Has Prolotherapy helped anyones's neck/back pain?

[Deb890]

I'm a chronic pain patient due to a car accident in 1977. After having a failed multi-level cervical fusion 10 yrs ago, my neck pain still isn't manageable - despite Fentanyl, Vicodin for break-through pain, muscle relaxants, etc. I've never gotten any relief from all the standard PT methods, as well as trigger point injections, epidurals and facet injections. Then 3 weeks ago, I tried Prolotherapy by a very reputable pain management doctor who specializes in alternative treatments. I had about 35 injections including both neck and lower back area. As instructed, I stayed immobile for 48 hrs, wearing my hard plastic neck brace and my tight back brace the whole time, even sleeping. Also as instructed, I haven't taken any anti-flammatory meds and won't for another month. However, I haven't yet gotten any noticeable pain relief. The doctor says Prolotherapy has a high success ratio but that sometimes it takes 4-6 weeks to see positive results. HAS ANYONE ELSE HAD PROLOTHERAPY? If so, please let me know about your experience, relative to mine. Thanks in advance.

[Deb890]

Thanks so much for responding. You're right, I'll continue to hope for positive results in the future.

[philnoir]

From what I understand, Prolotherapy (Proliferative injection therapy) is supposed to cause regeneration of connective tissue, so it would take time to work, perhaps many weeks. If your doctor said 4-6 weeks then you'll have to be patient.

I have no personal experience to share with you regarding this treatment. I hope that it works.

Best wishes.