Dr. Nitish Mandal
Ozone disc therapy, also called ozone nucleolysis, is described for disc-related sciatica and related disc problems.
This article is from Dr. Nitish Mandal, Consultant Pain Physician in Bangalore, with clinics in Koramangala and J.P. Nagar.
Ozone injection, also known as ozone disc therapy or ozone nucleolysis, involves injecting ozone gas into the intervertebral discs of the spine. It is used for disc-related conditions such as herniated discs or degenerative disc disease.
You lie face down. The site is cleaned, local anaesthetic is given, and the disc is located with X-ray guidance. A thin needle is placed in the disc, medical-grade ozone (made from pure oxygen just before injection) is injected, then the needle is withdrawn and a bandage applied. The procedure is described as taking around 15 to 20 minutes, with going home in about 30 minutes.
The needle is watched under X-ray. There is a slight chance of touching a nerve. Because you are awake, a shock-like feeling can be reported and the needle withdrawn. If blood appears in the needle, another route is taken.
Ozone is described as taking 3 to 4 weeks to shrink the disc. For very severe sciatica, a minimal dose of steroid with local anaesthetic may be given as the needle comes out, with pain relief described within 1 to 2 days. The article says the shrinking of that disc is permanent, and back-strengthening exercises should still be done.
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Dr. Nitish Mandal
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I have tried tablets and physiotherapy. What is different here?
Find the source of the pain, then treat that source with a clinic injection, block, or infusion. You are typically able to go home the same day.
Where are the clinics, and do I need an appointment?
Koramangala and J.P. Nagar. Prior appointment is preferred. You can book from this website.