Our spines consist of intervertebral discs which lie in-between the vertebrae, acting like gelatinous “shock-absorbers”. As we age, the annulus fibrosus, which is the strong outer ring of these discs, weakens and defects in the ring can cause a disc herniation, leading to low back pain and lower extremity pain.
A new study shows promise in combating these degenerative changes with the use of Platelet-Rich Plasma, more commonly known as PRP. PRP is a useful delivery system of our body’s own growth factors, enhancing extracellular matrix production and cell proliferation to rejuvenate the tissue in the annulus fibrosis.
The use of regenerative medicine techniques in the spine may provide new hope for the treatment of chronic neck and back pain which adversely affects the quality of life for millions of Americans. At The Orthohealing Center, we have been performing Spine PRP injections for years with promising results.
