Successful use of Prolotherapy for back pain has many contributing factors. Back pain symptoms and causes are as diverse as people themselves. Back pain is one of the main reasons people visit the doctor, with nearly 80% of people experiencing back pain at some point in their lives.
For many, back pain can be debilitating, causing patients to seek out alternative treatments. So it’s not uncommon for people to wonder if prolotherapy will help with their back pain.
Depending on the nature of the injury, prolotherapy treatments may help alleviate pain. It involves a series of injections and is most effective when combined with chiropractic care and specialized physical therapy.
If the patient has a degenerated disc, than Stem Cell therapy or PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) therapy has a greater potential for a successful outcome, since both of these therapies address the joint issue directly.
That being said, all Regenerative Medicine therapies have an increased success rate when combined with specialized physical therapy, modified lifestyle changes while the stem cells are active and, in some cases, chiropractic care. That is why our clinic works collaboratively with our patients to develop a treatment plan specific to their needs.
Prolotherapy is an injection therapy that is generally considered to have minimal risk because of the substance being injected. However, whenever you are dealing with the spine, risk factors increase and care should be taking in choosing the therapy that is appropriate for your condition.
Prolotherapy creates a mild, controlled injury by injecting a natural irritant into the injured tendon or ligament (connective tissue).
This irritant, primarily a glucose substance, creates an increased inflammatory response. The inflammatory response increases protein synthesis, collagen formation and increased cell proliferation.
Prolotherapy is also thought to increase the infiltration of leukocyte (white blood cells) and macrophages (debris removers), as well as increase platelet-derived growth factors and interleukin (chemical building blocks).
This process helps improve a ligaments strength, mass, thickness and a trend toward an increase in cell number, glycosaminoglycan, (protein), and water content.
Back Pain Treatment Therapies
When dealing with your spine, we always recommend the least invasive treatment first. Chronic back pain requires specialized care which varies from patient to patient. A consultation with our physicians is recommended so that the patient can make an informed decision regarding their healthcare.
If you are considering Prolotherapy for back pain, you should consider these factors:
- What is the experience level of the clinician administering the injection.
- Is visual guidance, such as a C-arm Fluoroscopy being used to ensure proper location of the needle injection.
- Is the procedure being performed under sterile conditions.
- Have you offered other alternatives based on your unique condition.
For more information regarding Prolotherapy for back pain, please call our office to schedule a consultation.