Do you have a herniated or herniated disc? If you have serious back problems that limit your function and movement, you may consider new treatment options beyond invasive surgery or steroid injections.
In this article, we’ll give you a closer look at one of the newest pain treatment options for herniated discs: epidural injections. There are several types of injections for pain management via the epidural route. One of them is platelet-rich plasma (PRP).
Epidural injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a minimally invasive procedure that can be used as a more cost-effective alternative. PRP is a safe treatment used to address any painful or debilitating condition by harnessing the body’s defenses to heal the underlying cause. If you’re wondering whether this pain management option is right for you, keep reading.
Understanding disc herniation
In order to better understand how epidural PRP injections can relieve back pain associated with a herniated disc, you must first understand the source of the pain. A herniated disc is also called a slipped disc or disc prolapse. According to our Aventura pain management experts, this happens when the jelly-like center of the disc, which sits between the vertebrae, is pushed out of place. This can bring about extreme back pain, calf pain, general weakness and loss of balance.
This condition is common in older adults due to the natural degeneration that comes with aging. It may also occur in younger people who have poor posture or engage in strenuous physical activity. In some cases, symptoms may go away on their own. But without proper treatment and management, symptoms can become more problematic.
What are Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections?
In recent years, medical experts have proven that the human body has the ability to heal itself. However, it does not happen immediately and there are many factors that may affect the body’s ability to regenerate. Therefore, experts have developed methods to exploit this ability, including the use of regenerative medicine.
PRP is a form of regenerative medicine where the body uses its own ability to repair itself. Did you know that blood is made up of red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma and platelets? They are rich in “growth factors” that stimulate the healing of injuries by initiating the production of repair cells.
In PRP treatment, plasma containing growth factors is separated, concentrated, and then the doctor injects it into the damaged or injured area; in this case, a herniated disc. Since the patient’s own blood is used in the treatment, the likelihood of side effects is much lower.
How are PRP injections given?
The process of treating a herniated disc with PRP is relatively simple. The doctor will draw one or several tubes of the patient’s blood. After doctors draw a patient’s blood, they put it in a centrifuge to separate the plasma (also called activated platelets) from other blood components. Doctors will inject this concentrated substance into the injured area to promote the healing process.
The entire process usually takes about 30 minutes to complete, and patients feel minimal pain except for the sting of the needle. Doctors can use ultrasound images to guide surgery. In an epidural PRP injection, plasma is injected into the epidural space, the space outside the sac of fluid surrounding the spinal cord.
What are the results and functions of PRP for disc herniation?
Several studies have shown the successful results of PRP in treating herniated discs. In a study involving three months of treatment published in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, patients reportedly showed no complications or adverse outcomes. The researchers concluded that PRP may be a promising alternative to surgery or steroids. Additionally, because PRP injections come from the patient’s own blood, they are generally considered a low-risk treatment.
Where can I get PRP near me?
If you are considering PRP therapy or other regenerative pain management methods, Florida Pain Care Specialists is pleased to announce that we offer PRP in Hollywood, Aventura, and Pembroke Pines.
Dr. Escobar is a Florida pain care specialist with years of pain management experience, providing regenerative and interventional pain management services to help patients regain their quality of life.
If you’re looking for a specialist in PRP in Aventura or the surrounding area, you’ve come to the right place. You can also schedule a consultation with one of our telemedicine pain management doctors to learn more about this treatment option and see if it is recommended for you. Click here to schedule an appointment so you can talk to our experts without leaving home
At Pain Care Specialists of Florida, we offer a variety of pain management solutions that are customized based on a patient’s specific situation and other factors, including their lifestyle. Our pain specialists are experts at performing innovative procedures, such as spinal cord stimulation, platelet-rich plasma injections, and epidural steroid injections, to treat the underlying cause of pain. For high quality and reliable PRP in Pembroke Pines, Hollywood or Aventura, please contact us. Visit any of our convenient locations:
To make an appointment or learn more about our services, you can call us at 954-322-8586 or leave a message.
The information contained on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute the provision of medical advice and does not substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.