Retrospective case series on patients with chronic spinal pain treated with dextrose prolotherapy.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the clinical benefits of dextrose prolotherapy in patients with chronic spinal pain.


METHODS
Retrospective case series.


METHODS
During the first 2 years at an outpatient prolotherapy clinic.


METHODS
One hundred and seventy-seven (177) consecutive patients with a history of chronic spinal pain completed prolotherapy treatment and were followed for a period ranging from 2 months to 2.5 years.


METHODS
Patients were treated with a proliferant solution containing 20% dextrose and 0.75% xylocaine. One half milliliter (0.5 mL) of proliferant was injected into the facet capsules of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine, or combinations of the three areas. The iliolumbar and dorsal sacroiliac ligaments were also injected in patient with low back pain. Injections were typically done on a weekly basis for up to 3 weeks. A set of three injections was repeated in 1 month's time if needed.


METHODS
Level of pain, and improvement in activities of daily living were measured on a five-point scale. Improvement in ability to work was also assessed.


RESULTS
Ninety-one percent (91.0%) of patients reported reduction in level of pain; 84.8% of patients reported improvement in activities of daily living, and 84.3% reported an improvement in ability to work. Women required on average, three more injections than men. Cervical spine response rates were lower than thoracic or lumbar spine. No complications from treatment were noted.


CONCLUSIONS
Dextrose prolotherapy appears to be a safe and effective method for treating chronic spinal pain that merits further investigation. Future studies need to consider differences in gender response rates.
Hooper
R Allen
RA
Advanced Spinal Care Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. ahooper@ucalgary.ca
Ding
Michele
M
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001416:Back Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D005947:Glucose / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D008022:Ligaments / Q000187:drug effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D005947:Glucose