Pain relief

This Week In The HSI Forum

The pain from damaged ligaments and tendons can sometimes be temporarily managed with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen. But a good number of HSI members – myself included – have found an effective treatment called prolotherapy that actually prompts the healing of damaged tendons and ligaments; something NSAIDs can’t begin to do.

The HSI Forum currently has more than five separate threads about prolotherapy, a treatment in which a solution of simple compounds (usually dextrose or calcium carbonate) is injected at the point of the injury. This triggers an inflammation response that increases the blood supply and delivers the nutrients necessary to promote the growth of new cells and repair damaged connective tissue.

Here’s how an HSI member named Mindy describes her experience with prolotherapy: “I had the treatment for a painful shoulder and it fixed it right up with one treatment. Have never had anymore trouble with it. I also had Carpel Tunnel in my left hand, and the doctor put an injection sort of up the heel of my hand. That was years ago, and I have had no more trouble with it either. No pain afterward and so simple! I have also had the treatments on my back, and it is great now. Also, it has kept my knees working pain free for years. I am sold on it. No dangerous drugs this way either!”

And a member named Phil posted a comment about his wife, who suffered from severe neck pain and extended migraine headaches due to a car accident many years ago. Phil writes that when his wife finally tried prolotherapy, she was given more than 50 injections in the neck and back, but this took only 10 minutes. “I was in the room with them during the procedure. She did appear to have some discomfort but according to my wife it was nothing compared to the headache. Immediately (5 minutes) after the treatment she had relief from the pain and only had a feeling of tightness in her neck.”

My own experience was a bit different. During the procedure, the discomfort was terribly painful. After about 24 hours the soreness subsided and my shoulders were completely pain-free.

But prolotherapy doesn’t click for everyone. A member named Mike writes: “I had 9 treatments for a frozen shoulder. Alas, no improvement from Prolotherapy. I also tried seven Prolotherapy treatments for a severe lower back problem. Again, the same story. Prolotherapy did not help and physical therapy did.”

In Mike’s case, there’s a possibility that his doctor was simply not up to the task. Here’s a word of caution from a member named Leppert: “Make sure that the one that does it has a LOT of experience. It really is an art and the DR relies on touch to determine when another shot is necessary. The benefit is slow to come but sneaks up on you. Mine was very successful.”

Leppert’s correct about finding a prolotherapist who’s both knowledgeable and experienced. To locate a doctor near you who’s adept at prolotherapy, you can start by checking the web site for the American College for Advancement in Medicine (acam.org). For a more in-depth look at prolotherapy, check the e-Alert “Crash Dummy” (4/2/03).

And on a purely practical note: Prolotherapy can be somewhat expensive, but a member named Margaret notes that Medicare paid for a portion of her treatments.

Other topics on the HSI Forum this week include:

• Bone spurs
• Herbals as anticoagulants
• Ringing in ears
• Congestive heart failure
• Nattokinase
• Sea salt

To join in with any of these discussions, just go to our web site at www.hsionline.com, find your way to the Forum, and add your own insights and comments about health, nutrition and natural treatments.