Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment for Spinal Degeneration

A hyperbaric oxygen chamber is a pressurized chamber with a higher-than-normal concentration of oxygen. The chamber forces oxygen deeply into the lungs and into tissue. Also known as HBOT, it is thought that this higher concentration aids the healing of damaged tissue.

History

• Hyperbaric chambers have been used since 1662, it was called a domicilium and offered minimal pressure increases. In 1870, hyperbaric therapy was used to potentiate---or strengthen---anesthesia. By the 1960s undersea exploration had given doctors a greater understanding of high pressure. Hyperbaric chambers offered higher pressure and were used to fight anaerobic infections and to potentiate radiation therapy.

Treatment of Spinal Degeneration

• There have been several studies investigating the use of HBOT on the spine, starting as early as 1976. Some of these tests were on humans, but many were conducted on lab animals. In the Journal of Neurosurgery, Dr. Alfred C. Higgins of Duke University found that HBOT treatment early can prevent further damage to the spines of animals. But there was no real advantage after the first few hours. In 1984, Dr. John D. Yeo of the Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, Australia, treated 27 human patients with spinal cord lesions using HBOT and 15 patients recovered useful function. So the data is mixed.

Warning

• HBOT is generally a safe treatment. However, there are a few risks, including oxygen toxicity. This can burn tissue and cause injury. There is also a risk of forming a gas embolism. Any bubble of air in the vascular system can be fatal.