Prolotherapy Holds Key for Chronic Back Pain Sufferers
By Dr. Ayo K. Bankole

People suffering from chronic low back pain are recognizing Prolotherapy as a powerful alternative to prolonged suffering, pain medications or surgery.  With back pain being the most common reason people visit a doctor, wider acceptance of Prolotherapy has the potential to revolutionize pain management.  Conservative management of chronic low back pain is limited to muscle relaxants and non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen.  When these measures fail, surgery may be recommended, overlooking Prolotherapy, a well-documented and amazingly effective treatment for low back pain.  

In Prolotherapy, stretched or torn tendons and ligaments are treated with pro-inflammatory agents like dextrose and glucosamine, resulting in loss of pain and the return of normal function.  The Prolotherapy agents act as growth factors, providing stronger, thicker and tighter ligaments and joints.  Also known as Regenerative Injection Therapy (RIT), Prolotherapy was first performed in the 1930’s.

The earliest contemporary pioneer of the art was George S. Hackett, M.D., who developed much of its methodology in the 1950’s.  Dr. Hackett found in one of his earlier studies that Prolotherapy for posterior sacroiliac ligament relaxation resulted in a cure of low back pain in 82 percent of people treated. From its humble beginnings, Prolotherapy is now practiced across the nation and worldwide by hundreds of alternative medicine minded physicians.

The most common cause of chronic low back pain is musculoskeletal.   Pain typically originates from the large ligaments that hold the lumbar vertebra, sacrum and pelvis together. These areas represent the weak link in the low back.  With overuse, incorrect body mechanics during lifting, or acute injuries, these ligaments become stretched and even torn.  Loosened ligaments lack the stability needed for a strong, healthy back.  They begin sending pain signals to the brain and perpetuate further degeneration of other structures such as the discs.   Ligaments have a limited ability to regenerate on their own. 

Radiculopathy is a common symptom experienced as pain radiating down the buttock, thigh, to the groin or even the foot or toe.   Although disc herniation and subsequent nerve root irritation may cause this symptom, these are not the only causes.   Many physicians falsely attribute all radiculopathy to disc problems.  In fact, ligament and tendon structures of the low back have similar referral pain patterns that mimic a herniated disc.  

In between each vertebra is a gelatinous disc, which is stabilized by a surrounding ligament called the annulus fibrosis.  Weakened by degeneration or injury, this ligament allows disc material to herniate.  The preceding cause of a degenerated disc is loose lumbar ligaments that allow excessive movement of the vertebra, placing extreme pressure on the disc.  By strengthening the iliolumbar ligaments, Prolotherapy treats the cause of herniated disc.  Prolotherapy will tighten and strengthen these ligaments, restoring proper alignment and preventing further degeneration.   Loose lumbar ligaments can also allow misalignment of a vertebra, which can compress a nerve root, resulting in radiculopathy.  

Manipulation performed by a chiropractor or osteopath works well to realign the bones, relieving the compression and often providing immediate pain relief.   However, weakened and loosened ligaments have a tendency to cause the misalignment to reoccur.  Prolotherapy is the best way to strengthen the ligaments, ensuring permanent alignment and preventing further nerve root compression.

For individuals undergoing Prolotherapy, the number of treatments is determined by the extent of degeneration and injury, and the response to therapy is partially determined by age and health at the time of treatment.   Prolotherapy can reverse loose ligaments and resolve back pain in as few as four to six treatments.  Older individuals, those in poorer health or those who smoke require more treatments than those who are younger or healthier. Treatments are typically spaced in four to six week intervals. 

Back pain doesn’t need to be debilitating or chronic.   Prolotherapy holds the key for many chronic low back pain sufferers.  Before you accept a lifetime of pain or spinal surgery, consider the healing and tissue regenerating properties of Prolotherapy.

Dr. Ayo Bankole uses Prolotherapy to treat pain conditions of the back, hips, knees, feet, shoulders, elbows, and hands.  To learn if Prolotherapy is right for you, call 951.801.2302 for a free consultation.