Chronic pain is a complex and often debilitating condition that affects millions worldwide. Whether it’s due to injury, surgery, nerve damage, or conditions like fibromyalgia and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), living with persistent pain can take a toll on both the body and mind. In the search for effective, non-invasive treatment options, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) has emerged as a promising contender. But is it truly a “new breath of life” for chronic pain sufferers? Let’s take a closer look.
What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)?
HBOT is a medical treatment that involves breathing pure oxygen in a specially designed chamber where atmospheric pressure is increased to levels higher than normal. Under these pressurised conditions, oxygen dissolves more readily into the bloodstream and tissues, reaching areas where circulation may be impaired. This boosts the body’s natural healing processes and reduces inflammation.
Initially developed for conditions like decompression sickness and wound healing, HBOT has expanded into new therapeutic areas—chronic pain being one of the most exciting frontiers.
How Does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Stop Chronic Pain?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been used in the management of chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia (reduction in, ME, headaches, post-concussion syndrome and complex regional pain syndrome.
For complex regional pain syndrome, hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been shown to reduce pain and swelling and increase the range of movement of the affected joints.
Manages Radiation Injury: During radiation therapy for cancer treatment, tissues surrounding the cancerous area are also exposed to high doses of radiation which can as a result be damaged. Symptoms usually present within 6 months of the last dose of radiation therapy. The damage to tissues can include narrowing and interruption of blood vessels leading to tissue necrosis (death) and bone deterioration, poor wound healing and increased risk of infection.
Enhances Wound Healing: Increased oxygen levels in the tissue due to hyperbaric oxygen therapy, help the mitochondria in the cells to work more efficiently and produce more energy. This helps in cell metabolism and wound healing. Increased collagen synthesis helps the scaffolding for wound repair.
1. Reducing Inflammation
Chronic pain is often fueled by ongoing inflammation. HBOT can reduce inflammation by:
- Decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines (chemical messengers that promote inflammation).
- Enhancing oxygen delivery to tissues, which speeds up the clearing of metabolic waste and toxins that contribute to inflammation.
2. Promoting Tissue Repair and Regeneration
Chronic pain sometimes stems from damaged tissues or nerves. HBOT:
- Stimulates the release of growth factors and stem cells that promote healing.
- Supports the regeneration of blood vessels (angiogenesis), improving blood flow to injured areas.
- Aids in collagen production, crucial for repairing connective tissues like tendons and ligaments.
3. Modulating the Nervous System
For neuropathic pain (nerve-related pain), HBOT may:
- Reduce nerve sensitivity by calming hyperactive pain pathways in the brain and spinal cord.
- Improve oxygen delivery to nerves, helping reverse hypoxia (oxygen deprivation), a common issue in chronic nerve pain.
4. Enhancing Mitochondrial Function
Many chronic pain conditions involve mitochondrial dysfunction (the mitochondria are the energy powerhouses of cells). HBOT has been shown to:
- Improve cellular energy production (ATP), giving damaged cells the energy they need to repair and function properly.
Conditions Where HBOT Has Shown Promise
- Fibromyalgia: Studies have found HBOT can significantly reduce widespread pain and improve quality of life by reducing neuroinflammation and restoring brain oxygen levels.
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): HBOT has been used to improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and promote healing in affected limbs, offering relief to some patients with this notoriously difficult-to-treat condition.
- Chronic Back and Neck Pain: Particularly where reduced blood flow and oxygen deprivation are part of the problem, HBOT may aid recovery and reduce pain levels.
- Radiation-Induced Pain or Tissue Damage: HBOT is FDA-approved for radiation tissue injuries and can help alleviate chronic pain that results from these complications.
Is HBOT Right for Everyone with Chronic Pain?
While HBOT offers exciting potential, it’s not a universal solution. Some important considerations include:
- Individual Variation: Response to HBOT can vary depending on the cause and nature of chronic pain.
- Treatment Duration: Chronic pain management with HBOT often requires multiple sessions (sometimes 20-40 or more) to see significant results.
- Safety and Side Effects: Generally safe, but side effects can include ear pressure, sinus discomfort, temporary vision changes, and rare cases of oxygen toxicity.
- Access and Cost: Not all insurance plans cover HBOT for chronic pain (it’s often considered an “off-label” use), so out-of-pocket expenses can be high.
The Science So Far: What Do Studies Say?
- Fibromyalgia: A landmark study published in PLOS One (2015) found significant improvements in pain symptoms, brain activity, and quality of life among fibromyalgia patients after HBOT.
- CRPS: Small clinical studies and case reports indicate reductions in pain and improved function, though larger randomised controlled trials are still needed.
- Post-Surgical Pain and Wound Healing: HBOT has shown to reduce inflammation and accelerate healing, which can alleviate post-surgical chronic pain.
For many chronic pain sufferers, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy may offer a new lease on life—reducing pain, enhancing healing, and improving overall quality of life. While it’s not a miracle cure, and more large-scale studies are needed, HBOT represents a promising, non-invasive option worth discussing with your healthcare provider, especially when traditional treatments haven’t brought relief.
Why Choose Us?
We offer a highly trained doctor-led service for our hyperbaric oxygen therapy sessions, ensuring that you are properly assessed and that the right treatment is advised for you in our private medical clinic. We customise the treatment to meet your needs listen to your concerns and answer all your questions before starting your sessions.
Book an appointment on Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Leicester
Common Q&A about Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
HBOT is a medical treatment that involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. This increases the amount of oxygen in the blood, which can help promote healing, reduce inflammation, and improve tissue repair.
HBOT increases oxygen delivery to tissues, which can enhance healing and reduce inflammation. It may also promote the formation of new blood vessels, improve the function of white blood cells, and reduce swelling, all of which can alleviate chronic pain.
HBOT may benefit individuals suffering from various types of chronic pain, including conditions like fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain, chronic back pain, migraines, and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).
The number of sessions varies based on individual needs and the severity of the condition. Typically, patients might undergo between 10 to 40 sessions, with each session lasting around 60 to 120 minutes.
While HBOT is generally considered safe, it may not be suitable for individuals with certain conditions, such as untreated pneumothorax, certain types of lung disease, or severe claustrophobia. A healthcare provider will evaluate each patient’s medical history before recommending treatment.
Possible side effects can include ear pain or injury due to pressure changes, fatigue, temporary vision changes, and, in rare cases, oxygen toxicity. Most side effects are mild and resolve quickly after treatment.
The timeline for experiencing relief varies among individuals and the specific pain condition being treated. Some patients report improvement after just a few sessions, while others may require more time for noticeable benefits.
Insurance coverage for HBOT varies. Many insurance plans may cover HBOT for specific medical conditions recognized by the FDA but may not cover it for chronic pain unless it is linked to a documented medical diagnosis. It’s best to check with your insurance provider for specifics.
Yes, HBOT can often be used in conjunction with other treatment modalities such as physical therapy, medication, or acupuncture. A healthcare provider can help determine the best comprehensive treatment plan.
The number of sessions depends on the medical condition being treated. For chronic wounds or infections, 20-40 sessions may be recommended, while acute conditions like carbon monoxide poisoning may require fewer treatments. Your doctor will tailor the treatment plan to your needs.