Dr. Prasham Shah
Orthopedic, Arthroscopic, Joint Replacement, Ilizarov Surgeon
FAQs on Ozone Therapy for Slipped Discs
- Can ozone injection be used in all slipped disc cases?
- How does ozone act in a slipped disc?
- Can ozone be used in spinal canal stenosis?
- How is ozone given in a slipped disc?
- How long does one have to stay in the hospital?
- What is the post-injection instructions?
- What is the success rate of this injection as opposed to surgery.
- Is it techniqually demanding?
- Is it a permanent cure or temporary relief?
- If required, can it be repeated again in the same disc?
- Can it be used for a previously failed surgery?
- What are the side-effects?
Ozone Therapy in Slipped Discs
Can ozone injection be used in all slipped disc cases?
Yes, it can be used for both cervical (neck) and Lumber slipped disc. In Lumber disc the patient feels pain in the back and a radiating pain in the legs, due to pressure on nerves. Patient cannot walk long distance and on walking, one or both legs become heavy. When the pressure on the nerves is more, the patient may develop paralysis or loss of sensation. Similar symptoms appear in hands and upper limb when cervical disc is prolapsed.
How does ozone act in a slipped disc?
Ozone reacts with the water content of disc which is 80% of the total volume of disc. Thus it mummifies the disc and the bulging of disc which is causing pressure on the nerves is reduced and the pressure on the nerve is released.
Can ozone be used in spinal canal stenosis?
Ozone injection helps even in stenosis, when the stenosis is due to soft tissue. Bony canal stenosis may require release.
How is ozone given in a slipped disc?
This injection is given in operation theater.
After the patient's basic investigation and examination he is taken to the operation theater. Under local anaesthesia and imaging techniques the needle is introduced in the disc space, confirmed with special dye and then freshly prepared ozone from the generator is introduced in the disc.
After the patient's basic investigation and examination he is taken to the operation theater. Under local anaesthesia and imaging techniques the needle is introduced in the disc space, confirmed with special dye and then freshly prepared ozone from the generator is introduced in the disc.
How long does one have to stay in the hospital?
Patients have to stay for two to three hours in the hospital, after which they can go home.
What are the post-injection instructions?
Patient after going home takes rest for a day. Then for 4 to 6 weeks he or she should not lift weights, bend or sit down. Patient can travel after two days. They must do exercise as directed.
What is the success rate of this injection as opposed to surgery?
Uniform success rate of 85 to 90% results after injection as opposed to variable rate of 49% - 95% after surgery.
Is it technically demanding?
Yes. It must be done by a technically skillful person only.
Is it a permanent cure or a temporary relief?
Once the result is achieved, it is permanent. One must follow the instructions very strictly for the first 4 to 6 weeks. In future, any factor that makes the normal disc bulge can make symptoms reappear.
If required, can it be repeated again in the same disc?
Usually it is not necessary, but if need be, it can be repeated.
It is indeed very useful in failed surgeries. In fact, it is recommended to undergo ozone injection in a failed back rather then go in for a second surgery!
What are the side effects?
As such there are no side effects of Ozone. But patients, rarely, may develop a headache.