Prolotherapy:

Prolotherapy is a procedure where an irritant solution is injected over ligamentous structures, which produces inflammation. The body produces an inflammatory response and new collagen and ligaments are laid down which organizes in the next few days and weeks to result in increased strength of the ligaments, which results in better support of the underlying structures and less chances of recurrence of injury and pain. It is usually done as a series of injections and tends to work the best in nonsmokers. Other than the discomfort produced from the inflammatory effects of the injection, significant side effects are rare in appropriately done injections. Most patients tend do very well with prolotherapy and find it a better alternative to other conditions where the nerves are destroyed as that can come with a separate set of complications.

Smoking cessation is strongly recommended for patients contemplating prolotherapy.