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Neural Prolotherapy: The Key to Targeting Chronic Pain at its Source

Neural Prolotherapy: The Key to Targeting Chronic Pain at its Source

By Dr. Patrick Lovegrove, Medically Reviewed by Lindsay Langley, BSN, RN, CHT
Posted Thursday, April 17th, 2025
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What is Chronic Pain?

Chronic pain is more than just a lingering ache—it’s a persistent discomfort that lasts beyond the normal healing period, typically for three months or longer. Conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, and past injuries often contribute to chronic pain, making everyday life a challenge. One emerging treatment showing promise for such conditions is Neural Prolotherapy, a therapy designed to reduce pain by targeting inflamed nerves and restoring normal nerve function. Unlike acute pain, which signals immediate injury, chronic pain can persist even when there’s no clear cause.

How Chronic Pain Affects Daily Life

Living with chronic pain can feel like carrying an invisible weight that affects everything you do. If you’re experiencing chronic pain, you might find yourself:

  • Feeling constantly fatigued – The persistent discomfort can drain your energy, making it hard to get through the day.
  • Struggling emotionally – Anxiety and depression often accompany long-term pain.
  • Missing out on social activities – Pain can make it difficult to attend events, leading to isolation.

For many, chronic pain isn’t just a symptom—it becomes an everyday battle, reshaping how they live, work, and interact with others.

Traditional Treatments for Chronic Pain

Medications for Pain Management

Doctors often prescribe medications as a first-line treatment for chronic pain, including:

  • Over-the-counter pain relievers – Like ibuprofen or acetaminophen for mild to moderate pain.
  • Prescription medications – Stronger options like opioids are sometimes used but must be managed carefully due to addiction risks.

While medications can provide relief, they often come with side effects and may not address the root cause of pain.

Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation

Physical therapy focuses on movement-based solutions to manage pain. A trained therapist may recommend:

  • Stretching exercises to improve flexibility.
  • Strength training to support muscles and joints.
  • Postural adjustments to reduce strain on painful areas.

Many people find that staying active, even with modified exercises, helps them regain strength and mobility.

Surgical Interventions

For severe cases, surgery might be an option. Procedures like spinal fusion or joint replacements can offer relief, but they come with risks and a significant recovery period. It’s important to weigh all options with a trusted medical professional.

Neural Prolotherapy: A Natural Approach to Pain Relief

What is Neural Prolotherapy?

Neural prolotherapy is an innovative treatment that uses dextrose (a type of sugar) injections to encourage healing and reduce nerve-related inflammation. By targeting small nerve endings responsible for pain transmission, this therapy helps the body heal naturally—without the need for surgery or long-term medication use.

How Neural Prolotherapy Works

Neural prolotherapy focuses on calming overactive nerves and stimulating tissue repair. The treatment may help by:

  • Reducing inflammation where pain originates.
  • Encouraging nerve regeneration for better communication between nerves and muscles.
  • Relieving muscle tension by addressing trigger points.

At Merge Medical Center, we’ve seen many patients experience significant improvements, allowing them to get back to doing the things they love.

Key Benefits of Neural Prolotherapy

Long-Term Pain Relief

Unlike painkillers that mask symptoms, neural prolotherapy works to fix the underlying issue. Patients often report:

  • Reduced pain levels over time
  • Fewer flare-ups
  • Less dependence on medication

Improved Mobility and Function

Pain relief isn’t just about feeling better—it’s about living better. With neural prolotherapy, you may notice:

  • Easier movement in daily activities like climbing stairs or lifting objects.
  • Better flexibility to enjoy hobbies or sports again.
  • Renewed energy as chronic pain no longer drains you.

Many of our patients at Merge Medical Center describe their experience as life-changing, finally regaining the freedom to move without constant pain.

Conditions Treated with Neural Prolotherapy

Back and Neck Pain

Chronic back and neck pain can limit movement and disrupt daily life. Neural prolotherapy targets irritated nerves, helping to reduce pain and stiffness.

Joint Pain

For those with arthritis or past joint injuries, neural prolotherapy can ease discomfort in areas like the knees, shoulders, and hips, making movement more manageable.

Sciatica

Sciatic nerve pain, which causes shooting pain down the leg, can be debilitating. Neural prolotherapy works by calming the irritated nerve, offering relief and improving mobility.

What to Expect from the Procedure

Patient Evaluation and Diagnosis

Before starting treatment, a comprehensive evaluation is conducted, including:

  • A detailed medical history to understand past treatments and pain patterns.
  • A physical exam to assess movement and pinpoint pain sources.
  • Possible imaging tests to guide treatment.

The Injection Process

Neural prolotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure with little downtime. Here’s what happens during treatment:

  1. Preparation – The treatment area is cleaned and sterilized.
  2. Injection – A fine needle delivers dextrose to the affected nerves or trigger points.
  3. Post-treatment care – You may receive guidance on movement and activities to optimize healing.

Most patients experience only mild discomfort and can resume daily activities shortly after.

Effectiveness and Safety

Clinical Research and Success Rates

Studies show that neural prolotherapy offers significant pain relief for many patients. Research highlights include:

  • Reduced pain and inflammation in conditions like chronic back pain and sciatica.
  • Improved mobility and ability to perform daily activities.

Patient Testimonials

At Merge Medical Center, we’ve seen incredible success stories. Many patients describe neural prolotherapy as the solution they’d been searching for after years of ineffective treatments.

Some common feedback includes:

  • “I finally feel like myself again—without relying on pain meds!”
  • “I never thought I’d be able to go hiking again, but now I can.”
  • “It’s given me my life back.”

Risks and Considerations

Common Side Effects of Neural Prolotherapy

While neural prolotherapy is generally considered safe, some mild side effects can occur, such as:

  • Temporary soreness at the injection site.
  • Mild swelling or bruising that subsides in a few days.
  • Occasional numbness in the treated area.

Most side effects are short-lived and manageable with proper care.

Who is a Good Candidate?

Neural prolotherapy may be ideal for those who:

  • ✔️ Have chronic pain that hasn’t improved with other treatments.
  • ✔️ Likes to have a non-surgical and drug-free option.
  • ✔️ Are looking for long-term relief rather than temporary fixes.

However, it’s not suitable for individuals with active infections or bleeding disorders. Therefore, a consultation at Merge Medical Center will help determine if it’s the right fit for you.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Neural Prolotherapy

With ongoing research, neural prolotherapy continues to evolve. Future advancements may include:

  • More precise injection techniques using ultrasound guidance.
  • Combination treatments with physical therapy for enhanced results.
  • Expanding applications to new conditions like migraines and fibromyalgia.

At Merge Medical Center, we stay at the forefront of these advancements, ensuring our patients receive the best possible care.

Ready for Neural Prolotherapy?

If chronic pain has been holding you back, then neural prolotherapy could be the breakthrough you need. At Merge Medical Center, we’re committed to providing innovative, natural solutions to help you regain your quality of life.

Schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward pain-free living!

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Author:

Dr. Patrick Lovegrove