Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a treatment that uses injections made of a patient’s blood to help heal areas of the body that are injured or painful. Back pain is one such area where PRP therapy can be helpful. Typical injections used to reduce inflammation often contain steroids or other types of medication. PRP therapy offers the same kind of treatment but with less risk because the patient’s own blood is used.
Let’s find out how PRP therapy works for back pain.
How PRP Therapy Works
Platelet-rich plasma contains a concentration of platelets in the liquid portion of the blood (i.e. plasma). Platelets contain chemicals called growth factors that help promote healing throughout the body. Platelets also contain proteins that signal stem cells in the area surrounding a wound to move those cells to the injured area. By injecting platelet-rich plasma into an area of the body, these growth factors and proteins are concentrated where they need to be and can help repair damaged areas and restore functioning.
PRP works by first taking a sample of a patient’s own blood. The blood is then placed into a device called a centrifuge that quickly spins the sample, separating the platelets from other components in the blood, and concentrating them within the plasma. The resulting mixture is then placed into a syringe and is ready for injection. Using an X-ray or ultrasound imaging, the doctor can pinpoint exactly where to inject the platelet-rich plasma.
How PRP Helps with Back Pain
PRP therapy is ideal for certain types of back pain, such as that caused by degenerative disc disease or arthritis. Your doctor will perform a thorough evaluation to see if PRP therapy is the right choice for your back pain. While other types of injections, such as steroid injections, can help relieve symptoms of back pain, PRP therapy helps repair the damage that is causing symptoms, leading to more effective and longer-lasting treatment.
PRP can help revitalize soft tissues and joints that have been damaged due to injury, aging, or natural wear and tear. Sometimes, PRP therapy is used in conjunction with physical therapy to help with back pain. You may have some initial soreness at the injection site before you start to feel relief. Besides that, side effects are typically minimal. However, because PRP uses your own blood and not that of an outside source, risk of an allergic reaction to the injection is extremely unlikely. After the procedure, you will be free to return to your normal activities.
PRP Therapy Near Me
At NIVA Health, we offer PRP therapy to help ease patients’ pain. Our skilled team of doctors and nurse practitioners are here to assist you and address your symptoms without the need for surgery or medications. Our PRP therapy can be done in any of our eight office locations.
If you have questions or would like to schedule a consultation with one of our providers, call us at one of our offices today. Our friendly staff is here to address your questions and concerns. You can also schedule an appointment online using our convenient appointment request form. We look forward to helping you feel your best.
