03The use of medical ozone in the treatment of chronic pain is an expanding practice
\nthat, although it has institutional backing in countries such as Spain, is still surrounded by
\ncontroversy and contradictory perceptions. The following are the main myths and
\ntruths about its safety and efficacy based on the sources provided. <\/p>\n
Myths about medical ozone<\/strong> – “There is no scientific evidence to support its use”<\/strong>: Although some sectors – Efficacy in spine and joint pathology:<\/strong> The truth is that ozone therapy has
\n– “Ozone is always toxic to humans”:<\/strong> This is one of the most common misconceptions
\n. Although ozone is a toxic gas when inhaled, as it damages lung tissue
\nand airways, its medical use is safe when administered by appropriate
\nroutes (infiltrative, topical or systemic) and in controlled doses. Medical ozone is never
\ninhaled and consists of a mixture where ozone represents at most 5% and
\noxygen 95%. <\/p>\n
\nconsider it “quackery”, there are many meta-analyses and systematic reviews in
\nindexed journals that support its efficacy, especially for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation
\nand knee osteoarthritis. In fact, in Spain it has been officially included
\nin the portfolio of services of pain units since 2011.
\nTruths about its efficacy and safety. <\/p>\n
\ndemonstrated very good results when used as a “discolytic” agent in herniated
\ndiscs, but with the advantage of being an outpatient and minimally invasive treatment.
\nIt acts by “mummifying” the nucleus pulposus, which reduces the volume of the disc
\nand decreases nerve compression. In osteoarthritis of the knee, it has a high level of evidence
\n, improving pain and function. <\/p>\n