Intradiscal Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Injection

Non-Surgical Orthopaedics P.C. is one of the first practices in Georgia to offer lumbar intradiscal PRP injections for patients suffering with low back pain that stems from the intervertebral discs.  Discogenic pain often originates from a damaged vertebral disc, sometimes resulting from degenerative disc disease.  This can occur as our bodies age naturally.  

How are blood platelets used?

Platelets are what helps to prevent clotting of blood and facilitate healing of wounds. Our bodies are built to naturally regenerate themselves with new and growing cells. Stem cells are the fundamental element in the process of regenerating important tissues and muscles throughout our bodies. They are aided in this process with bioactive protein contained in blood and bone marrow. Regenerative medicine takes the approach of utilizing and maximizing this natural process by drawing and processing the patient's own blood and concentrating the growth factors and cytokines in the platelets and then re-injecting them into the disc. While the direct aftermath of the process may be minimally painful, this technique stimulates the growth factors to incite the stem cells found within the lumbar disc and thereby boost the regeneration process allowing the intervertebral disc to heal.

What can I expect if receiving intradiscal PRP?

The Intradiscal Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) technique involves using specialized equipment to draw and process the patient's own blood. This is then injected into the disc using fluoroscopy. The entire process can take one to two hours. The site of injection may be painful for up to one week. The process may be repeated two, three, or more times to achieve the desired benefits by 4-6 months.

Lumbar intradiscal PRP can heal a painful disc and may be a viable alternative for lumbar injections or in some cases surgery.