Innovative Approach Shows Promise In Treating Discogenic Back Pain

By Daniel Kendall, DO

National Spine & Pain Centers

. https://www.treatingpain.com/

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Innovative Approach Shows Promise In Treating Discogenic Back Pain

Discogenic back pain can occur as the discs between the vertebrae of the spine gradually change over time, becoming less supple and more susceptible to damage and inflammation. Degenerative disc disease is one of the most prevalent causes of acute and chronic low back pain, whether the result of injury or the natural aging process.

Over the years, there have been numerous diagnostic and treatment tools available to assess and treat discogenic back pain. These conservative non-surgical interventions have often provided effective symptom reduction.

However, some patients have failed these conservative treatments and resorted to lumbar fusion surgery. But now there is another promising treatment option for treating chronic discogenic back pain.

New treatment offers appealing alternative

Disc regenerative therapy (DRT) is an exciting new approach that provides patients with another effective treatment option. This procedure triggers the body's natural healing mechanisms, relieving pain and often curing the cause.

DRT treatment promotes the healing of injured discs through the injection of glucosamine and dextrose solution into the center of the disc. These natural substances, already found in the body, stimulate the growth of new collagen fibers and increase the strength of the painful disc.

Glucosamine taken by mouth has proven to be effective in relieving osteoarthritis pain in the knee and slowing degeneration. DRT takes a more direct approach by concentrating the solution in the impaired disc, delivering the solution right where it's needed. By working in tandem with the body's ability to heal itself, this disc treatment may potentially lead to complete and permanent improvement.

Clinical trials have been completed, supporting the benefits of DRT and its ability to reduce pain and improve the patient's activity level. For example, in a pilot study performed by R.G. Klein, et al., DRT demonstrated significant improvement with low back discogenic pain. It is theorized that the reduction in pain and disability are the result of favorable alterations in the intervertebral disc and surrounding joints.

Excellent results, lower costs

While additional research is still being conducted on this therapy, increasingly more pain management specialists around the world are incorporating DRT into treatment plans for patients experiencing chronic discogenic pain. Widespread recognition continues to grow because of the positive results of this cost effective technique. It also has the potential to reduce the need for more costly surgical interventions.

For effective relief from chronic back pain, talk to board certified pain specialists who are knowledgeable in the full range of treatment options, including the latest therapeutic

approaches.