Is Ozone Therapy Good for a Herniated Disc?

Ozone Therapy for Herniated Disc

A herniated disc is a common disorder that occurs as a result of damage to the discs between the vertebrae and compression of the nerves, causing pain and limited movement. While traditional treatment methods include physical therapy, medication use and surgical interventions, ozone therapy has also emerged as an alternative method in recent years. Ozone therapy is applied by injecting ozone gas, an active form of the oxygen molecule, directly into the herniated area. Ozone therapy aims to relieve patients' pain by reducing nerve compression and tissue edema thanks to its anti-inflammatory effect. It is also known that ozone gas increases circulation, promotes cellular regeneration and activates the body's own healing mechanisms. This treatment, which does not require surgery, can be an effective option especially for patients who do not want to undergo surgery or who have mild to moderate herniated discs. However, whether it is suitable for each patient should be evaluated by a specialist doctor. Although the effectiveness of ozone therapy varies from person to person, many patients report that their pain decreases and their mobility increases. Ozone therapy, considered an alternative and supportive method, can play an important role in alleviating the symptoms of a herniated disc with regular application.

How is Ozone Therapy Performed for a Herniated Disc?

Ozone therapy is a minimally invasive (non-surgical) method used to relieve pain caused by a herniated disc and reduce nerve compression. This treatment is performed by injecting certain doses of ozone gas produced by special medical ozone devices into the herniated area. The application is usually done by intramuscular (into the muscle), epidural (around the spine) or intradiscal (into the herniated disc) injection. During the procedure, the patient lies face down and, in a sterile environment, under imaging (x-ray or ultrasound) guidance, the ozone gas is injected directly into the problem area by the specialist doctor. Thanks to the anti-inflammatory and oxygenating effects of ozone, edema in the compressed nerve roots is reduced, muscle spasms are relieved and the disc tissue shrinks over time, reducing pressure on the nerve. This treatment, which is usually applied in 3 to 6 sessions, may vary depending on the patient's condition. Ozone therapy can be an effective and safe alternative for patients who want to manage their herniated disc without resorting to surgery, but the success rate of the treatment depends on factors such as the patient's general health, the degree of the herniated disc, and lifestyle. It is recommended that it be applied together with supportive methods such as physical therapy, exercise, and a healthy diet to obtain maximum benefit from the treatment.

Effects of Ozone Therapy on Lumbar Disc Herniation

The positive effects of ozone therapy on herniated discs are based on some important factors observed in clinical studies:

Pain Reduction: Ozone can create an anti-inflammatory effect in the body. This can relax the nerves in the area inflamed by the hernia and relieve pain. The positive effect of ozone on nerve cells can prevent discomfort caused by herniated discs by reducing the transmission of pain signals.

Oxygen Support and Tissue Regeneration: Ozone therapy can help carry more oxygen to the tissues. This contributes to faster healing of tissues damaged by hernia. In herniated disc patients, additional oxygen support is important for the healing of the damage caused by the wear of the discs.

Reducing Swelling in the Discs: Herniated discs are usually associated with the discs between the vertebrae bulging outward and compressing the surrounding nerves. Ozone therapy can reduce swelling and inflammation in the discs, which can relieve nerve pressure and related pain.

Nerve Repair: Ozone can speed up the repair of nerve cells. When nerves are compressed due to a herniated disc, ozone therapy can help these nerves heal faster. This can help reduce symptoms such as numbness, tingling and muscle weakness experienced by the patient.

Ozone Therapy Application Methods

Ozone therapy can be applied in the treatment of herniated discs using various methods. The following methods are generally preferred:

Ozone Injection: In this method, ozone gas is injected directly into the herniated disc area, the disc area between the vertebrae. Ozone reaching the targeted area directly increases the effectiveness of the treatment. It is usually used to relieve nerve compression that causes herniated discs.

Paravertebral Ozone Therapy: This treatment is applied by injecting ozone gas into the muscles around the spine of herniated disc patients. This method provides a relaxing effect on the muscles and nerves. Thanks to the muscle-relaxing feature of ozone, spasms in the muscles caused by herniated discs can be reduced.

