2. When a herniated disc diagnosis is first reached, most doctors
recommend conservative (nonsurgical) herniated disc
treatment, which can include pain medication, anti-
inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, and others. Although the
mainstream medical community does not always recognize
alternative, or holistic, therapies as being effective treatments
for back and neck pain, some patients find that alternative
treatment methods can actually relieve herniated disc pain and
improve symptoms. One of these alternative treatments is
known as prolotherapy.
3. What is Prolotherapy?
Prolotherapy is a technique often used during herniated disc
treatment for chronic pain that can arise as ligamentous
tissues begin to break down and weaken. Also known as
proliferative injection therapy and regenerative injection
therapy, the technique involves injections of a dextrose
(sugar) and anesthetic (numbing) solution into weakened
ligaments, which induces an inflammatory reaction that is
believed to spur tissue growth and repair.
4. Ligaments and Spinal Instability
Ligaments are tough bands of fibrous tissue that connect bones together. In
the spine, the outer walls (annulus fibrosus) of intervertebral discs connects
vertebral bodies together, a system that is further supported by the
ligamentum flavum, the anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments, and
the ligamentum nuchae, all of which serve to connect various parts of the
vertebrae together to support the spine. When these connective tissues
become loose due to degenerative changes or traumatic injury, vertebral
instability and a number of spinal conditions (bulging and herniated
discs, spinal arthritis, etc.) can arise.
5. Several Injections Usually Necessary
When it comes to herniated disc treatment, medical professionals that practice
prolotherapy believe that injections into the annulus fibrosus can help strengthen a
herniated disc, thereby relieving the root cause of a patient’s back or neck pain.
However, significant relief will likely require several injection sessions and could take
up to or more than six weeks to be noticeable. Meanwhile, your doctor will likely
recommend that you stay as active as
possible, possibly referring you to a physical
therapist for directed training in stretching,
weight training, and low-impact cardiovascular
exercise.
6. Consult Multiple Physicians
To ensure proper herniated disc treatment, or treatment
for any other degenerative spine condition, a patient
should have two or more physicians confirm a diagnosis
and suggest treatment methods. Like any other
conservative or alternative method, prolotherapy may
work for some patients, but not for others. A patient
should work closely with the doctor to formulate a
treatment plan that works best.
