How many sessions are required?
Orthopedics surgeons now know how to make real money like the cosmetic surgeons. Nothing is ever cured in one session. So rest assured, you will never heal with one or two sessions. Most people get suckered into signing for 10-20 sessions
Do only individuals with back pain undergo spine force?
No, if you are healthy and are stupid, you can sign up to. The doctors say spine force is good for preventive health. Just brings in more money for the doctor.
What happens after the sessions?
Well nothing, you will still have back pain. You will still whine and cry about your back, except now, you will also be broke. The providers of this therapy claim that spine force can stabilize the back, align the joint, improve posture, and get rid of your pain (it does absolutely nothing!)
The vendors also claim that spine force has the ability to coordinate functions of lower back with rest of the body. By increasing muscle strength and posture, one can perform improve daily life activities and have minimal disability.
Are there any side effects from spine force?
None, unless you fall off the machine. One does not require a physician’s prescription to get spine force therapy sessions. This means the treatment is bogus
What is cost of spine force treatment?
The cost of spine force treatment varies. The average cost per session is about $ 30-$75. Most individuals require several sessions to get the maximum benefit. The treatments are not covered by Medicare or any private health insurance.
Final point
Consumers, please do understand, this forum is designed to help you get better care and save your hard-earned money. Spine force is simply rubbish. If you have back pain and are looking to enter an exercise program, go and see a decent bona fide physical therapist. While physical therapy may not be appealing, it provides the best result, is cheaper than these gimmicks, and is safe. Physical therapy does take time and commitment. However, you will definitely get rid of your pain. All spine force will do for you is prolong your agony, fail to improve your back and take away your money
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Spine force for back pain- another gimmick?
Every year, thousands of individuals are injured following some type of trauma. Some of the injuries are from sporting activities, work related, motor vehicles and falls in the home. For the majority of these individuals, once the pain is controlled, physical therapy is the next step. In a physical therapy program, many of these individuals undergo a program of active and passive exercise plus other related treatments. While some may question the duration of physical therapy and expense, there is no doubt that the treatment works. Physical therapy produces more effective results than any single therapy that we presently have. However, consumer today wants instantaneous results. So now, we have spine force.
What is spine force?
Today, a novel machine has been designed to help people with back pain heal their body as well as improve their lives. The Spine force is a piece of equipment, which uses up-to-date scientific technology to help treat back pain. It combines physical therapy, manipulation, and chiropractic techniques in one machine.
What does spine force exactly do?
The basic essential of spine force is that it stabilizes the spine. With manipulation and chiropractic techniques, this eventually leads to healing of tissues, realignment of joints and relaxation of back muscles. The machine has an oscillating platform that can immediately sense weakness or imbalance in the spine. The machine has a computer program that can develop a personalized exercise program. The program combines a series of joint manipulations, adjustments, and back exercises
Where are spine force treatment done?
Spine force treatments are performed as an outpatient and usually last 30-45 minutes.
Is there any pain with Spine Force treatments?
No, There is no pain, there are no needles and the results are immediate.
What is spine force?
Today, a novel machine has been designed to help people with back pain heal their body as well as improve their lives. The Spine force is a piece of equipment, which uses up-to-date scientific technology to help treat back pain. It combines physical therapy, manipulation, and chiropractic techniques in one machine.
What does spine force exactly do?
The basic essential of spine force is that it stabilizes the spine. With manipulation and chiropractic techniques, this eventually leads to healing of tissues, realignment of joints and relaxation of back muscles. The machine has an oscillating platform that can immediately sense weakness or imbalance in the spine. The machine has a computer program that can develop a personalized exercise program. The program combines a series of joint manipulations, adjustments, and back exercises
Where are spine force treatment done?
Spine force treatments are performed as an outpatient and usually last 30-45 minutes.
Is there any pain with Spine Force treatments?
No, There is no pain, there are no needles and the results are immediate.
Cold laser therapy: Scam or Sham treatment for Pain? part 3
Are there any side effects?
Sure, there are side effects. Trying zapping yourself with a laser. Nevertheless, the providers say there are no side effects
Are there any complications from the cold laser?
Sure, you go home with less money in your pockets after being treated with nonsensical therapy. Anytime you apply a laser, there is a chance of complication. There are ample testimonials on cyberspace which claim that there is intense pain from the treatment. The other major complication after cold laser therapy is that it does not work.
What are benefits of cold laser treatment?
