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Prolotherapy: An effective treatment for low back pain?

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Prolotherapy: An effective treatment for low back pain?

Question

Is prolotherapy an effective treatment for chronic low back pain?

Dorothy
Michigan

Answer

Prolotherapy involves injecting sugar solutions into painful ligaments and tendons to stimulate production of connective tissue. The theory is that prolotherapy can strengthen these ligaments and tendons and reduce pain. Studies of prolotherapy have reported conflicting evidence regarding its effectiveness in treating chronic low back pain.

A review of five well-designed studies concluded that prolotherapy alone is ineffective in treating chronic low back pain. However, when combined with other treatments — such as spinal manipulation and exercise — prolotherapy may improve chronic low back pain. More research is needed to clarify what role, if any, prolotherapy plays in the treatment of chronic low back pain.

Last Updated: 2010-04-29
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