Shockwave Therapy for Back Pain
Chronic back pain that causes discomfort and disruptions in daily activities, often proves unresponsive to conservative treatments, leading to a quest for alternative therapeutic approaches. Among these options, shockwave therapy for back pain is frequently pursued, and for good reason.
Shockwave therapy has gained recognition for its ability to trigger various biological effects that effectively alleviate back pain. By reducing the levels of substance P and other pain-inducing chemicals, stimulating a reduction in inflammation, and promoting increased blood flow and revascularization, this treatment facilitates the healing process of tendons, surrounding tissues, and bones. These positive effects contribute to enhanced mobility and an overall reduction in pain.
Overview of back pain
Back pain ranks among the most prevalent medical issues in the United States. Its intensity can vary, ranging from a persistent, dull ache to a sudden, piercing sensation that may radiate down the leg. The onset of back pain can be abrupt, triggered by accidents, falls, or heavy lifting, while in other instances, it may develop gradually due to age-related degenerative changes in the spine. Additionally, back pain can be linked to inflammatory arthritis disorders or other medical conditions in certain cases.
Symptoms of back pain may include:
Dull, constant aching in the back.
Sudden, sharp pain shooting down the leg (sciatica).
Stiffness and limited range of motion in the back.
Pain that worsens with movement or certain activities.
Muscle spasms in the back.
Radiating pain to the buttocks, thighs, or feet.
Tingling or numbness in the back or legs.
Difficulty standing or walking comfortably.
Pain that improves with rest or changes in posture.
Weakness in the legs or loss of sensation in the lower body.
How is back pain treated?
The treatment for your back pain depends on its underlying cause. To alleviate your discomfort, you have several options:
Cold packs and heating pads
Stretching exercises
Massages
Surgery (if necessary)
Antibiotics (for infections, if applicable)
Cortisone injections (for inflammation relief)
Traction methods
Physical therapy sessions
Muscle relaxants, steroids, and pain medications
Targeted strengthening exercises
Chiropractic care
Acupuncture
How does shockwave therapy affect back pain?
Shockwave therapy administers powerful acoustic waves to the affected area for short durations, stimulating cells responsible for bone and connective tissue healing. A few therapy sessions lead to rapid recovery, enabling patients to resume daily activities at home and work.
Extensive research bolsters the credibility of shockwave therapy as an effective treatment for back pain. In a particular study, combining shockwave therapy with a well-designed exercise program surpassed the relief provided by a combination of exercise and conservative physical therapy for patients with chronic back pain. Similarly, ESWT has exhibited tremendous potential as an intervention for managing pain, disability, and depression in individuals enduring the burdens of chronic low back pain.
These findings highlight the potential of shockwave therapy to revolutionize back pain treatment, offering patients a viable and effective solution to enhance their quality of life.
Clinical benefits of shockwave therapy for back pain
Non-invasive and safe treatment
Stimulate natural healing responses in the body
Effective relief from back pain
Faster recovery and reduced downtime
Improve mobility and flexibility
Precise targeting of affected areas
Minimize reliance on pain medications
Enhance quality of life
Suitable for various types of back pain
Well-tolerated with minimal side effects
“As a spine surgeon, I can attest to the benefits of shockwave therapy for back pain compared to traditional treatments. Shockwave therapy has substantial clinical evidence supporting its efficacy in alleviating back pain. After just 4-6 treatment sessions, patients experience significant relief. The non-invasive nature of shockwave therapy sets it apart, avoiding surgical risks and lengthy recovery periods. With minimal side effects and precise targeting, it stimulates natural healing responses, providing an effective and well-tolerated alternative to traditional approaches. As a result, patients can achieve improved pain management and enhanced quality of life.”
Scientific Support
Abstracts Worth Recommending
[1] Notarnicola, A., Maccagnano, G., Gallone, M. F., Mastromauro, L., Rifino, F., Pesce, V., … & Moretti, B. (2018). Extracorporeal shockwave therapy versus exercise program in patients with low back pain: short-term results of a randomised controlled trial. Journal of biological regulators and homeostatic agents, 32(2), 385-389.
[2] Yue, L., Sun, M. S., Chen, H., Mu, G. Z., & Sun, H. L. (2021). Extracorporeal shockwave therapy for treating chronic low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. BioMed research international, 2021, 1-17.
[3] Lange, T., Deventer, N., Gosheger, G., Lampe, L. P., Bockholt, S., Schulze Boevingloh, A., & Schulte, T. L. (2021). Effectiveness of radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy in patients with acute low back pain—randomized controlled trial. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 10(23), 5569.
[4] Taheri, P., Khosrawi, S., & Ramezani, M. (2021). Extracorporeal shock wave therapy combined with oral medication and exercise for chronic low back pain: a randomized controlled trial. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 102(7), 1294-1299.
[5] Walewicz, K., Taradaj, J., Dobrzyński, M., Sopel, M., Kowal, M., Ptaszkowski, K., & Dymarek, R. (2020). Effect of radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy on pain intensity, functional efficiency, and postural control parameters in patients with chronic low back pain: a randomized clinical trial. Journal of clinical medicine, 9(2), 568.
[6] Liu, K., Zhang, Q., Chen, L., Zhang, H., Xu, X., Yuan, Z., & Dong, J. (2023). Efficacy and safety of extracorporeal shockwave therapy in chronic low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 632 patients. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research, 18(1), 1-17.
[7] Rajfur, K., Rajfur, J., Matusz, T., Walewicz, K., Dymarek, R., Ptaszkowski, K., & Taradaj, J. (2022). Efficacy of focused extracorporeal shock wave therapy in chronic low back pain: a prospective randomized 3-month follow-up study. Medical Science Monitor: International Medical Journal of Experimental and Clinical Research, 28, e936614-1.
The Scientific Research behind It
The Effectiveness of Radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain: A Prospective, Randomized, Single-Blinded Pilot Study
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.2147/CIA.S224001
The Effects of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy on Pain, Disability and Life Quality of Chronic Low Back Pain Patients
https://www.proquest.com/openview/a3c7b6b5b7ca4dfbae9fc65efcf80c37/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=32528
The Efficacy, Safety, Effectiveness, and Cost-effectiveness of Ultrasound and Shock Wave Therapies for Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1529943011001264