Risks and Side Effects of Prolotherapy

As with any medical procedure, there are a certain amount of potential risks and side effects associated with receiving prolotherapy treatments. Prolotherapy is a natural form of healing, and can be completely organic when dextrose is used. Chemicals are only introduced into the injections in certain cases when it has been established that your body can handle it. Sticking needles into the joints and areas of the bone can be dangerous, however, and there are some risks associated with prolotherapy, particularly when dealing with an injury of the back or neck.

A recent study done to find the risks and side effects of prolotherapy was completed in 2006. This study consisted of 171 participating practitioners from two professional organizations. The practitioners were surveyed about their history in the medical field, including level of training and experience, use of specific procedures, and the adverse events and side effects related to prolotherapy injections, particularly in the neck and back regions. Upon completion of the survey, which was based on 500 patients and an average of 2,000 prolotherapy treatments, the results indicated that the chance of adverse effects is relatively low.

Pain was the most frequent side effect of prolotherapy reported, with 70 percent of patients experiencing some pain after the procedure. Another 25 percent complained of stiffness, and five percent suffered some bruising in the area of injection. More serious cases did exist within this case study, but fortunately not at a prevailing rate. Out of the 500 patients surveyed, 69 had to return for hospitalization due to complication, while 5 were left with permanent nerve damage.

The reason back and neck injections are more risky than other prolotherapy treatments is because they effect the spine. Prolotherapy spine injections share risks and side effects with other spinal injections, as it can be a delicate part of the body to treat. Other side effects associated with back and neck prolotherapy injections are spinal headache, bleeding, and infection, though the last two are rare.

Depending on your condition and state of health, other risks could arise while receiving prolotherapy treatment. Neck and back injuries should be treated with extra care. While prolotherapy injections do hold a certain amount of risk, they are still a far safer option than undergoing expensive and invasive surgery. Be sure to consult your doctor or prolotherapist in order to fully understand the risks and side effects of your prolotherapy treatment.