Spine pain is a problem that a lot of adults deal with every day. Although this pain can develop because of an injury or accident, it can also result from natural spine wear and tear and aging. Other causes include arthritis, spinal disc injuries, and structural issues. Back pain can range in severity, but serious cases can negatively affect the life of the sufferer. Thankfully, those who have spine pain can explore interventional spine & pain management minneapolis mn. Treatment options include prolotherapy, which can effectively and efficiently reduce pain associated with spine pain. Also, this therapy can promote spinal health.
What to Know About Prolotherapy
Prolotherapy involves injecting sugar or saline substances into a patient’s sore joint or muscle. The substance triggers the transport of immune cells to the area in pain. Such immune cells initiate the natural healing process of the body, repairing damage to the soft tissue including nerves, muscle tissue, and blood vessels. Through prolotherapy, a patient can experience an improvement in their function, biomechanics, and joint stability.
Prolotherapy is used by rehab centers, orthopedic doctors, and sports medicine doctors to help relieve painful symptoms related to tendon injuries, low back pain, osteoarthritis, or sports-related injuries. When the healing process of the body starts, it can repair damaged body cells and strengthen sore muscles or joints.
Reasons to Choose Prolotherapy
Prolotherapy is an alternative procedure for patients who do not want to undergo back surgery and reduce or avoid pain medications. Also, this therapy can help minimize the disability related to painful musculoskeletal issues. Aside from back pain, prolotherapy can treat other musculoskeletal problems such as plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, chronic neck pain, meniscal tear, pelvic pain. The result of this treatment is a healthier patient who depends too much on medications. This translates to reduced risks of side effects and doctor-related complications. Also, the patient does not have to undergo more painful, more dangerous invasive procedures. Ultimately, this results in a better quality of life.
Treatment Duration
Often, prolotherapy is administered in multiple treatments, around 4-6 weeks apart. Every treatment requires 4-6 injections. Usually, treatment for one body part lasts ten to fifteen minutes per session. The treatment plan often takes around 4-6 months, depending on the number of recommended treatments. Although improvement in negative symptoms can be noticeable within 1-2 treatments, the third and fourth treatments produce maximum results.
After prolotherapy, mild aching, burning, muscle spasms, soreness, or swelling can be felt. This can be expected in the first week after treatment.