Question
I have degenerative disc disease and multiple herniated discs, including in the cervical spine area.  I am having increasing related pain in the side of the neck, up to the skull, and in the back of the shoulder and the upper arm.

My physiatrist has referred me to a pain management clinic for prolotherapy injections.  Information on the web is not very extensive.  Can you tell me anything about this treatment?  

Thanks  

Answer
First, understand the origin of degenerative disc disease and herniated discs:  disc overcompression due to tight muscles pulling vertebrae too closely together, leading to bulges and breakdown.  The mechanical stresses of overcompression cause these conditions.

Second, understand prolotherapy:  it's a process involving injections of an irritant to provoke scar tissue growth.

You can see that prolotherapy is no solution to the cause of degenerative disc disease and herniated discs.

You can improve your muscular control of the neck muscles to relieve the excess compression.  A good (perhaps the best) method available is somatic education.

Please read the article on whiplash injuries at somatics.com/page4.htm.  It explains more and gives options for recovery.

with regard,
Lawrence Gold