Disc Herniation and Knee Arthritis as Chronic Oxidative Stress Diseases: The Therapeutic Role of Oxygen Ozone Therapy

Abstract

In this review the Authors will explain the pathophysiological mechanism of action of the oxygen ozone therapy in the treatment of the disc herniation and knee arthritis. The ozone injected in the intervertebral disc or in the joint causes a rapid oxidative reaction with the organic compound of disc and synovial fluid and a late response due the formation of various second messengers that are able to stimulate the endogenous production of antioxidants through a hormetic production of hydrogen peroxide. As a consequence of the intradiscal or intrarticular injection of ozone we noted a dramatic decrease of the pain and a reduction of the local and systemic inflammation. The ozone therapy is cost-effective and should be used to improve recovery of the disc herniation and knee arthritis.