Herniated disc and sciatica: no surgery, with ozone discolysis

Low back pain that runs down the leg

Between 80 and 90% of people suffer back pain at some point. When it keeps coming back, one of the most frequent causes is a herniated disc: the soft core of the intervertebral disc pushes through a crack and presses on the nerve root. That pressure inflames the nerve and produces what most people know as sciatica.

Signs the nerve is compressed

• Low back pain radiating to the buttock, leg or foot
• Tingling or numbness in the leg
• Pain that gets worse sitting or coughing
• Weakness or loss of strength in chronic cases
• Trouble standing or walking for long
• Painkillers that no longer work

Lifting, an accident, prolonged poor posture or a sedentary routine are the usual triggers. Physical therapy and medication help mild cases; when they aren't enough, the next option usually offered is surgery. There is an alternative before the operating room.

Percutaneous ozone discolysis: what it is and how it's done

A minimally invasive procedure in which a medical oxygen-ozone mixture is injected into the center of the herniated disc through an X-ray-guided needle. Ozone dehydrates and shrinks the disc core, removing the pressure on the nerve, while stimulating the repair of fibers and ligaments.

The procedure at Ozonocell

1. Evaluation: we review your MRI and examine you to confirm you are a candidate.
2. Procedure: local anesthesia, fluoroscopy-guided needle into the disc, ozone application. About 30 minutes.
3. Discharge: you walk out the same day. Light rest for 24–48 h.
4. Follow-up: progress check; some cases are complemented with paravertebral injections.

Which hernias can be treated?

Cervical, thoracic and lumbar. Not every case is a candidate: extruded discs with sequestration, severe neurological deficit or spinal instability need a different evaluation. That is why the first visit is decisive, and if you are not a candidate, we tell you.