Regenerative Injection Therapy for
Herniated Disc Treatment
An increasingly common area of pain that many people experience is found within the lower back. Injuries in these areas affect adults of all ages, and can occur for a variety of different reasons, ranging from chronic, repetitive strain to a single, distinct episode involving lifting, twisting, or pushing. Often these injuries arise from added force placed upon the discs in our spinal column, which in turn may bulge or herniated and then can press or “impinge” on the structures adjacent to them. These structures can include the nerve roots, which in turn begin to affect the areas they are responsible for signalling in the body. Certain motions or activities may worsen symptoms, while others may provide some relief.
Treatment and evaluation
The best method for evaluating bulging or herniated discs remains diagnostic imaging, such as an MRI or CT-scan. However, several in-office orthopedic tests can help to suggest this may be the cause of certain pains or corroborate the findings of diagnostic imaging.
For treatment, regenerative injection therapy in the form of combination prolotherapy and ozone has been shown to be a highly effective, non-surgical option. Prolotherapy works to enhance localized blood flow, stimulate collagen formation, and strengthen surrounding and supporting tissues. Ozone is injected adjacent to a bulging or herniated disc, reducing the extruded volume and minimizing injury and swelling. In addition, ozone provides additional oxygenation to the area, helping to support and restore healthy cellular function.
Prolotherapy and ozone injections to treat sciatica, bulging or herniated discs have been shown to have a high rate of success, with quicker recovery times and a lower risk of complications. To date, many patients have found exceptional relief with this therapy. They often require less pain medications, and in some instances may not require any additional intervention beyond these treatments.
What are the benefits of combination Prolotherapy and ozone?
Some hallmark benefits of combination prolotherapy and ozone include:
- Minimally invasive, non-surgical treatment.
- Relief in an average of 4-6 weekly / semi-weekly treatments.
- Minimal side effects – typically short-lived, localized discomfort.
- Highly successful in individuals that are absent of any other factors contributing or impeding recovery.
How will I know if combination prolotherapy and ozone is right for me?
At our clinic in Calgary, we will guide you through the process of determining whether this form of therapy is the proper choice for your condition. We examine your current health, lifestyle, medical history, as well as what you’re aiming to achieve in regard to your overall health and wellness. After gathering relevant information about you through a thorough assessment, we can then make an informed decision about whether this injection therapy is the right choice for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Regenerative Injection Therapy (RIT) for a herniated disc utilizes targeted injections – most are a combination of prolotherapy and ozone – to support inflammatory balance, encourage tissue repair, and strengthen the structures around the affected disc. This approach aims to reduce nerve irritation, improve spinal stability, and support the body’s natural healing processes.
Regenerative injection therapy works by stimulating the body’s natural healing response. Prolotherapy encourages collagen production and strengthens ligaments and supportive tissues, while ozone is thought to support inflammatory balance, improve oxygen delivery, and influence local swelling near the affected disc. Together, these effects may reduce disc-related pressure on nearby nerves. As with any intervention, results can vary, and treatment is most effective when tailored to the individual and used within a comprehensive care plan.
Yes. When sciatica is caused by a bulging or herniated disc irritating a nerve root, regenerative injection therapy may help reduce inflammation and disc-related pressure. Some patients experience improvements in pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness associated with sciatica.
No. Regenerative injection therapy is a non-surgical treatment option and is often considered before any invasive interventions like surgery. It is not intended to replace surgery when that is medically necessary; however, it can help some patients manage symptoms and potentially avoid or delay surgical procedures while supporting tissue strength and function.
While each individual may respond differently depending on their situation, many patients report improvement within a series of approximately 4–6 weekly or semi-weekly treatments as the body begins to heal. The exact number of sessions truly depends on factors such as disc severity, overall health, lifestyle, and how the body responds to this specific treatment.
Some commonly reported benefits include:
- Minimally invasive, non-surgical care
- Reduced pain and nerve irritation
- Improved spinal stability and function
- Minimal side effects, typically limited to short-lived local discomfort
- Faster recovery times compared to more invasive treatments
Patients with confirmed bulging or herniated discs who are seeking a non-surgical treatment option may be ideal candidates. Following a comprehensive consultation (including medical history, a symptoms review, and diagnostic imaging when available), we can then determine whether this treatment is suitable for your specific health situation.
When administered by trained and experienced practitioners in a clinical setting, regenerative injection therapy is generally considered to have a favourable safety profile. At Dr. Schlee’s Naturopathic Clinic, all injections are provided using evidence-informed protocols to ensure safety and patient comfort.
Diagnostic imaging, such as MRI or CT scans, is often very helpful in confirming the presence and severity of a herniated disc. While imaging is not always required to begin your care, it can assist in treatment planning to give a more detailed look and inform your practitioner of whether regenerative injections are appropriate for your unique health circumstance.
Some patients find they may require less pain medication as treatment progresses and the body continues to heal. In fact, some may not need additional pain management beyond regenerative injections at all. However, each individual’s experience may vary, and medication use should always be discussed with your healthcare team to ensure you have the most effective support.
Yes. Regenerative injection therapy is often a piece of a comprehensive naturopathic care plan that may include lifestyle guidance, physical rehabilitation, nutritional support, or other complementary therapies to aid in long-term spinal health.
For Questions or To Book An Appointment
Phone: 403-301-7406
For Inquiries About Services
Phone: 587-888-1175
Clinic hours
Monday – Friday: 9 am to 5 pm
Located at the Paradigm Health Group
Suite 529B, 10333 Southport Road SW
Calgary, Alberta, T2W 3X6