Published on September 29, 2024
At Advanced Pain Management and Spine Specialists (Pain Relief Institute of America), some of the most painful patients are those with persistent disc pain.
As we age, the intervertebral discs (the cushions between bones in the spine) tend to deteriorate. This is caused by the wear and tear that people accumulate throughout their lives; whether it’s lifting weights, car accidents, falls, working out, or even gaining weight. The discs become dehydrated and begin to lose height. This means they are more prone to bulges and tears.
The inner part of the intervertebral disc is called the nucleus pulposus, which is the material that acts as a shock absorber. As we age, the disc pads degenerate, which will show up on an MRI when the inner disc changes from white to black.
Disc pain is often described as a persistent, dull ache that may worsen when you bend forward; sit or drive for long periods of time; lift heavy objects; or even cough or sneeze. Resting or lying down may improve the pain. Sciatica, or leg pain, which is often described as a sharp pain in the leg, may also occur if a nerve is pinched.
Initial treatment for low back pain may include physical therapy, oral medications (such as anti-inflammatories), and heat or cold therapy. Other options include epidural injections, stem cell injections, and disc surgery or replacement.
Many times, these patients only find temporary relief through injections and treatments. Fortunately, there is a new treatment that may provide a long-term solution.
We are now able to restore the cushioning part through the injection process. ViaDisc surgery takes less than 15 minutes and relieves pain by allowing the disc to repair itself.
In ViaDisc, the injection delivers donor material directly into the injured disc. Because this uses a biocompatible substance, the disc reacts as if it were your own and repair begins quickly.
The most recent case involved a 38-year-old man who was injured while working out at a local gym. He felt a dull pain in his back and a stinging sensation in the back of his left thigh.
His primary care physician initially tried physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications with little success. He was subsequently referred to Pain Relief Institute of America. His MRI showed a tear and bulge in the L4-L5 disc.
An epidural injection was given but did not provide adequate relief of symptoms. The patient elected to see a neurosurgeon, who stated that he was not a candidate for surgery.
When he returned to our care center, we discussed ViaDisc as an option for long-term pain relief. The 15-minute procedure was performed at Parker Surgery Center with the patient under mild sedation.
At one month of follow-up, he reported less dull pain in his back and less tingling in his left leg. At 3 months, the patient reported that his usual pain was reduced by approximately 90% and he was able to return to sports.
Initial improvements are usually seen within 1-3 months. Studies show that pain is reduced by an average of 70% within 12 months and function is significantly enhanced.
ViaDisc surgery is covered by Medicare and many other Medicare alternative plans.
To learn more about ViaDisc and other minimally invasive options that provide long-term pain relief, call 352-397-4930.
