Prolotherapy Injection For Chronic Back Pain

What are prolotherapy injections?

Prolotherapy is an alternative treatment option to reduce muscle or joint pain. Prolotherapy injections, also known as regenerative injection therapy, stimulate the body’s tissue to naturally repair itself. It involves a series of injections containing a solution that is administered through a small needle into the painful tendon, ligament, joint or muscle.

Prolotherapy injections for chronic back pain

Prolotherapy is used to treat injuries of the musculoskeletal system, such as connective tissues injuries, that have not responded to nonsurgical therapies or rest. The objective of prolotherapy is to reduce back pain by promoting a healing response in the injured tissues or those with small tears.

Prolotherapy is recommended to treat many conditions that begin in the back or neck and radiate to other areas of the body. It works by activating pain receptors within ligaments or tendon tissues that are sensitive to pressure and stretching. They may also improve joint strength, mobility and functionality. Conditions that may improve with prolotherapy injections include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Arthritis
• Chronic lower-back pain
• Degenerative disc disease (DDD)
• Fibromyalgia
• Osteoarthritis
• Sacroiliac problems
• Sciatica
• Tendon, muscle or ligament injury
• Whiplash

The procedure

The use of ultrasound guidance helps determine the exact location for the injection. The procedure typically takes about 30 minutes to complete. The injection site may be painful and swollen following the injection. Although soreness and bruising may continue up to a week, normal activities can usually be resumed the following day. Over-the-counter pain relievers and ice may be recommended for a few days following the procedure.

Potential complications

Prolotherapy injections have no known side effects; however, pain or bruising may occur at the injection site. As with any procedure, certain risks are present. Although rare, damage can occur to the nerves, joints or tissues near the injection site. Results vary per individual and may be temporary. Insurance companies may not cover the cost of prolotherapy injections.