Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Pain Relief?
If you’re dealing with chronic pain or fibromyalgia, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) may be an effective and proven relief. This treatment has been used around the world to address conditions like carbon monoxide poisoning and burns; it may also benefit those suffering from fibromyalgia, RSD/CRPS or nerve pain.
HBOT can reduce the symptoms of RSD/CRPS, a painful and inflammatory disease affecting your hands and feet. Studies have demonstrated that it can lessen pain, enhance muscle function and enhance quality of life for those suffering from this disorder.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a safe, nonsurgical procedure that supplies 100% oxygen to your body under increased pressure in a chamber. This pressure helps your lungs collect oxygen needed for healthy cell functioning.
HBOT therapy’s high oxygen levels promote wound healing, reduce the risk of infection, promote blood vessel growth and decrease inflammation throughout your body. It may even help reduce swelling and tenderness associated with various medical conditions like diabetes.
During treatment, you lie or sit upright in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber. A special mask is placed over your head to allow oxygen to quickly dissolve into plasma and deliver concentrated oxygen to tissues.
Before your first session of HBOT, you will undergo a consultation to make sure it’s the most suitable treatment for your condition and that there are no risks or side effects. Your healthcare team will determine how many sessions are necessary and the length of each one with you.
Your treatment session typically lasts one to two hours and may be repeated daily or weekly for up to 30 treatments. The number of sessions necessary depends on your condition and how well you respond to treatment.
Most of the time, you can continue other medical treatment while on HBOT sessions. Your doctor may prescribe additional medications to manage your condition such as antibiotics.
When receiving HBOT treatment, it’s essential to inform your healthcare provider of all medications you are taking. Some drugs can affect how your body responds to oxygen and limit how much oxygen is administered during therapy.
For instance, nicotine, caffeine, NSAIDs, certain painkillers and antihistamines can reduce the amount of oxygen your body absorbs; this could lead to negative side effects such as dizziness or loss of coordination. Your doctor will also check to see if any medical conditions might make receiving HBOT unsafe, such as heart disease, breathing difficulties, anemia or low blood sugar from a diabetic foot ulcer.
It’s essential to inform your healthcare provider if you have a history of seizures, since too much oxygen can trigger one. Furthermore, if asthma has been an issue for you in the past, your doctor may suggest using a humidifier during HBOT sessions in order to reduce airborne allergens in the air.
Before entering the chamber, you must remove any hair or skin care products that contain petroleum-based ingredients as these can cause a fire. Additionally, you should wear either a hospital-approved gown or scrubs during your treatment.