Intra-discal Ozone Therapy: This technique involves injecting ozone directly into the disc area between the vertebrae. This process can help reduce the volume of the disc by vaporizing the fluid inside the disc. In order for ozone to be effective in this way, it is very important to determine the correct dosage and application area during treatment.

Ozone Bath Therapy: Ozone can sometimes be administered to the body in different ways. Ozone bath applications allow ozone gas to come into intense contact with certain parts of the patient's body. However, in the treatment of herniated discs, this method is less common and is usually supported by other treatment methods.

Advantages and Risks of Ozone Therapy

Although ozone therapy has some advantages on herniated discs, like every treatment, this treatment also has some risks and limitations.

• Advantages:

Alternative to Surgery: Ozone therapy can be a good alternative for patients who do not want to undergo surgery. It can support the treatment of herniated discs without the need for disc surgery.
Minimal Side Effects: Ozone therapy is generally well tolerated and its side effects are considered to be minimal. However, a slight pain or temporary discomfort may be felt after the treatment.
Fast Recovery Process: Ozone therapy can accelerate the recovery process of patients. Thanks to this, patients can return to their daily activities in a shorter time.

• Risks:

Incorrect Application: In order for ozone therapy to be effective, the correct dosage and application techniques must be used. Incorrect application may reduce the effectiveness of the treatment or lead to additional complications.
Allergic Reactions: In rare cases, allergic reactions may develop to ozone therapy. Therefore, it is important to conduct appropriate tests before treatment.
Temporary Discomforts After Treatment: After ozone therapy, patients may sometimes experience short-term pain or discomfort. However, these effects are usually temporary.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Effect of Ozone Therapy on Herniated Disc

Does ozone therapy completely cure herniated disc?

Ozone therapy does not completely eliminate a herniated disc but aims to relieve the pain and reduce inflammation caused by the disc. Depending on the size of the herniation and the patient’s general health, it can provide significant pain relief and improved mobility. However, in advanced cases, surgical intervention may still be necessary.

How is ozone therapy administered?

Ozone therapy is typically administered by injecting medical ozone gas—produced using special devices—directly into the area around the herniation. Paravertebral (around the spine) or intradiscal (into the disc) injection methods may be used. The procedure must be carried out under sterile conditions by a qualified physician.

Is ozone therapy painful?

During ozone injection, a slight pricking sensation may occur, but it generally does not cause intense pain. After the procedure, some patients may experience mild discomfort or short-term pain at the injection site. These effects usually disappear within a few hours.

How many ozone therapy sessions are required?

The number of sessions depends on the severity of the herniation and the level of pain. Generally, 4 to 8 sessions are recommended, with treatments administered once a week. However, the treatment plan should always be personalized based on the doctor's evaluation.

Are there any side effects of ozone therapy?

Ozone therapy is generally considered safe with minimal side effects. In rare cases, redness, mild pain, or temporary muscle spasms may occur at the injection site. Allergic reactions are very rare but assessing potential allergies before the procedure is essential.

Who is not a suitable candidate for ozone therapy?

Ozone therapy may not be suitable for pregnant women, individuals with bleeding disorders, those with active infections, or those known to be allergic to ozone. It is also not recommended for patients with serious heart conditions or immune system disorders.

Can ozone therapy be combined with other treatments?

Yes, ozone therapy can be combined with physical therapy, manual therapy, and pain relief medications. It may also be supported by muscle relaxants and anti-inflammatory drugs for more effective results. However, any combination of treatments should be planned and supervised by a physician.

Is the effectiveness of ozone therapy scientifically proven?

Clinical studies on ozone therapy suggest that it is effective in reducing pain caused by herniated discs. It is widely used in Europe and some Asian countries. However, more scientific research is still needed. While some doctors support its use, others believe that further evidence is necessary.

What precautions should be taken after ozone therapy?

After ozone therapy, patients should avoid heavy exercise and avoid applying pressure to the treated area for several days. Following the doctor's recommended rest period and using pain relievers if necessary is important. Drinking plenty of water during the treatment process can help the body eliminate toxins more effectively.

How long does it take to see improvement after ozone therapy?

The healing process varies from person to person. Some patients feel pain relief after just a few sessions, while others may notice improvements later. Typically, significant relief is observed after 3 to 4 sessions. Full recovery depends on the size of the herniation and the individual's lifestyle.