- relief from pain
- increased ability of body to heal
- better blood supply to tissues
- enhanced immune system to help fight off toxins
- build up of new muscle and collagen
- promotion healing
- decreased inflammation
By the way, none of the above actually happens. These are just hypothetical statements made by vendors of the cold laser.
What is cost of cold laser therapy?
The cost of cold laser therapy depends on the medical disorder and how long the treatment is required. The treatment is not covered by Medicare or any private medical insurance. The average cost per session of cold laser therapy varies from $30-$100.
How many sessions does one need?
Many. No one ever gets cured with one session. If you sign up for more sessions, you also get a T-shirt saying that you are a sucker.
Final Note
Dear Consumers, Please do not fall these gimmicks. It seems that the bone doctors, naturopaths, therapists and everyone else in health care seem to think that lasers can do magic. Definitely Not. Lasers do have a role in medicine and do provide a lot of benefit. However, Cold laser therapy is just a gimmick and considered sham treatment. There are ample testimonials on cyberspace about cold laser therapy and how ineffective the treatment is. Therefore, before you enroll for any treatment, read about it, ask questions, get referrals, and discuss this with your doctor (as long as he/she is not the one providing this gimmick therapy). Sometimes in life, you live a lot longer and happier if you keep away from bogus treatments and charlatans.
Sure, there are side effects. Trying zapping yourself with a laser. Nevertheless, the providers say there are no side effects
Are there any complications from the cold laser?
Sure, you go home with less money in your pockets after being treated with nonsensical therapy. Anytime you apply a laser, there is a chance of complication. There are ample testimonials on cyberspace which claim that there is intense pain from the treatment. The other major complication after cold laser therapy is that it does not work.
What are benefits of cold laser treatment?
- relief from pain
- increased ability of body to heal
- better blood supply to tissues
- enhanced immune system to help fight off toxins
- build up of new muscle and collagen
- promotion healing
- decreased inflammation
By the way, none of the above actually happens. These are just hypothetical statements made by vendors of the cold laser.
What is cost of cold laser therapy?
The cost of cold laser therapy depends on the medical disorder and how long the treatment is required. The treatment is not covered by Medicare or any private medical insurance. The average cost per session of cold laser therapy varies from $30-$100.
How many sessions does one need?
Many. No one ever gets cured with one session. If you sign up for more sessions, you also get a T-shirt saying that you are a sucker.
Final Note
Dear Consumers, Please do not fall these gimmicks. It seems that the bone doctors, naturopaths, therapists and everyone else in health care seem to think that lasers can do magic. Definitely Not. Lasers do have a role in medicine and do provide a lot of benefit. However, Cold laser therapy is just a gimmick and considered sham treatment. There are ample testimonials on cyberspace about cold laser therapy and how ineffective the treatment is. Therefore, before you enroll for any treatment, read about it, ask questions, get referrals, and discuss this with your doctor (as long as he/she is not the one providing this gimmick therapy). Sometimes in life, you live a lot longer and happier if you keep away from bogus treatments and charlatans.
Cold laser therapy: Scam or Sham treatment for Pain? part 2
Where is cold laser therapy done?
The treatment is performed as an outpatient at a clinic, salon, or a physician’s office. You lie down, make yourself comfortable and then the hand held laser is held close to skin and activated. The laser penetrates skin and generates heat in your body. The doctors claim that the heat then heals the tissues.
How many types of lasers are there?
Well, every week there is a new laser, there is a hot laser, fractional laser, cold laser, medium laser, soft laser, wrinkle laser, Fraxel laser, affirm laser, diode laser, CO2 laser and the list goes on. This should tell the consumer that there is no ideal laser that works. Just like weight loss gimmicks, lasers do not fare any better- at least when it comes to pain control or erasing wrinkles.
What can a cold laser treat?
Well, I think the question should be what it can’t treat? The providers of cold laser claim that it can heal and cure almost every type of bone, joint and muscle injury (if this was true, why do we still have more than 50 million individuals with arthritic and joint pain?)
The claims are that Cold laser can be used to treat the following injuries:
- traumatic injury to muscle
- traumatic injury to bone
- back pain
- neck pain
- shoulder pain
- elbow pain
- wrist pain
- chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia
- any joint pain
- any type of arthritis
- carpal tunnel syndrome
- tendinitis
- neuropathic pain
- sports related injuries
- strains and sprains
When does one see results with cold laser treatment?
