Biologic medicine is exploding to the mainstream. Pioneering doctors and patients are driving change so that we have new solutions for ailing backs. Recently CBS national news featured a new biologic injection for chronic low back pain. Whats exciting about these natural based treatments is that not only do they potentially reduce discomfort from painful discs, it actually re-grows them!
Over 300,000 spinal fusions are performed each year in the United States for herniated discs and degenerative disc disease. The surgery involves joining vertebrae and holding them in place with metal screws or rods so they cannot move.
Now, a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure is available that takes approximately five minutes with a speedy recovery. The patient is given a local numbing injection, and then two blood plasma components – thrombin and fibrinogen – are injected together. They combine to become fibrin, which fills cracks and eventually allows the disc to re-grow. The trial is being conducted at facilities across the country.
Dr. Beny Charchian, an Interventional Spine Specialist at The Orthohealing Center, is currently performing non-surgical injections of Bone Marrow Concentrate, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), and Fibrin for low back pain with very promising results. Certainly, larger clinical trials are needed and are currently underway to better understand when to best apply this treatment.
Soon, leading doctors from around the world will gather in Los Angeles, CA July 13-15 to grow our understanding of the latest treatments and research in regenerative medicine. www.prpseminar.com