Ozone Therapy in India

Nucleolysis of ozone, also known as ozone nucleolysis or ozone disc injection therapy, is one of many minimally invasive procedures carried out to treat a herniated intervertebral disc, particularly in the lumbar (lower back) and cervical (neck) regions. Its basic principle is the injection of a mixture of ozone and oxygen gas into the affected disc space to reduce the herniated disc material and alleviate the associated symptoms.

Symptoms of Slipped Disc

Symptoms of a slipped disc, also called a herniated disc or disc prolapse, differ in terms of location and severity of herniation. The common list comprises:
- A sharp or shooting pain in the affected area
- Numbness or tingling sensations
- Muscle weakness
- Stiffness in movement. Furthermore, 
If the pain radiates over the arms or legs and originates in the lumbar region, it is considered sciatica.

Slipped lumbar/cervical discs

A slipped lumbar disc refers to a condition where the soft inner core of the spinal disc pushes through the tough outer layer, typically causing low back pain that radiates down the legs, commonly known as sciatica. A cervical herniated disc involves deep tissue extrusion in the neck region, inducing neck pain with radiation to the arms.

Ozone Therapy

Known more commonly as ozone therapy, this type of therapy uses ozone gas to treat various medical illnesses, including herniated discs. Research demonstrates that introducing ozone gas to the affected disc space for disc herniation treatment reduces inflammation, relieves pain, and promotes healing.

Risks and Benefits of Ozone Therapy

Risks of ozone therapy may be infection, nerve injury, or allergic reactions. However, experts in healthcare can reduce injection-related side effects to the bare minimum when done properly.

Ozone provides benefits for herniated discs.
- Reduced size of disc herniation 
- Elimination of pain 
- Improved mobility and function 
- Reduce the necessity for surgery. 

Ozone Therapy Procedure

To administer ozone therapy for a herniated disc, we position the patient on the treatment table and clean and sterilize the skin overlying the affected disc space. Using real-time X-ray guidance, we insert a thin needle into the disc space and inject a mixture of ozone and oxygen gas. The disc decompresses and shrinks as the ozone gas reacts with the disc material, relieving the pressure on surrounding structures.

Post-Procedure 

Following an ozone therapy, patients typically experience discomfort or soreness around the injection site, which typically resolves within a few days. Healthcare professionals advise patients to follow all post-procedure instructions, providing guidance on appropriate activities and pain management strategies.

Cost of Ozone Therapy in India 

The location of a clinic or hospital, along with the level of experience of the health care provider, significantly influences the cost of ozone therapy for a herniated disc in India. The cost may also fluctuate based on the number of sessions needed for the treatment and the inclusions in the entire package. On average, it may cost between ₹5000 and ₹15,000 or more for a single session for a disc herniation in India. We recommend visiting various healthcare facilities or clinics to understand their costs, potential discounts, and financial assistance programs.

Some of them include:

Select a Trustworthy Healthcare Provider: One should choose a recognized medical center or a clinic with a record of providing ozone therapy for herniated discs or any other situations in India. Research the reputation of the clinic, ensure that the healthcare professional is an accredited person, and read what previous clients have to say regarding service provision. 

Ensure the practitioner is qualified: Ensure the healthcare providers administering ozone therapy possess the necessary qualifications, licenses, and experience to carry out the procedure. It is necessary to verify whether a healthcare provider has the proper credentials and training, as well as experience in administering ozone therapy, to ensure that they can truly provide a safer and more effective treatment.

Follow Safety Measures: The healthcare facility should ensure that all safety measures and guidelines for ozone therapy are effectively followed, from sterilizing equipment and using aseptic techniques to monitoring for unwanted results during and after the therapy.

Review the Risks and Benefits: Before undergoing the ozone therapy, thoroughly discuss with the healthcare professional the possible risks, benefits, and outcomes expected with the treatment. This is the time to clarify any apprehensions, as the procedure requires courage.

Conduct a comprehensive medical evaluation prior to initiating your ozone therapy treatment. The healthcare provider should review your clinical history to determine if this treatment is appropriate for your condition. The healthcare provider should perform diagnostic tests and physical examinations to conduct a thorough evaluation.

Authentic Consent: Before beginning ozone therapy, individuals should obtain informed consent from their healthcare provider, who should explain the treatment's nature, potential risks, and benefits. Consideration should also be given to alternative treatment options and associated costs. Ensure you fully comprehend the explanations, and only provide consent after gaining a thorough understanding.

Post-Ozone Therapy Care: Follow up on any post-procedure instructions provided by the doctor. Attend all subsequent evaluations to document the effectiveness of the treatment and the health care provided after ozone therapy. Stay alert and report any untoward symptom immediately to the healthcare team. 

India can establish safe and effective ozone therapy for conditions like slipped discs by adhering to such guidelines and choosing a reputable healthcare provider. Be specific and mindful of your health by ensuring that you receive services from trusted professionals who prioritize patient safety and quality of care.