Lumbar Basivertebral Nerve (Vertebral Body or Disc)
Diagnosis & Understanding
1. Degenerative Disc Disease
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Minimally Invasive & Surgical Treatments
1. Basivertebral Nerve Ablation
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2. Intradiscal Fibrin Injection
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Alternative & Emerging Therapies
2. Regenerative Medicine
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Robert Moghim MD
Anchor Healthcare
Intradiscal Regenerative Injection (PRP/BMA)
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An intradiscal regenerative injection using platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or bone marrow aspirate (BMA) is a minimally invasive treatment that promotes healing and reduces pain in patients with disc-related back pain. Intervertebral discs cushion the spine, but over time, they can degenerate or develop small tears, leading to inflammation and discomfort, sometimes referred to as a "leaky disc". This procedure uses regenerative medicine to stimulate the body’s natural healing process and improve disc health.
Using imaging guidance, your interventionalist inserts a thin needle into the affected disc. If PRP is used, a sample of your blood is drawn and processed to concentrate platelets, which contain growth factors that aid tissue repair. If BMA is used, a small amount of bone marrow is collected, usually from the pelvis, and processed to concentrate the regenerative cells. The prepared solution is then injected into the damaged disc to promote healing, reduce inflammation, and potentially slow disc degeneration.
This outpatient procedure allows you to go home the same day. Some patients experience mild soreness for a few days, which usually resolves on its own. Rare complications could involve nerve damage, infection or discitis. Your provider may recommend temporary antibiotics or activity restrictions and a structured rehabilitation plan, typically beginning six weeks post-procedure.
Intradiscal regenerative injections are an option for patients with persistent disc-related pain that has not responded to conservative treatments like physical therapy, injections like steroids or medications. While results vary, research suggests these injections may improve function and reduce pain by enhancing the body’s ability to heal the disc. Talk to your provider team to learn more.
FAQs
How does the intradiscal regenerative injection procedure work?
The procedure uses imaging guidance to insert a thin needle into the affected disc. If using PRP, a blood sample is drawn and processed to concentrate the platelets, which are then injected into the disc. If using BMA, bone marrow is collected from the pelvis and processed to concentrate regenerative cells, which are then injected into the disc to aid healing and reduce inflammation.
What are the potential risks associated with intradiscal regenerative injections?
Though rare, potential risks include nerve damage, infection, or discitis. It’s important to follow your healthcare provider's advice on antibiotics or activity restrictions to minimize these risks. Discuss the potential benefits and risks with your provider to make an informed decision about the treatment.
What can patients expect after an intradiscal regenerative injection?
After the procedure, patients can go home the same day, though they may experience mild soreness for a few days, which typically resolves on its own. Providers may recommend antibiotics or activity restrictions temporarily, followed by a structured rehabilitation plan starting approximately six weeks post-procedure to aid recovery.
What is an intradiscal regenerative injection using PRP or BMA?
An intradiscal regenerative injection involves the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or bone marrow aspirate (BMA) to promote healing in intervertebral discs that have degenerated or developed small tears. This minimally invasive procedure uses the body's natural regenerative abilities to reduce pain and inflammation associated with disc-related issues.
Who is a candidate for intradiscal regenerative injections?
This treatment is suitable for individuals with persistent disc-related back pain that has not improved with conservative treatments such as physical therapy, steroid injections, or medications. Your healthcare provider can help determine if this procedure is appropriate for your specific condition.