When people are living with back pain or joint pain, they are eager to find a solution. Ozone treatment for pain is one option. Injecting ozone, or Prolozone as it often is marketed, can reduce the size of a herniated disc, which can eliminate pain.
More conventional treatments for slipped discs include:
- Ice or heat
- Exercise
- Stretching
- Massage
- Pain medication
- Surgery
Of course, some of the above treatments only offer temporary relief. Surgery can be expensive and sometimes can make things worse.Studies have shown ozone treatment for pain can be effective and reduce the need for pain medication.
Other Injection Treatments
A fluoroscopic guided injection into the spine can provide pain relief. A device sends a continuous X-ray beam to the area of concern on the spine and produces an image of the injection site.
The image-guided needle is able to inject into the spine more accurately than through manual methods. The procedure injects steroids into the spine, which reduces inflammation. A numbing agent also is mixed in that provides temporary relief. The quality of the results from the procedure can help the treating physician more accurately determine the true location of the affected nerves.
Fluoroscopic guided injections also can be used to reduce joint pain such as what you might have in your hip or shoulder.
Stem Cell Therapy
Although the use of adult stem cells to repair damaged vertebrae is experimental, there have been some promising results. The idea is to inject bone marrow, which contains stem cells, into a damaged vertebra. The stem cells transform into new cartilage cells to repair the vertebra.
Another innovative idea that recently came out is to bank your own stem cells, much like you would blood or sperm. By storing stem cells, patients can avoid possible rejection of cells when they are reintroduced to the body.
There was a recent clinical trial in Ireland in which patients suffering from arthritis in their knees were injected with their own stem cells at the location of pain. Patients reported increased joint function after the injections.
Physical Therapy
Nowadays, people want some kind of magic pill to cure all their problems. However, in cases of back pain management, physical therapy can help patients recover faster after surgery or other procedures.
For those living in the Houston area, Ace Pain Management offers a variety of innovative treatments for pain including fluoroscopic guided injections, stem cell therapy and physical therapy.
