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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Prolotherapy
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Prolotherapy
by imajoker2, Apr 24, 2004 12:00AM
This is my third question posted on this medical board and the information I have received has been invaluable. So thank you
in advance for taking the time to respond and providing this service.
I had a disk removed with fusion at C3-C4 in July of 2003. I am still exhibiting the same symptoms I had prior to surgery. I am still experiencing electrical shocks or spasams at the base of my skull although not as violent as before surgery but more frequently. I went to see a Doctor of Physical Medicine specializing in rehabilitation. He is recommending a series of treatments referred to as Prolotherapy. His theory is that I need these injections all along the spinal system in the "facet" areas.
In doing my research it appears that this an accepted treatment by some and an alternative treatment by others. The treatment sounds okay in basic theory but sounds relatively
painful and like a last ditch effort to fix my problem.
My question is: Is this treatment considered to be "standard"
for my complaints? My physician recommended non aggressive therapy such as ultra-sound and heat thinking that regular physical therapy was only reinjuring myself. Is a second opinion warranted before I undergo the injection therapy? I guess I should mention that the original injury was due to a severe whiplash accident.
Thank you again for advice or knowledge you might share.
in advance for taking the time to respond and providing this service.
I had a disk removed with fusion at C3-C4 in July of 2003. I am still exhibiting the same symptoms I had prior to surgery. I am still experiencing electrical shocks or spasams at the base of my skull although not as violent as before surgery but more frequently. I went to see a Doctor of Physical Medicine specializing in rehabilitation. He is recommending a series of treatments referred to as Prolotherapy. His theory is that I need these injections all along the spinal system in the "facet" areas.
In doing my research it appears that this an accepted treatment by some and an alternative treatment by others. The treatment sounds okay in basic theory but sounds relatively
painful and like a last ditch effort to fix my problem.
My question is: Is this treatment considered to be "standard"
for my complaints? My physician recommended non aggressive therapy such as ultra-sound and heat thinking that regular physical therapy was only reinjuring myself. Is a second opinion warranted before I undergo the injection therapy? I guess I should mention that the original injury was due to a severe whiplash accident.
Thank you again for advice or knowledge you might share.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-CS, Apr 29, 2004 12:00AM
I have to admit that I was not familar with this treatment. I also spoke to several other staff members who are not familar with this therapy. Based on the literature I reviewed, this is a procedure being performed by anesthesiologists and physical medicine rehabilitation (PMR) doctors. The theory is that the ligaments/tendons are to loose, and by injecting these agents they become stiffer. However, at least based upon the literature I reviewed, this is still controversial. However, you should ask another PMR doctor or spine specialist regarding this. Sorry I could not be of more help. Good luck.