Majority see no relief of anything, except less money in their pockets. The providers of this therapy claim that pain relief is not instantaneous. It can take several sessions of laser treatment to see pain relief (have you not heard this same line with the cosmetic surgeons and wrinkles!)
How long does each session last?
If you have mild pain, just one zap of the laser is ok and it takes a few minutes. A few seconds for the laser and several more minutes up at the cashier. If you have many joints that need treatment, it can take 20-30 minutes.
The treatment is performed as an outpatient at a clinic, salon, or a physician’s office. You lie down, make yourself comfortable and then the hand held laser is held close to skin and activated. The laser penetrates skin and generates heat in your body. The doctors claim that the heat then heals the tissues.
How many types of lasers are there?
Well, every week there is a new laser, there is a hot laser, fractional laser, cold laser, medium laser, soft laser, wrinkle laser, Fraxel laser, affirm laser, diode laser, CO2 laser and the list goes on. This should tell the consumer that there is no ideal laser that works. Just like weight loss gimmicks, lasers do not fare any better- at least when it comes to pain control or erasing wrinkles.
What can a cold laser treat?
Well, I think the question should be what it can’t treat? The providers of cold laser claim that it can heal and cure almost every type of bone, joint and muscle injury (if this was true, why do we still have more than 50 million individuals with arthritic and joint pain?)
The claims are that Cold laser can be used to treat the following injuries:
- traumatic injury to muscle
- traumatic injury to bone
- back pain
- neck pain
- shoulder pain
- elbow pain
- wrist pain
- chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia
- any joint pain
- any type of arthritis
- carpal tunnel syndrome
- tendinitis
- neuropathic pain
- sports related injuries
- strains and sprains
When does one see results with cold laser treatment?
Majority see no relief of anything, except less money in their pockets. The providers of this therapy claim that pain relief is not instantaneous. It can take several sessions of laser treatment to see pain relief (have you not heard this same line with the cosmetic surgeons and wrinkles!)
How long does each session last?
If you have mild pain, just one zap of the laser is ok and it takes a few minutes. A few seconds for the laser and several more minutes up at the cashier. If you have many joints that need treatment, it can take 20-30 minutes.
Cold laser therapy: Scam or Sham treatment for Pain?
What is cold laser therapy?
Lasers generate energy waves that are converted into heat. Now the orthopedic surgeons, therapists, and other health care professionals have become like cosmetic surgeons- making up new names for the same laser. Every week the cosmetologists release a new laser which is hyped up to be the best ever. The same trend is being followed by others in medicine. This fact alone should tell you that cold laser therapy is junk. Nevertheless, read on to find out more.
What exactly is cold laser therapy?
Cold laser therapy is a novel therapy to help people with musculoskeletal injuries recover faster. This means that there are a lot of desperate people with back pain who will be scammed of their hard-earned money. The providers of this therapy claim that cold laser utilizes advanced technology and allows the body to heal faster. The treatments are claimed to be fast, painless and effective- so what else is new?
What does cold laser therapy do?
Well, in reality it does nothing. The providers claim it is like acupuncture or acupressure. The laser has healing power and is supernatural; such BS is common in the ads. The cold laser generates rays of light, which penetrate your skin and then the heat, stimulates your body’s own tissues to heal (what a load of rubbish!). Lasers have been used in medicine for more than 30 years and how come not a single disease, symptom or illness has ever been cured?
Is there any research to show that cold laser can heal?
All the data on cold laser therapy are reports by the providers who sell this therapy. All this healing stuff is an illusion in the minds of the providers. Testimonials from patients claim that this cold laser is rubbish or s..t.
Lasers generate energy waves that are converted into heat. Now the orthopedic surgeons, therapists, and other health care professionals have become like cosmetic surgeons- making up new names for the same laser. Every week the cosmetologists release a new laser which is hyped up to be the best ever. The same trend is being followed by others in medicine. This fact alone should tell you that cold laser therapy is junk. Nevertheless, read on to find out more.
What exactly is cold laser therapy?
Cold laser therapy is a novel therapy to help people with musculoskeletal injuries recover faster. This means that there are a lot of desperate people with back pain who will be scammed of their hard-earned money. The providers of this therapy claim that cold laser utilizes advanced technology and allows the body to heal faster. The treatments are claimed to be fast, painless and effective- so what else is new?
What does cold laser therapy do?
