Prolotherapy for Back Pain Part 1

What is Prolotherapy?

Prolotherapy is also known as Regenerative injection therapy. The procedure essentially involves injection of high concentration of glucose (yes simply sugar water) into the attachment of bone- such as tendon and ligaments. The solution is injected at precise points and the theory is that glucose water magically increases blood supply, repairs the tissues and relieves pain (and all this time I thought sugar was bad!)

Is there scientific proof that prolotherapy works?

There have been a few experimental studies performed in rats. But because the experimental rats cannot communicate so it is hard to know. However, the rats did run and eat as normal. The few human guinea pigs who have been studied did not see any improvement.

What type of pain disorders are treated with prolotherapy?

Well, physicians and alternative practitioners recommend prolotherapy for almost all musculoskeletal disorders associated with pain including back pain, shoulder pain, groin pain, elbow pain, and arm pain and so on.

What other disorders are treated by prolotherapy?

Prolotherapy has been used to treat a wide range of musculoskeletal disorders like whiplash and neck pain, low back pain, cervical disc, lumbar disc herniations, rotator cuff injuries, tennis/golfer’s elbow, wrist problems, knee arthritis and pain, hip pain, ankle sprains, achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis - but this does not mean it works in all of them

Does Prolotherapy Work in humans?

Depends on whom you ask. The doctors and alternative care health practitioners who sell this therapy are adamant that it works. They are sure about it and always quote some study. However, if you talk to individuals who have had this therapy, the word BULL SHIT is the first thing that they say. Hopeless and fake are a few other choice words for this treatment.

IS there any scientific data to support prolotherapy use in humans?

Well, there are very few reports published but an overview analysis of prolotherapy by Cochrane, revealed that it did nothing. Cochrane does say the glucose injections are not bad for the body, but as far as pain was concerned, it did diddly squat. Most studies are difficult to understand and have conflicting data. Overall, prolotherapy does nothing.

How many sessions are required?

When there is money to be made, rest assured nothing will be cured in one session. Same goes for prolotherapy. One needs at least 6-14 sessions. Sometimes two parts of the body can be treated in each session. The treatment as the experts say should last several months.