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Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a long-lasting, often debilitating type of nerve pain that sometimes follows an outbreak of shingles. Even after the visible rash has healed, the pain can persist—sometimes for months or even years—manifesting as sharp, burning, tingling, or electric shock-like sensations. Many people also develop increased sensitivity to touch, known as allodynia, which can make simple actions like dressing or lying down extremely painful. For individuals with PHN, this relentless discomfort deeply affects daily routines, emotional wellness, and quality of life.
What makes PHN particularly difficult to manage is that it stems from nerve damage caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus—the same virus responsible for chickenpox. This virus damages nerve fibers, causing them to misfire or send exaggerated pain messages to the brain. Because the source of pain is neurological rather than inflammatory, traditional treatments such as antidepressants, anticonvulsants, topical creams, or even opioids often fall short. They may dull the symptoms temporarily but rarely address the central nervous system dysfunction at the heart of the issue.
At Tennessee Ketamine & Wellness Center in Franklin, TN, we offer a clinically advanced solution: intravenous ketamine infusion therapy. Unlike conventional medications, ketamine is known to target and modulate pain signaling at the level of the brain and spinal cord, helping to recalibrate how pain is processed. Our goal is not just short-term relief—but long-term, sustainable improvement in comfort, function, and day-to-day well-being for individuals suffering from postherpetic neuralgia.
Postherpetic neuralgia develops when the central nervous system undergoes maladaptive changes following nerve damage. These changes result in central sensitization, a condition in which the brain and spinal cord become overly reactive to pain signals. This hyper-excitability makes even non-painful stimuli—like light touch, a breeze, or clothing—feel severely uncomfortable or even unbearable. Over time, the nervous system may remain “stuck” in this overactive state, keeping the pain alive long after the original shingles outbreak is gone.
Ketamine plays a unique role in reversing this process. As a NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptor antagonist, it blocks receptors in the brain that are critical to glutamate transmission—a key neurotransmitter that amplifies pain when it is overactive. By interrupting glutamate activity, ketamine effectively calms the overactive nerve signals that perpetuate PHN, helping the brain and spinal cord return to a more balanced and functional state.
Unlike traditional treatments that must be taken daily and can lose effectiveness over time, ketamine’s effects are both rapid and durable. Patients with PHN who undergo ketamine therapy at our Franklin clinic frequently report decreased burning, stabbing, or shock-like pain, along with improved sleep, reduced touch sensitivity, and greater ability to resume normal tasks—from walking to working to simply enjoying time with loved ones.
Ketamine provides pain relief through a completely different mechanism than opioids, making it a safer and non-addictive option for long-term nerve pain. It avoids the risks of dependence, withdrawal, or dose escalation that often come with narcotic medications.
For many patients suffering from months of pain, ketamine offers rapid relief, often beginning within the first few infusions. This quick response is especially meaningful for people who’ve struggled to find relief from more conventional options.
The benefits of ketamine often outlast the infusion series, with some patients experiencing relief for weeks or even months. These extended effects can reduce or eliminate the need for daily medications or repetitive interventions.
Every case of PHN is different, which is why our medical team develops tailored treatment plans. Your infusion schedule, dosage, and ongoing monitoring are all adapted to match your specific symptoms, medical history, and goals.
All infusions are administered in private, quiet rooms at our Franklin clinic, under the close watch of experienced medical professionals. We monitor your comfort, vital signs, and response throughout each session to ensure both safety and effectiveness.
If you’re living with ongoing nerve pain after a shingles outbreak, and you’ve exhausted creams, pills, and other therapies with little to no success, ketamine treatment may offer the breakthrough you’ve been hoping for. At Tennessee Ketamine & Wellness Center in Franklin, TN, we specialize in providing targeted, compassionate care for people struggling with complex pain conditions like postherpetic neuralgia.
Our focus isn’t just on reducing symptoms—it’s on helping you reclaim your life. We understand the emotional and physical toll that PHN takes, and we’re here to walk beside you every step of the way toward meaningful recovery.
Schedule your consultation today to learn more about how ketamine therapy may help relieve your PHN pain and restore your sense of comfort and control.
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1909 Mallory Lane, Suite 300, Franklin, TN 37067