Well, in reality it does nothing. The providers claim it is like acupuncture or acupressure. The laser has healing power and is supernatural; such BS is common in the ads. The cold laser generates rays of light, which penetrate your skin and then the heat, stimulates your body’s own tissues to heal (what a load of rubbish!). Lasers have been used in medicine for more than 30 years and how come not a single disease, symptom or illness has ever been cured?
Is there any research to show that cold laser can heal?
All the data on cold laser therapy are reports by the providers who sell this therapy. All this healing stuff is an illusion in the minds of the providers. Testimonials from patients claim that this cold laser is rubbish or s..t.
Friday, April 24, 2009
lasers for back pain- real or bull? part 3
Are there any studies to document laser as a healing treatment?
Absolutely not, there are no randomized double blind clinical studies which show that lasers can heal anything. In fact, the available clinical studies reveal that laser is not effective. The reports that doctors have are anecdotal case reports- which have the same level of importance as your grandma’s green tea oil remedies.
What about patient testimonials?
All doctors and vendors claim that laser is very effective. Patients who have undergone laser treatments say exactly the opposite. Bull shit and crap are common terminology. Others add that the laser is painful and very expensive.
Can laser speed up recovery?
No, laser does jack s..t. All this talk about recovery and breaking up scar tissue, strengthening muscle is hogwash. There is zero evidence that laser can do anything in terms of repairing joints.
How does laser inhibit pain?
The doctors claims that it works like morphine. Just another bull crap story. There is zero evidence that lasers work like morphine. In fact, laser causes pain.
Is treatment covered by insurance?
No, laser for back pain is considered pseudo science and Medicare does not cover junk therapy. No private medical insurance pays for this treatment.
What is cost of laser for back pain?
Just to see the doctor or health professional is about $50-$100. Each treatment, which is less than 10 minutes, can cost $50-$200 per session
Who does laser for back pain?
Every Tom, Dick, Harry, Sally, Physical therapist, naturopath, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, doctors, or anyone who has a degree in anything is now using laser to cure back pain (perhaps President Obama should hire these laser maniacs to help solve the financial woes in the country)
What about good clinical studies on laser?
The best evaluation of laser for back pain shows that low-level laser therapy for back pain does not work. At the moment there is no evidence that laser does anything.
Final point
Please consumers, do not fall for everything that comes out of the mouth of health care professionals. Medical professional offer a lot of false promises that bear no resemblance to reality. So read about the procedure, ask questions, get a second opinion and save your hard-earned money on what works. Unfortunately, laser for back pain is like throwing money down the toilet. Avoid it.
http://www.cochrane.org/reviews/en/ab005107.html
Absolutely not, there are no randomized double blind clinical studies which show that lasers can heal anything. In fact, the available clinical studies reveal that laser is not effective. The reports that doctors have are anecdotal case reports- which have the same level of importance as your grandma’s green tea oil remedies.
What about patient testimonials?
All doctors and vendors claim that laser is very effective. Patients who have undergone laser treatments say exactly the opposite. Bull shit and crap are common terminology. Others add that the laser is painful and very expensive.
Can laser speed up recovery?
No, laser does jack s..t. All this talk about recovery and breaking up scar tissue, strengthening muscle is hogwash. There is zero evidence that laser can do anything in terms of repairing joints.
How does laser inhibit pain?
The doctors claims that it works like morphine. Just another bull crap story. There is zero evidence that lasers work like morphine. In fact, laser causes pain.
Is treatment covered by insurance?
No, laser for back pain is considered pseudo science and Medicare does not cover junk therapy. No private medical insurance pays for this treatment.
What is cost of laser for back pain?
Just to see the doctor or health professional is about $50-$100. Each treatment, which is less than 10 minutes, can cost $50-$200 per session
Who does laser for back pain?
Every Tom, Dick, Harry, Sally, Physical therapist, naturopath, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, doctors, or anyone who has a degree in anything is now using laser to cure back pain (perhaps President Obama should hire these laser maniacs to help solve the financial woes in the country)
What about good clinical studies on laser?
The best evaluation of laser for back pain shows that low-level laser therapy for back pain does not work. At the moment there is no evidence that laser does anything.
Final point
Please consumers, do not fall for everything that comes out of the mouth of health care professionals. Medical professional offer a lot of false promises that bear no resemblance to reality. So read about the procedure, ask questions, get a second opinion and save your hard-earned money on what works. Unfortunately, laser for back pain is like throwing money down the toilet. Avoid it.
http://www.cochrane.org/reviews/en/ab005107.html
lasers for back pain- real or bull? part 2
Does laser therapy have side effects?
