Lumbar Disc Herniation and HBOT
72 Million Americans Suffer Chronic Low Back Pain
Vertebral disc herniation is by far one of the most common causes of lower back pain (LBP) and has been poorly treated for the vast majority of patients. Often treatment for disc herniation leads to conversation about surgery and as it is becoming more evident, surgery begets more surgery. The number of patients having multiple lumbar surgeries is growing and does not treat the root cause of the pain.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a treatment that involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. This therapy has been shown to have numerous health benefits, including improving circulation, reducing inflammation, and promoting healing. The analgesic (Pain reducing) effect of HBOT is profound and the majority of patients report a decrease in pain with only a few treatments.
One of the potential uses for HBOT is in the treatment of disc herniation, a condition in which the inner gel-like substance of a spinal disc protrudes out through a tear or crack in the outer layer. This can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the affected area. While oxygen will not cure the disc herniation, it can provide a foundation that allows patients to heal.
HBOT has been shown to be effective in reducing the pain and inflammation associated with disc herniation
A newly published study found that HBOT significantly reduced the size of herniated discs, which can alleviate pressure on nearby nerves and improve symptoms. The herniated disc causes a massI effect, meaning the disc protrusion is so massive that it pushes onto other structures, causing pain, sciatica and inability to ambulate.
Another study found that HBOT improved the healing process of herniated discs, allowing for faster recovery. While Hyperbaric Oxygen does not cure disc herniation, it decreases the inflammation and allows for physical therapy to strengthen the collateral muscles and add structural support. This is the first step to recovering from lower back pain without surgical intervention.
In addition to its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects, HBOT can also improve the overall health of the spine and promote healing of the damaged disc. The increased oxygen levels in the body during HBOT can stimulate the growth of new blood vessels, which can improve circulation and provide nutrients to the injured area. The antiinflammatory effect of HBOT decreases swelling and allows the neighboring structures to return to normal function.
Overall, HBOT has been shown to be a safe and effective treatment for disc herniation. It can provide relief from pain and inflammation, improve the healing process, and promote overall spinal health.
Sources:
"Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for the Treatment of Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Retrospective Study." National Center for Biotechnology Information. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4794758/
"Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for the Treatment of Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Herniation: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial." National Center for Biotechnology Information. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6173301/
"Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Lumbar Disc Herniation." Journal of Spine Surgery. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4872809/
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