Injection Response Curves

Broadly speaking, injection solutions used currently either reduce inflammation or promote healing. Both techniques have their proponents. At Spine & Sports Solutions, many years of experience have shown that both techniques have validity. Conventional techniques usually focus only on corticosteroids and local anesthetics. These can reduce pain and potentially cure the underlying condition if the sole cause of the pain is inflammation. However, a degenerative condition benefits much more profoundly and more permanently from stimulated-healing techniques using Prolotherapy with standard solutions, Platelet-Rich Plasma, and/or stem cell treatments. The following diagram and discussion outline a typical approach to complex musculoskeletal pain syndromes.

An injection using anesthetic with or without corticosteroid solution may be attempted first. If the pain completely and permanently resolves, then one could reasonably conclude that inflammation was the primary cause of pain. If the pain does not change at all, one could conclude that the pain generator has not been determined, and more testing and test injections may be needed to clarify the diagnosis. When the pain is significantly improved but not resolved, there may be reason to repeat the corticosteroid injection, perhaps one more time. If the pain still persists, or returns to baseline, then the source of the pain is most likely a degenerated or partially torn tendon, ligament, or other joint structure. This is where Regenerative Injection Therapy (Prolotherapy) is used to cure the condition.