Yes, when you play with heat, you can expect some side effects. Most people complain of pain. If it is real laser, then one feels a sharp sting. If it is a fake laser, then there are no side effects. The pain is transient but not something you will forget quickly. Redness and swelling also occur but disappear with in a few hours/days.
Does laser have complications?
Sure, the biggest complication is that lasers do not work. If the doctor is careless, the laser can even burn, cause scarring and induce skin discoloration. These complications are often permanent.
How many laser sessions are required to reduce back pain?
Just like the plastic surgeons, back pain physicians are not able to cure any disorder in a single session. One needs anywhere from 8-20 sessions. In addition, if you dress rich you can rest assured, you will be on the higher end of sessions.
How is the procedure done?
All laser procedures are performed as an outpatient. You go to the office, pay cash and lie down on a comfortable bed. The laser is held closed to your skin and activated. The laser generates a beam of light that enters skin and generates heat. This heat somehow does magic and cures the back pain (at least this is what the doctors want you to believe). How this heat can cure pain is unexplained. Some doctors give a nonsensical explanation of blood vessel opening, nutrition and so on (more garbage). If heat could cure pain, then people living in the Sahara and Gobi desert would never have pain!
How long is each session?
Not more than 5-10 minutes. However, the chitchat and usual sucking up talk with patients can take another 20 minutes (since you are paying cash, you will be treated nicely)
Yes, when you play with heat, you can expect some side effects. Most people complain of pain. If it is real laser, then one feels a sharp sting. If it is a fake laser, then there are no side effects. The pain is transient but not something you will forget quickly. Redness and swelling also occur but disappear with in a few hours/days.
Does laser have complications?
Sure, the biggest complication is that lasers do not work. If the doctor is careless, the laser can even burn, cause scarring and induce skin discoloration. These complications are often permanent.
How many laser sessions are required to reduce back pain?
Just like the plastic surgeons, back pain physicians are not able to cure any disorder in a single session. One needs anywhere from 8-20 sessions. In addition, if you dress rich you can rest assured, you will be on the higher end of sessions.
How is the procedure done?
All laser procedures are performed as an outpatient. You go to the office, pay cash and lie down on a comfortable bed. The laser is held closed to your skin and activated. The laser generates a beam of light that enters skin and generates heat. This heat somehow does magic and cures the back pain (at least this is what the doctors want you to believe). How this heat can cure pain is unexplained. Some doctors give a nonsensical explanation of blood vessel opening, nutrition and so on (more garbage). If heat could cure pain, then people living in the Sahara and Gobi desert would never have pain!
How long is each session?
Not more than 5-10 minutes. However, the chitchat and usual sucking up talk with patients can take another 20 minutes (since you are paying cash, you will be treated nicely)
lasers for back pain- real or bull?
Every single day there is a new treatment for back pain. First, it was the non health care professionals who made up nonsensical treatments for back pain. Now it is the health care workers themselves who are inventing new treatments for back pain. The latest therapy for back pain is laser. Lasers have been widely used by cosmetic surgeons and now the back surgeons are also involved in marketing of lasers for back pain.. The internet is inundated with health care professionals who claim that lasers can cure back pain and everything else in life.
The claims by these health care professionals is that lasers are non-invasive, painless, safe and effective.
What conditions can be treated with laser?
The doctors claim that almost anything with pain can be cured. The list includes:
- Any type of Arthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Herniated discs
- Spinal stenosis
- Diabetic foot
- Shingles
- Sciatic pain
- Facet joint syndrome
- Pain in any joint including the hand, wrist, elbow, neck, shoulder, hip
Why has laser been introduced in orthopedics?
The doctors say that the public is demanding for this revolutionary therapy. It generates amazing results (don’t you love the BS which doctors emit from their backside?). Read on for more nonsense.
What type of lasers are used to treat back pain?
Just read what the doctors say-. All innovative lasers, K laser, powerful lasers, infrared lasers, single beam lasers, diode laser, safe laser, cold lasers, hot lasers, low activity lasers, etc. In addition, these health care professional claim that lasers have therapeutic value and can reduce pain, edema, inflammation and heal the joint. The laser is so amazing that it can cure arthritis (oh yeah, then how come 20 million people in USA alone continue to struggle with their arthritis?)
