The power of regenerative medicine: Intravertebral disc augmentation for lasting relief from back pain

A man is experiencing back pain.

As specialists in pain management, The Hemlock Pain Center combines advanced knowledge and training with state-of-the-art techniques and technologies to stop symptoms that stand between you and your fullest life. From our offices in Macon, Warner Robins, Dublin, and Milledgeville, Georgia, board-certified anesthesiologists and pain management specialists, Drs Stephen N. Tafor and Sandeep Datta, offer regenerative treatments like intravertebral disc augmentation for specific types of lower back pain.

What do you mean by regenerative treatment?

There are many therapies that specialists like Drs Tafor and Datta may use to reduce pain and improve quality of life for their patients today. These interventions range from gene and cell-based therapy to augmentation with biomaterials, which involves introducing specially-selected materials to build up significantly degenerated or structurally damaged tissues. In doing so, comfortable and healthy function may be restored.

How does intravertebral disc augmentation work?

Intravertebral disc augmentation is typically performed through a small opening and tube under local or mild sedation. As a less invasive alternative to open surgery, this procedure minimizes the risks of many serious complications and associated recovery. Once your back is numbed with a local anesthetic, x-ray guidance is largely used to access the affected area through a small incision or opening. Special techniques are used to prepare the site before introducing the biomaterial. This effectively provides structure and support to the degenerated tissues.

What types of back pain can be treated in this way?

Drs Tafor and Datta may recommend intravertebral disc augmentation for patients with axial pain. This is the most common type of lower back pain. Unlike other lower-back problems, axial pain does not travel to different parts of the body, such as the legs and feet. It is also most commonly “mechanical” in nature, and associated with flare-ups during sports, and prolonged rest or inactivity. The severity and frequency of pain can vary considerably. It may be mild or intense, sharp or dull, and infrequent or constant. Additionally, there are many potential sources of such pain. These may include degenerated discs, problems with the facet joints, and damage to the muscles, ligaments, tendons, and other soft tissues.

A man is experiencing an intravertebral disc augmentation.
A happy woman after receiving intravertebral disc augmentation treatment.

Can my pain be effectively treated this way?

This form of augmentation may be suitable for individuals experiencing severe and chronic axial pain, which can disrupt daily activities. It may also be recommended for individuals with conditions such as underlying degenerative disc disease. Disc augmentation is generally suitable for those with advanced degeneration, a loss of viable cells, and significant structural damage.

What can I expect after treatment?

Regenerative vertebral procedures are associated with faster recovery and healing and less downtime than traditional surgical interventions, like open surgery. We can provide guidance on when to reintegrate certain activities into your life and how to care for yourself after treatment. By renewing healthy structure and stability, we can reduce or eliminate your axial back pain and may also reduce your reliance on medications such as pain relievers.

To find out more about your options for treatment of chronic axial pain, contact one of our four The Hemlock Pain Center locations in Macon (478) 475-2385, Warner Robins (478) 997-6444, Dublin (478) 800-3745, or Milledgeville, GA (478) 280-4670 today.