Can Prolotherapy Really Fix a Back Problem Where Surgery Can Not? 
Dr. Marc Darrow, M.D.

Can Prolotherapy really fix a back problem where surgery can not? A study published in 1987-by which time the procedures of Prolotherapy were fairly well established-offered dramatic support to proponents of the still basically unknown technique. In the first double-blind study on the effects of Prolotherapy on back pain, two groups of carefully screened patients-with at least a one year history of back problems that hadn't responded to other non- surgical treatments-were injected with either a true Prolotherapy proliferant (a dextrose-glycerine-phenol solution), or with a saline-based placebo.

The test subjects had been thoroughly pre-screened, with full clinical evaluations, x-rays and lab tests, and the 82 patients accepted had arrived with painful conditions. Sixty-percent were currently using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). A half-dozen were experiencing such intense pain that they were taking narcotic pain-killers. A whopping 91% had difficulty sitting still for any length of time, and 65% had difficulty sleeping (see video on Sleep and Detox) due to their pain. Seventeen-percent had difficulty walking, 21% experienced decreased sexual activity, and 4% were completely bed-ridden.

Six months after the treatment, 35 of the 40 people who had received the actual Prolotherapy treatment had experienced at least a 50% reduction in pain-a success rate of 88%. And 15 of them were completely pain free-compared to only 4 in the control group.

1. Ongley M, Klein R, Dorman T, Eek B, Hubert L. A New Approach to the Treatment of Chronic Low Back Pain. Lancet 1987;2:143-146.

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Patient's stories herein, and the language used, is intended to inform and educate. HOWEVER, it does not imply that you or anyone else will receive the same outcome.

Prolotherapy and other modalities mentioned are medical techniques that may not be considered mainstream. As with any medical procedure, results will vary among individuals, and there could be pain or substantial risks involved. These concerns should be discussed with your health care provider prior to any treatment so that you have proper informed consent and understand that there are no guarantees to healing.

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