The claims by these health care professionals is that lasers are non-invasive, painless, safe and effective.
What conditions can be treated with laser?
The doctors claim that almost anything with pain can be cured. The list includes:
- Any type of Arthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Herniated discs
- Spinal stenosis
- Diabetic foot
- Shingles
- Sciatic pain
- Facet joint syndrome
- Pain in any joint including the hand, wrist, elbow, neck, shoulder, hip
Why has laser been introduced in orthopedics?
The doctors say that the public is demanding for this revolutionary therapy. It generates amazing results (don’t you love the BS which doctors emit from their backside?). Read on for more nonsense.
What type of lasers are used to treat back pain?
Just read what the doctors say-. All innovative lasers, K laser, powerful lasers, infrared lasers, single beam lasers, diode laser, safe laser, cold lasers, hot lasers, low activity lasers, etc. In addition, these health care professional claim that lasers have therapeutic value and can reduce pain, edema, inflammation and heal the joint. The laser is so amazing that it can cure arthritis (oh yeah, then how come 20 million people in USA alone continue to struggle with their arthritis?)
Prolotherapy and chronic back pain- another junk treatment- part 2
How many sessions are required?
The manufacturer claims that most individuals need 4 sessions of treatment (if the treatment is curative, one wonders why more treatments are necessary?) Or if the pain has disappeared, why should one need more Prolotherapy? These are just some of the questions that remain unanswered.
Is there pain afterwards?
After the injections, all patients have some degree of discomfort at the pain site. The soreness does remain for some time- some individuals even get a flare up of pain and the manufacturer claims that this is simply part of the healing process.
What are complications?
Other risks of the injections are pain, swelling and bruising. Judging from the literature, there have been a fair number of complications depending on where this substance has been injected. Many patients have also developed severe nerve injury which has resulted in pain which is more than they started off with.
What is cost of prolotherapy
Before you jump in the queue for Prolotherapy, know that many insurance companies do not cover this treatment and Medicare has so far rejected it as pseudo science. The cost of a single joint injection ranges from $200- $300. For those who need more than one injection, the cost can be as high as $1,000-1500. And the manufacturers recommended 4 sessions.
Is it approved?
NO. At present Prolotherapy is considered experimental; therapy. Every single scientific study which has reviewed Prolotherapy has found it to be ineffective in the treatment of chronic pain.
Does it work?
Definitely not. This is just another worthless treatment for back and joint pain, designed to scam people. Unfortunately, many health care professionals have been hyping about the therapy but there is ZERO clinical evidence. Few testimonials on cyberspace claim this is a painful procedure which does nothing and is expensive.
Final Point
There are a great many doctors administering Prolotherapy but that does not mean it works or that it is effective- the common denominator is money. So in the end, read about the treatment and talk to people. If you are ever in doubt about your health care worker and his/her response, always get a second opinion. Medicine and money has yet to heal any disease and has been known to create more problems that you started off with. Therefore, Buyer Beware. Best advice- keep away from prolotherapy, just another scam.
The manufacturer claims that most individuals need 4 sessions of treatment (if the treatment is curative, one wonders why more treatments are necessary?) Or if the pain has disappeared, why should one need more Prolotherapy? These are just some of the questions that remain unanswered.
Is there pain afterwards?
After the injections, all patients have some degree of discomfort at the pain site. The soreness does remain for some time- some individuals even get a flare up of pain and the manufacturer claims that this is simply part of the healing process.
What are complications?
Other risks of the injections are pain, swelling and bruising. Judging from the literature, there have been a fair number of complications depending on where this substance has been injected. Many patients have also developed severe nerve injury which has resulted in pain which is more than they started off with.
What is cost of prolotherapy
Before you jump in the queue for Prolotherapy, know that many insurance companies do not cover this treatment and Medicare has so far rejected it as pseudo science. The cost of a single joint injection ranges from $200- $300. For those who need more than one injection, the cost can be as high as $1,000-1500. And the manufacturers recommended 4 sessions.
Is it approved?
NO. At present Prolotherapy is considered experimental; therapy. Every single scientific study which has reviewed Prolotherapy has found it to be ineffective in the treatment of chronic pain.
Does it work?
Definitely not. This is just another worthless treatment for back and joint pain, designed to scam people. Unfortunately, many health care professionals have been hyping about the therapy but there is ZERO clinical evidence. Few testimonials on cyberspace claim this is a painful procedure which does nothing and is expensive.
