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May 8, 2008
From Dr. Darrow's radio shows:
New shows coming soon!
Back Pain and MRI
We typically have patients come into our office with big stacks of MRIs, CT Scans and x-rays to confirm the label of Degenerative Disc Disease placed on them by other medical professionals. For example, a woman once came into our office. She had in essence become the living, breathing “embodiment,” of the problem that showed up on her film. When she came in, all she could do was talk about her degenerative disc disease at the L-5, S-1 discs.

This woman had pain in her groin and her back. When we told her we were going to examine her to determine if this was indeed her problem, she had a lot of difficulty comprehending that her pain may not come from her Degenerative Disc Disease at L-5, S-1 because she had already been diagnosed as needing surgery on these two discs. There have been many studies and papers written on the accuracy or correctness of diagnosis based on an MRI reading.

I have had bad back pains that went down into my legs where I actually had to limp around for a couple of days and I never got an MRI. Now why didn't I? Because I believe that they are a useful backup but not as a primary diagnosis.

If I had a herniated disc, in my low back where the pain was, a surgeon would have told me to have a surgery to clean up the disc. But what we find in the people that come into our clinic is that they have sprains in the ligaments and this sprain can mimick a herniated disc.

Many people have disc problems, they have no pain, but if they get a sprain in their back and then they get and MRI, the doctors often think that it is the disc problem causing pain and they recommend surgery to fix it.

If someone has a diagnosis from an MRI, the first thing we do is see if that is REALLY where the pain is coming from. To practice good medicine you need to rely on MRI and X-Rays and scans but you also need to use your hands to find out where the pain is coming from, being careful to gently press on the suspect area causing pain. When the physician's touch elicits an intense pain spot, known as a trigger point or tender point, then we know this is the spot (to do Prolotherapy).
 

Read More About Prolotherapy
How Does Prolotherapy Work?
Prolotherapy stimulates the growth of collagen, the material that ligaments, tendons and other connective tissues are made of.

What are in the Prolotherapy Injections?
There are a number of different types of injections which have proven to be successful in Prolotherapy. Although they work in different ways, motivating the body to heal itself through a variety of natural responses, the end result is the same: to cure pain by building new tissue and stabilizing the joints.
 

The Doctor's Visit
A Prolotherapy physician will physically examine the patient, being careful to gently press on the suspect area causing pain. When the physician's touch elicits an intense pain spot, known as a trigger points or tender point, this is the spot where Prolotherapy is given.

Scar Away Your Pain? Some Docs Back Prolotherapy
Read the full segment

Appointment Information
(310) 231-7000
 

Disclaimer : This newsletter is intended to provide information on methods of pain management. It is not intended to provide medical advice in the place of your own qualified health care professional. We shall not be held responsible for omissions or typographical errors. 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.