Ozone Therapy in Spain: A new hope to chronic pain sufferers

Relief can seem frustratingly far away for millions of people who suffer from chronic pain. Back injuries and arthritis, as well as old fractures and strained ligaments can be lifelong issues that need to be managed. Painkillers can dull the symptoms of arthritis, steroid shots wear off and surgery is often a last-resort with no guarantee.

Navigating chronic pain in Spain can be a challenge for expats or long-term residents. Although the public healthcare is widely praised when it comes to emergency and acute treatment, accessing newer or complimentary treatments for long-term chronic pain is often restricted. In this context, ozone treatment is emerging as an alternative that is surprisingly under-recognized.

Many patients are only aware of the treatment when they have suffered for many years. This is often because of word-of-mouth rather than by going to their GPs or using public healthcare.

What is Ozone Therapy?

Ozone therapy involves a carefully-controlled mixture of oxygen with ozone. This is administered in various ways, depending on the condition that needs to be treated. In musculoskeletal medicine, this commonly involves targeted injections around jointsAutohaemotherapy is a treatment that exposes blood to ozone for a short time before returning it to the body.

The therapy is said to improve oxygen consumption at the cellular level and regulate inflammation. It also increases circulation, according to its supporters. The ozone treatment is more effective than conventional pain management which tends to suppress symptoms. It improves the biological environment, which causes chronic pain.

Ozone therapy can also be used in There are other medical uses beyond chronic pain

These applications, while still being considered complementary treatments demonstrate the therapy’s versatility when it comes to supporting tissue health and healing.

Private clinics offer more options than public systems for many Spanish residents.

Pain for life, even when medications are not enough

Kate, 75 years old, lives in Granada and knows what it is like to suffer from chronic pain. She suffered severe spinal damage after a serious fall off a pony when she was seven years old. “My spine is shaped like an ‘S’,” she explains, “and standing up straight has never been possible.”

For most of her life the pain was manageable. “When i was younger I could cope,” she says. As I aged, pain intensity increased and tolerance decreased. Eventually she was prescribed morphine pads, which she relied upon for years.

Their effectiveness has decreased over time. Kate remembers that “a few years ago, they were doing less and less.” “I used to be in pain, in tears, and depressed almost every day.

It was difficult to live abroad without the support of a close family. “I was completely lost when I was in Spain and there were no family members around. “The doctors prescribed the morphine patch despite their ineffectiveness.”

Back pain and spinal injuries

Lower back pain and spine injuries Ozone therapy is often sought by patients for various reasons. Herniated or swollen discs can cause nerve compression, resulting in persistent pain and reduced mobility.

Clinical research has shown that ozone injections can reduce disc volume, inflammation and pressure on nerves. Kate was one of those patients who wanted to try something else after reaching the limits with medication-based pain relief.

Only a friend who works in the veterinary industry mentioned ozone therapy to her. She says, “I had never heard of it, nor did my GP. My friend told me it was used to treat a variety of injuries both in humans and animals.” “At first I was dubious, but my pain was so bad that I was willing try anything.”

Her first treatment was at a local clinic. “What can i say?” “I’m so happy I did it”, she says. It changed my life. “I wish I knew about it earlier, now I can smile!”

Access, costs, and practical adviceKnow what expats, residents and other interested parties should know

In Spain, private clinics are increasingly offering ozone treatmentIt is not available in all clinics. Before booking, patients are advised to do thorough research and contact the clinic directly.

Average session costs in Spain typically range from €60 to €120 per treatment, depending on the type of therapy, number of injections, and clinic location. To achieve meaningful results for most patients, multiple sessions are required. This needs to be taken into consideration when budgeting and planning.

Private healthcare is often the easiest way for expats to access health care.

Reduce your dependence on painkillers for long-term use.Quality of life is more important than total cure

Patients seek ozone treatment in the hopes of reducing their long-term dependence on pain medications. Chronic opioid use and anti-inflammatory medications can have serious risks, especially in older patients.

Kate takes care not to refer to ozone as a “miracle cure”. She speaks instead about the quality of her life. “I smile more now,” says she. It’s shocking to me that this is not discussed or recommended often enough. “It changed my life.”

Evidence, regulation, and caution

Ozone therapy is still controversial despite its growing popularity. Regulations vary between countries and ozone therapy has not been universally accepted by mainstream medicine. Medical professionals emphasize that only trained practitioners should use medical grade equipment to provide treatment. It may not be appropriate for everyone.

In Spain, chronic pain affects many residents and expats. As a result, the interest in treatments focusing on tissue health and inflammation control is increasing. Ozone therapy is gaining popularity, whether it’s in private healthcare or more widely. Its rise is indicative of a shift in the way pain management has evolved.

The fact that it is so little known despite the fact that many patients consider this therapy to be life-changing remains its most remarkable feature.