Subcutaneous Lidocaine Infusion for Chronic Widespread Pain: A Chart Review and Survey Examining the Safety and Tolerability of Treatment

Chronic widespread pain (CWP) is characterized by persistent pain across multiple body regions, often accompanied by fatigue, cognitive difficulties, and psychological distress. Background/Objectives: Affecting approximately 10% of the general population, CWP disproportionately impacts women, individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, immigrants, and those with a family history of chronic pain. Standard treatments, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, exercise, and pharmacotherapy, often provide insufficient relief. This study explores a novel approach to treating treatment-resistant CWP: high-dose subcutaneous lidocaine infusions administered over extended periods. Methods: The research included a retrospective chart review and patient survey to evaluate safety and tolerability. The protocol started with a dose of 10-12 mg/kg of adjusted body weight, increasing by 10-15% per month, with a maximum dose of 2000 mg. Results: The chart review of 27 patients revealed mild to moderate side effects in seven patients, with no severe adverse events. A survey of 15 patients indicated a higher incidence of side effects; however, all patients reported that the benefits outweighed the negatives. On average, patients experienced 61% pain relief, lasting 19 days per infusion. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that subcutaneous lidocaine infusions are a well-tolerated treatment for CWP, offering significant pain relief and improving patients' quality of life.