Final Point
There are a great many doctors administering Prolotherapy but that does not mean it works or that it is effective- the common denominator is money. So in the end, read about the treatment and talk to people. If you are ever in doubt about your health care worker and his/her response, always get a second opinion. Medicine and money has yet to heal any disease and has been known to create more problems that you started off with. Therefore, Buyer Beware. Best advice- keep away from prolotherapy, just another scam.
Prolotherapy and Chronic Back Pain- Another Junk Treatment
What is prolotherapy?
Prolotherapy is a novel natural technique that is claimed to stimulate the body’s internal systems to help with the healing process. The proponents of Prolotherapy claim that when the usual pain medications or surgery do not help, Prolotherapy can be very useful for treating back and joint pain.
What is involved?
The principle of Prolotherapy require injections of a chemical into the affected part of the body. This substance then triggers the body to react in a positive way and helps heal the wound. The eventual result is tightening of tendons, deposition of collagen and healing of the muscles. It is claimed that Prolotherapy is 100% effective at eliminating chronic pain which is due to ligament of tendon weakness. The solution must be injected into the injured area for the best success.
What part of the body can be treated?
Prolotherapy is designed to treat two types of body tissues, tendon and ligaments. These structures have tenuous blood supply and when they get injured the healing is poor. As the tendons relax and fail to heal, the pain continues to be chronic. The people who market Prolotherapy claim that the treatment is useful for arthritis, mechanical low back pain, degenerative joint disease and many types of sports injuries. In all such scenarios, Prolotherapy helps the body heal tendons and ligaments making them stronger and thicker.
Where is the procedure done?
Prolotherapy injections are done in a physician's office and take anywhere form 30-60 minutes. The discomfort from the injections is variable but most patients claim that it is a painful process. One has to be medicated with 3 different types of drugs before the drug can be injected.
Prolotherapy is a novel natural technique that is claimed to stimulate the body’s internal systems to help with the healing process. The proponents of Prolotherapy claim that when the usual pain medications or surgery do not help, Prolotherapy can be very useful for treating back and joint pain.
What is involved?
The principle of Prolotherapy require injections of a chemical into the affected part of the body. This substance then triggers the body to react in a positive way and helps heal the wound. The eventual result is tightening of tendons, deposition of collagen and healing of the muscles. It is claimed that Prolotherapy is 100% effective at eliminating chronic pain which is due to ligament of tendon weakness. The solution must be injected into the injured area for the best success.
What part of the body can be treated?
Prolotherapy is designed to treat two types of body tissues, tendon and ligaments. These structures have tenuous blood supply and when they get injured the healing is poor. As the tendons relax and fail to heal, the pain continues to be chronic. The people who market Prolotherapy claim that the treatment is useful for arthritis, mechanical low back pain, degenerative joint disease and many types of sports injuries. In all such scenarios, Prolotherapy helps the body heal tendons and ligaments making them stronger and thicker.
Where is the procedure done?
Prolotherapy injections are done in a physician's office and take anywhere form 30-60 minutes. The discomfort from the injections is variable but most patients claim that it is a painful process. One has to be medicated with 3 different types of drugs before the drug can be injected.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Facet joint syndrome part 2
What causes facet joint syndrome?
Facet joint syndrome can occur from injury to any components of the joint. The classic causes include wearing down of cartilage, synovial fluid may disappear and this may induce friction in the joint, bony spurs may form which compress or impinge nerves, poor posture, back trauma, infection, arthritis and work related injury (typically heavy lifting)
Who develops facet joint syndrome?
Millions of individuals are affected with this syndrome. The disorder is more commonly seen after the 4th decade of life but can occur much earlier, depending on prior back injury, lifestyle, and type of work
How is facet joint syndrome diagnosed?
Besides a physical exam, some type of radiological study is required to make a diagnosis of facet joint syndrome. The most common radiological study used today is an MRI. Plain x rays may reveal arthritis or formation of bony spurs. Sometimes the physician may inject a numbing medication in the joint and if the pain disappears, the diagnosis of facet joint syndrome is made. If the pain is unrelieved, then it is most unlikely that the pain is caused by a problem with the facet joint.
How is facet joint syndrome treated?
The treatment of facet joint syndrome is always supportive in the beginning. It includes posture correction, changes in lifestyle, participation in a physical therapy program, wearing braces and pain medications.
When these conservative methods fail, other therapies include radiofrequency rhizotomy (use of radiofrequency waves to denervate the pain nerves).
