Ozone therapy as a complementary therapeutic method in occupational low back pain

Abstract

Background. Work-related low back pain is a common condition, associated with disability, absenteeism and high socio-economic costs. Ozone therapy, through its anti-inflammatory, analgesic and regenerative effects, represents an effective complementary method for the treatment and rehabilitation of this pathology. Objective(s). Analysis of the specialized literature on the effectiveness of ozone therapy in the case of work-related low back pain, the mechanisms of action, methods of administration and clinical benefits. Materials and methods. For the study, relevant scientific articles were selected from databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Google Academic and Web of Science. Clinical trials, meta-analyses and synthesis papers published between 2005–2024, which evaluated and argued the effectiveness of ozone therapy in occupational low back pain, were included. Results. The literature review revealed that ozone therapy is effective in relieving pain and improving lumbar function in patients with occupational low back pain. The included studies reported significant reductions in pain (up to 60–70%) and disability, especially in cases resistant to conventional treatments. The efficacy was similar or superior compared to corticosteroids, physiotherapy and some minimally invasive procedures. Administration as local injections have been shown to be safe, with a low adverse reaction profile. Evidence also suggests an adjunctive role in preventing recurrences and accelerating professional reintegration. Conclusion(s). Ozone therapy, due to its anti-inflammatory and regenerative effects, reduces pain and disability in occupational low back pain, offering a minimally invasive alternative with a favorable safety profile. Although further studies are needed, it can be recommended as a complementary option.