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PROLOTHERAPY RESEARCH
Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine
Hooper RA, Ding M. Retrospective case series on patients with chronic
spinal pain treated with dextrose prolotherapy. J Altern Complement
Med. 2004 Aug;10(4):670-4. Advanced Spinal Care Centre, Calgary,
Alberta, Canada.
OBJECTIVES: To determine the clinical benefits of dextrose
prolotherapy in patients with chronic spinal pain.
DESIGN: Retrospective case series. SETTING/LOCATION:
During the first 2 years at an outpatient prolotherapy clinic.
SUBJECTS: One hundred and seventy-seven (177) consecutive
patients with a history of chronic spinal pain completed
Prolotherapy treatment and were followed for a period ranging from 2 months to 2.5
years.
INTERVENTIONS: Patients were treated with a proliferant
solution containing 20% dextrose and 0.75% xylocaine. One half
milliliter (0.5 mL) of proliferant was injected into the facet capsules
of the
Cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine, or combinations of the
three areas. The iliolumbar and dorsal sacroiliac ligaments were also
injected in patient with low back pain.
Prolotherapy injections were typically done
on a weekly basis for up to 3 weeks. A set of three injections was
repeated in 1 month's time if needed.
OUTCOME MEASURES: Level of pain, and improvement in
activities of daily living were measured on a five-point scale.
Improvement in ability to work was also assessed.
RESULTS: Ninety-one percent (91.0%) of patients reported
reduction in level of pain; 84.8% of patients reported improvement in
activities of daily living, and 84.3% reported an improvement in ability
to work. Women required on average, three more injections than men.
Cervical spine response rates were lower than thoracic or lumbar spine.
No complications from treatment were noted.
CONCLUSIONS: Dextrose prolotherapy appears to be a safe
and effective method for treating chronic spinal pain that merits
further investigation. Future studies need to consider differences in
gender response rates.
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