if ketamine is appropriate for your specific condition.
Q: Are pain ketamine infusions different from depression infusions?
A: Yes. Pain-protocol infusions typically use higher doses and longer durations (4-6 hours) compared to mood protocols (typically 40-60 minutes). The higher dose and extended duration are needed to adequately block NMDA receptors and reverse central sensitization.
Q: Can ketamine help me reduce opioid use?
A: Many patients are able to reduce or eliminate opioid use after ketamine treatment, as it addresses the central sensitization that was driving their pain. We provide medically supervised opioid taper support when appropriate.
Q: Does ketamine work for migraines?
A: Yes. Ketamine has shown efficacy for chronic migraines, particularly those that haven’t responded to standard treatments. It works through NMDA receptor modulation and may also reduce the neuroinflammation and cortical spreading depression involved in migraine pathophysiology.
Q: What is a stellate ganglion block for pain?
A: A stellate ganglion block is an ultrasound-guided injection near a key sympathetic nerve cluster. For pain conditions with a sympathetic component (like CRPS), SGB can provide significant relief by blocking abnormal sympathetic nerve activity. It has been used for decades in pain management.
Q: How does inflammation cause chronic pain?
A: Chronic inflammation lowers pain thresholds, amplifies pain signaling, and maintains central sensitization. Inflammatory cytokines directly sensitize pain-sensing neurons. Through metabolic assessment via Seaside Longevity, we identify and address inflammatory drivers including diet, gut health, and metabolic dysfunction.
Q: How many ketamine sessions are needed for chronic pain?
A: Pain protocols typically involve a series of infusions. Many patients start with 4-6 infusions over 1-2 weeks and then transition to maintenance infusions as needed. Response varies by condition and individual.
Pain Has Stolen Enough of Your Life. There’s Another Way.
If opioids and standard treatments haven’t given you real relief, ketamine therapy may reverse the neurological changes driving your pain.
Free 15-minute call. Physician-led care. Evidence-based protocols.