Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN) for Fibromyalgia, CRPS, and Central Sensitisation

Wessex Pain Clinic

Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN) for Fibromyalgia, CRPS, and Central Sensitisation

Low-dose naltrexone (LDN) is an emerging treatment option used to help manage persistent pain conditions such as fibromyalgia, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), and other syndromes linked to central sensitisation — where the nervous system becomes overly sensitive to pain. At Wessex Pain Clinic, LDN may be considered as part of a broader, multidisciplinary plan when standard treatments have provided only partial relief.

How the Procedure Works

Naltrexone is a medication originally used in higher doses to treat opioid or alcohol dependence. When given in very small doses (typically one-tenth or less of the standard amount), it appears to act quite differently — helping to modulate inflammation and pain sensitivity within the nervous system.

LDN is not an opioid and does not cause dependence or withdrawal.

What Conditions It Can Help With

LDN may be considered for patients with:

Fibromyalgia – widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and sensitivity

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) – persistent, severe pain following injury or surgery

Central sensitisation syndromes – where the nervous system becomes hypersensitive, amplifying pain signals

Other persistent neuropathic pain conditions not responding well to standard therapy

Aimed Benefits

The aim of low-dose naltrexone therapy is to reduce pain sensitivity, improve energy, and enhance overall wellbeing. Many patients also report better sleep and mood, which can support broader recovery.

Effects often develop gradually over several weeks. While not every patient responds, those who do may experience sustained improvements that allow better participation in physiotherapy, activity, and self-management.

What to Expect

If LDN is considered appropriate, your consultant will start you on a very low dose, which may be increased gradually depending on response and tolerability.

Risks and Considerations

All medications carry potential risks. LDN should not be taken alongside opioid-based painkillers, as it blocks their effects. It may also cause unpredictable responses to opioid based medications. Your consultant will review your current medications carefully to ensure suitability. You will have the opportunity to ask questions, and formal consent will always be obtained before treatment begins.

Combined Approach / Multidisciplinary Care

At Wessex Pain Clinic we find that the best results come from combining medical treatments with active rehabilitation. LDN is often most effective when paired with physiotherapy, pacing and movement-based exercise, and — where appropriate — psychological support. This comprehensive approach addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of pain and supports longer-term improvement.

Key Points Summary

Consultant-supervised therapy using very low doses of naltrexone
May help reduce pain sensitivity in fibromyalgia, CRPS, and central sensitisation
Non-opioid treatment
Gradual onset of benefit over several weeks
Supplied via specialist pharmacy under supervision
Works best as part of a multidisciplinary pain management plan

Disclaimer

Results vary between individuals and cannot be guaranteed. Your consultant will discuss whether this treatment is appropriate for you.

At Wessex Pain Clinic, we work as a team and meet regularly to discuss complex, treatment resistant or unusual cases. As such you will often receive the expertise of several pain consultants. We believe that we are one of very few pain clinics to offer this. Wessex Pain Clinic provides consultant-led assessment and treatment for acute and chronic pain conditions. Our multidisciplinary team includes Consultant Pain Specialists, Physiotherapists and Psychologists, offering evidence-based interventions alongside rehabilitation and self-management support. We welcome patients from across Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire, Surrey and Sussex, including Winchester, Basingstoke, Southampton, Portsmouth, and Chichester – with both in-clinic appointments and remote consultations available across the wider Wessex region.

Marvin Woodrow

One visit and my pain problems have been resolved. Will definitely use again if the need arises. Can recommend Dr. Tom Bloomfield as he is very professional and communicates all aspects of the procedure so that it is understandable.

Jennifer Rudder

Dr Bloomfield is amazing. He has helped me so much. He clearly lives what he does and because of that is truly engaging and listens. I am so pleased with the outcome too, I feel much more myself and have confidence that my issue will become a thing of the past. I highly recommend seeing Dr Bloomfield for any issues you may have with pain.

Evie Cox

I highly recommend Dr Bloomfield at the Wessex Pain clinic! I was referred to Dr Bloomfield after 18 months of unrelenting knee pain which had stopped me from all activities I had previously enjoyed, even simply walking my dog each day. All previous treatments had been unsuccessful in reducing my pain, but Dr Bloomfield recommended trying a nerve block to reduce my pain levels. He was incredibly gentle and compassionate during the procedure and in all consultations, and his approach to managing and treating pain from all different angles in life is refreshing! Two weeks on from the procedure and I have been able to get back to walking my dog daily and I'm very much looking forward to increasing my activity levels again now that my pain levels have dropped so significantly. I can't recommend Dr Bloomfield enough, thank you for giving me back my freedom of movement!

Roger Christie

Dr. Bloomfield was very helpful, kind and considerate. He listened, discussed concerns, explained everything and gave us time, something nowadays one does not always receive. He understood the pain I was experiencing and I am hoping that the treatment options suggested will work in the long term. The clinic itself is well presented and welcoming.

Sarah Clark

I saw Dr Bloomfield this week at Wessex Pain Clinic and was incredibly impressed by both his medical knowledge and communication skills. He was efficient, empathetic, and validating throughout the appointment. I received a copy of his clinic letter just three hours after our consultation, which was outstanding. He also shared some excellent ideas for pain management interventions that felt thoughtful and tailored to my needs. I'm a complex patient with a very complicated medical history. I would thoroughly recommend both Dr Bloomfield and Wessex Pain Clinic to anyone seeking expert and compassionate care.

Jacek Omilian

I’m really grateful to Dr Hyde for her time, clarity, and kindness during my pain management consultation. I came in worried that my ankle pain might be turning into something chronic or more serious. She took my concerns seriously, explained everything in a way I could understand, and helped me feel much more reassured. She combined medical knowledge with real empathy something I really appreciated. I left with a clear plan, including medication advice and practical steps to reduce the risk of long-term pain. This was one of the most helpful and supportive consultations I’ve ever had. Thank you.

Hannah Farrell

My treatment with Dr Hyde was exactly what I needed to help my pain. Incredible, personal service I will defiantly be back.

Wessex Pain Clinic

Dr Matt Stubbs

Consultant in Pain Medicine FRCA FFPMRCA

Dr Eleanor Hyde

Consultant in Pain Medicine FRCA FFPMRCA

Dr Tom Bloomfield

Consultant in Pain Medicine FRCA FFPMRCA

Dr Jo Harding

Consultant in Pain Medicine FRCA FFPMRCA

Wessex Pain Clinics

Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN) for Fibromyalgia, CRPS, and Central Sensitisation

Wessex Pain Clinic