With conservative measures, the majority of individuals with facet joint syndrome improve. About 20% have recurrent back pain for years.
Final note
For the consumer, it is essential not to jump into surgical management as the first step. The results of surgery are poor and recurrent back pain is common.
Facet joint syndrome can occur from injury to any components of the joint. The classic causes include wearing down of cartilage, synovial fluid may disappear and this may induce friction in the joint, bony spurs may form which compress or impinge nerves, poor posture, back trauma, infection, arthritis and work related injury (typically heavy lifting)
Who develops facet joint syndrome?
Millions of individuals are affected with this syndrome. The disorder is more commonly seen after the 4th decade of life but can occur much earlier, depending on prior back injury, lifestyle, and type of work
How is facet joint syndrome diagnosed?
Besides a physical exam, some type of radiological study is required to make a diagnosis of facet joint syndrome. The most common radiological study used today is an MRI. Plain x rays may reveal arthritis or formation of bony spurs. Sometimes the physician may inject a numbing medication in the joint and if the pain disappears, the diagnosis of facet joint syndrome is made. If the pain is unrelieved, then it is most unlikely that the pain is caused by a problem with the facet joint.
How is facet joint syndrome treated?
The treatment of facet joint syndrome is always supportive in the beginning. It includes posture correction, changes in lifestyle, participation in a physical therapy program, wearing braces and pain medications.
When these conservative methods fail, other therapies include radiofrequency rhizotomy (use of radiofrequency waves to denervate the pain nerves).
With conservative measures, the majority of individuals with facet joint syndrome improve. About 20% have recurrent back pain for years.
Final note
For the consumer, it is essential not to jump into surgical management as the first step. The results of surgery are poor and recurrent back pain is common.
Facet joint syndrome
The orthopedic surgeons and related health professionals love to make medicine sound complex- instead of calling it joint pain now we have facet joint syndrome.
The back is made of many vertebra all aligned in the midline and anatomically arranged to protect the spinal cord. Each vertebra has a facet joint. Facet joints interlink the vertebrae above and below to form a flexible unit that allows the spine to be flexible. This flexibility allows the back to move sideways, forward, and backwards. Facet joints are no different from joints anywhere else in the body
Functions of Facet joint
Like all joints, the surface of facet joint is covered with cartilage whose function is to absorb all trauma and protect the joint. The joint also has a covering, known as synovium that secretes fluid which allows the joint to bend without any friction. The fluid inside the joint is called synovial fluid (it functions just like the oil engine in a car)
What is facet joint syndrome?
Facet joint syndrome occurs when pain arises from any structure within the joint. In the majority of cases, facet joint syndrome occurs in the neck or lower back. The syndrome starts off as an odd ache which worsens with movements or intense activity. Over time, the pain becomes continuous but does respond slightly to pain medications. In the neck area, the pain may radiate to the head, shoulders, upper arms, and back. Sleep is always interrupted because of pain.
When pain develops in the lower back, it is often continuous and often gets worse when one stands for prolonged periods. Often the individual may have difficulty getting up from a chair or bed. Stiffness of lower back is a common complaint first thing in the morning.
The back is made of many vertebra all aligned in the midline and anatomically arranged to protect the spinal cord. Each vertebra has a facet joint. Facet joints interlink the vertebrae above and below to form a flexible unit that allows the spine to be flexible. This flexibility allows the back to move sideways, forward, and backwards. Facet joints are no different from joints anywhere else in the body
Functions of Facet joint
Like all joints, the surface of facet joint is covered with cartilage whose function is to absorb all trauma and protect the joint. The joint also has a covering, known as synovium that secretes fluid which allows the joint to bend without any friction. The fluid inside the joint is called synovial fluid (it functions just like the oil engine in a car)
What is facet joint syndrome?
Facet joint syndrome occurs when pain arises from any structure within the joint. In the majority of cases, facet joint syndrome occurs in the neck or lower back. The syndrome starts off as an odd ache which worsens with movements or intense activity. Over time, the pain becomes continuous but does respond slightly to pain medications. In the neck area, the pain may radiate to the head, shoulders, upper arms, and back. Sleep is always interrupted because of pain.
When pain develops in the lower back, it is often continuous and often gets worse when one stands for prolonged periods. Often the individual may have difficulty getting up from a chair or bed. Stiffness of lower back is a common complaint first thing in the morning.
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