How to Sleep With Lower Back Pain: Positions and Nighttime Fixes That Work
TLDR If lower back pain is keeping you up, the fastest changes are usually positional. Sleeping on your back with a pillow under your knees, or on your side with a pillow between your knees, keeps your spine in a more neutral position and takes strain off the lower back. Sleeping flat on […]
Can I Get Ketamine Without a Mental Health Diagnosis? – Patient-focused clarification
TLDR You do not need a mental health diagnosis to receive ketamine infusions for chronic pain. The confusion comes from esketamine, a nasal spray version of the medication that is FDA-approved specifically for treatment-resistant depression and does require a psychiatric diagnosis. IV ketamine used for chronic pain is a different formulation used for a […]
Ketamine vs. Opioids – Comparison with high emotional appeal
TLDR Opioids and ketamine treat pain through completely different mechanisms. Opioids bind to opioid receptors and dampen the pain signal. Ketamine blocks NMDA receptors, which are involved in the process that makes chronic pain self-sustaining. The practical difference is that opioids require ongoing daily dosing and build tolerance over time, while ketamine is given […]
What to Expect During Infusion – Walkthrough from check-in to aftercare
TLDR A ketamine infusion for chronic pain usually takes between one and four hours depending on your protocol, plus about 30 to 60 minutes of recovery afterward. You will check in, have your blood pressure and heart rate monitored, get an IV placed, and then rest in a quiet room while the medication runs […]
Who Qualifies for Ketamine for Pain? – Pre-screening criteria and answers
TLDR Ketamine infusion therapy is generally considered for people with chronic pain that has not responded well to more conventional treatments. Good candidates often have nerve-related pain conditions such as CRPS, neuropathic pain, or certain forms of persistent post-surgical pain. Before scheduling an infusion, a pain physician will review your medical history, current medications, […]
Can You Travel or Work With a Spinal Cord Stimulator?
TLDR Yes, most patients travel and return to work after getting a spinal cord stimulator. The first few weeks after the permanent implant come with real restrictions, but they are temporary. Flying requires a card in your wallet and an extra few minutes at security. Desk work can often resume within two weeks. Physical jobs […]
Why NYC Patients Are Choosing Peripheral Nerve Stimulation
TLDR Peripheral nerve stimulation is a minimally invasive implanted device that targets a specific nerve to reduce chronic pain. It does not require spinal surgery, recovery is faster than most patients expect, and it fits the demands of a city where stopping for six weeks is not an option for most people. For conditions like […]
What CRPS Actually Feels Like
TLDR CRPS produces pain that is wildly disproportionate to the original injury, often described as burning, stabbing, or electric. The affected limb can change color, temperature, and appearance. Clothing touching your skin can feel unbearable. Most patients with CRPS have been dismissed, misdiagnosed, or told the pain is psychological before they get an accurate diagnosis. […]
PNS vs. Spinal Cord Stimulator – What Is the Difference and Which One Treats Your Pain?
TLDR Spinal cord stimulation targets pain by modulating signals in the spinal cord. Peripheral nerve stimulation targets a specific nerve directly, closer to where the pain actually is. SCS tends to be better for widespread pain across the back and legs. PNS tends to be better for localized pain tied to a specific nerve. Some […]
Is Spinal Cord Stimulation Covered by Insurance?
TLDR: Spinal cord stimulation is covered by Medicare and most major commercial insurance plans for patients who meet specific criteria. Coverage is not automatic. You need documented proof that conservative treatments have failed, a successful trial, and often a psychological evaluation. Prior authorization is required. The process takes time but is manageable, and our team […]