Hyperbaric Oxygen for Back Pain

The American Chiropractic Association says that more than half of working Americans suffer from back pain annually. Grimacing patients are beginning to turn to chiropractors and other physicians who utilize hyperbaric oxygen for back pain.

• Hyperbaric chamber door

Significance

• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is the medically approved process of breathing 100 percent oxygen under increased atmospheric pressure. A hyperbaric chamber regulates the flow of oxygen and controls air pressure.

Process

• HBOT works by increasing the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream. Blood plasma normally does not carry oxygen, but the extra pressure exerted by a hyperbaric chamber forces oxygen into plasma, encouraging new tissue and blood vessel growth.

Back Pain

• HBOT is commonly used by chiropractors and back specialists to relieve basic back pain and encourage healing of damaged muscle tissue. According to the American Back Institute of Greater New Orleans, "The body utilizes the oxygen better, functions more efficiently, promotes healing and improves health and fitness." The therapy also helps damaged ligaments and tendons in the back.

Spinal Injury

• Research continues into the effectiveness of HBOT in treating spinal cord injuries. "HBOT, along with appropriate physical therapy, and the emerging new frontier of biotechnology restorative medicine, will undoubtedly revolutionize the plight of those suffering from spinal injury," according to Dr. Kenneth Stoller of the Hyperbaric Medical Center of New Mexico.

Athletics

• The use of hyperbaric therapy and chambers is rapidly becoming commonplace among both professional and amateur athletes. Most utilize the technology to speed the healing of sore and damaged muscles, including those in the back.