Prolotherapy

The Problem:

To understand how prolotherapy can help, first, you must understand the problem itself. The spinal column is composed of 7 cervical vertebrae, 12 thoracic vertebrae, 5 lumbar vertebrae, 5 sacral vertebrae (fused), and the coccyx. A bony joint called the facet connects one vertebra to the one below, and there are 2 facets per segment. These joints are held together by ligaments that form the joint capsule. In between these vertebral segments is an inter-vertebral disk. The disk serves as a shock absorber and cushion, composed of a tough outer shell made of collagen called the annulus fibrosis and a jelly-filled center called the nucleus pulposus. This structure is perfectly designed to provide structure, function, and flexibility to the human form. It is incredibly strong and allows flexion, extension, side-bending, and rotation.

The weakest spot of the disk is the backside. The posterior longitudinal ligament covers much of the back portion of the disk, leaving the back corners the most vulnerable. This is exactly where disk herniation generally occurs. Additionally, the spinal nerves leave the spinal canal through the intervertebral foramen. The weak spot of the disk generally corresponds to the area where this nerve exits the foramen and can compress it, resulting in radiculopathy. Traditional treatment for herniated disks eliminates the radiculopathy by surgically repairing the disk and decompressing the nerve. One source states that the surgery SHOULD be 95% effective in eliminating the radiculopathy. However, they also state that 10% of patients will have a recurrence in the same area and require repeat surgery. They recommend a spinal fusion if this occurs repetitively.

The Solution:

There are a few issues with the surgical approach to herniated disks. First, not all “pain going down my leg” is due to a herniated disk, even if you find a herniated disk on an MRI. Several studies have been performed that raise questions on whether or not we can accurately attribute an abnormal finding on MRI to the cause of the symptoms. Back pain should be evaluated by a trained prolotherapist before any surgery is considered, (unless it is a true emergency) because there are other potential causes for pain going down the leg besides herniated disks. Next, we need to evaluate the actual cause of the herniated disk. Have you ever wondered WHY these things occur in the first place? Here at Revolution Health & Wellness, we don’t believe they just happen. Here’s how we believe these things get started:

Step 1: There is damage to the ligaments that form the facet joint capsule, allowing excess movement and flexion.

Step 2: Excess flexion causes increased stress on the disk but also increases the stress exponentially on the anterior column (the front edge of the disk) and forces pressure posteriorly along the weakest area of the disk, resulting in disk herniation.

Our holistic approach to disk herniation is a non-invasive alternative. We can help this problem with prolotherapy on the spinal facets, which will tighten up these joints, restore proper spinal function, and provide an environment for the disk to heal itself.