Prolotherapy and Epidurals

[pirap]

I teach a childbirth class/work postpartum and one of my students has had prolo therapy in her lower back. I have never heard of it and she was wondering if she could have an epidural. I believe her therapy was in the lumbar area.

Prolotherapy for those who don't know:Prolotherapy ("Proliferative Injection Therapy") involves injecting an otherwise non-pharmacological and non-active irritant solution into the body, generally in the region of tendons or ligaments for the purpose of strengthening weakened connective tissue and alleviating musculoskeletal pain.

Has any nurse out there had experience with this type of patient? I have not and my co-workers have not either-including the girls in labor/delivery. I never had the opportunity to speak to one of our anesthesia guys this week as I only worked one day.

Any help would be appreciated!!!!

[NurseNora, BSN, RN]

I have no experience with this. I'd refer her to her OB and suggest an appointment with an anesthesiologist to discuss her situation in depth.

[SmilingBluEyes]

Completely agree with Nora. She needs to discuss this with an anesthesia provider. They can best guide her to make the right choice regarding any form of regional anesthesia, to include epidural, intrathecal or spinal blocking. Best wishes to her.

[jwk]

I have never heard of this, so I went to a couple websites and read up on it. Looks like maybe just a little bitty step above voodoo, and I'll bet it ain't cheap.