Review of PRP Injections for Treating Degenerative Disc Disease

Getting PRP was a life-changing experience for me. A month after treatment, I felt a 80% reduction in pain. I'm so thankful to Dr. Howard Gratten and Regenexx for the opportunity to receive this novel treatment and avoid spine surgery. The doctors of Regenexx are performing miracles for people in chronic pain. If you're a candidate for PRP, I strongly encourage you to considering undergoing this treatment.

What are Plasma Rich Platelet (PRP) Injections?

Plasma is a component of your blood that contains special “factors,” or proteins, that help your blood to clot. It also contains proteins that support cell growth. Researchers have produced PRP by isolating plasma from blood and concentrating it.The idea is that injecting PRP into damaged tissues will stimulate your body to grow new, healthy cells and promote healing. Because the tissue growth factors are more concentrated in the prepared growth injections, researchers think the body’s tissues may heal faster.

What is Regenexx?

Regenexx is a network of highly specialized physicians who provide non-surgical PRP treatments for orthopedic injuries. While their services aren't covered by insurance, they work directly with a large number of employers who offer it to their employees for little to no cost. The founder routinely shares data-based studies on the efficacy of Regenexx PRP treatments in comparison to other traditional pain management techniques and emphasizes the importance of drawing enough blood to achieve the desired results. His relentless passion and dedication underscores his company's genuine desire to help people live pain free. I commend him in his efforts to get PRP covered by insurance companies. Bringing onboard some of America's most elite employers is a great first step.

The internet can be a cruel and confusing place. I was skeptical of Regenexx at first. I wasn't sure what to make of the mixed reviews and lack of insurance coverage. It's considered to be experimental and it's efficacy isn't proven, yet proponents sing its praises. Now I am one of those proponents. My first appointment with Dr. Gratten made me feel understood. He had expertise in what I was dealing with. While other physicians gave me half answers, he immediately ordered an MRI to take a closer look at my condition.

He was thoughtful but truthful in his assessment. He shared that as I age with degenerative disc disease, my bones may fuse together naturally without the need for a spinal fusion surgery. Bone spurs are the body's natural attempt to heal itself and stabilize the spine.

Dr. Gratten intimated that he'd met several elderly patients with their discs completely worn away and yet have no symptoms and can't believe it when they look at the x-rays. He also told me sometimes the disc can plump back up after a PRP treatment. After reviewing my MRI, he felt that I was a good candidate for the procedure, especially since I was young and otherwise healthy.

How is Regenexx different from other PRP providers?

Regenexx is the only FDA approved provider of PRP injections.

Receiving Regenexx PRP Injections for Degenerative Disc Disease

I hate needles. I can't stress that enough. I've experienced fainting seizures after having my blood drawn in the past. As a result, the first part of PRP treatment was extremely hard for me. They have to draw a significant amount of blood. To calm me through the process, the Dr. Gratten's nurse provided me with laughing gas. I don't know how I would've made it without it. The nurse had to stick me several times on each arm to collect enough blood. Despite the discomfort, I would do it all over again.

I came back several hours later once the "medicine" had been extracted from my blood. Dr. Gratten was covered from head to toe in gear to project him from x-ray radiation. I was asked to lie down on an examination table and then relaxing music was turned on by his nurse and I was giving laughing gas to calm my nerves.

Dr. Gratten then started the process of marking on my back and buttocks where to place the cannula needles with the help of an x-ray machine. Injections in the spine always come with the risk of nerve damage and should only be performed by someone who is highly trained. I was fortunate to be in good hands.

Cannula needles are different from regular needles in that they have a tiny funnel down the center for the practitioner to pour medicine inside so it's delivered straight into the body. Once he had all the needles in place. He then informed me he was going to deliver the medicine. It was a very strange sensation. I instantly felt the pressure of the medicine going inside my body near my spine. I can't say it was painful, but it was cold and a little overwhelming at moments. Dr. Gratten also added lodocaine which I imagine greatly eased any pain at the injection sites. I personally found the blood draw to be much more invasive. All in all, it was a very simple procedure and I was able to drive home immediately once the laughing gas wore off.

That night, I was sore but nothing extreme. I laid down on my couch and had an extra bowl of ice cream to ease my discomfort.

Two Weeks after Regenexx PRP Treatment (inflammatory phase)

The first two weeks following my injection, I felt a slight increase in pain. It wasn't the same type of pain, though. It felt more like my body was healing an internal wound instead of chronic pain. I was worried at first that I had made a mistake getting the injection and that perhaps the doctor had caused nerve or tissue damage. I was wrong. My body was simply going through the inflammatory phase.

When PRP is injected into the injured area, the concentrated platelets release growth factors and signaling proteins that attract cells, such as white blood cells and stem cells. However, because this response mimics the body’s reaction to an acute injury, patients often experience temporary inflammation and discomfort in the first week after PRP treatment. 

Three to Four Weeks after Regenexx PRP Treatment

In the weeks after PRP therapy, or the proliferative phase, platelets release growth factors that stimulate tissue repair, collagen production (via fibroblasts), and stem cell activity. For the patient, this means noticeable pain relief and increased function.During this time, incorporating guided physical therapy can help enhance healing further. When approved by your physician, stretching, mobility and strengthening exercises, and low-impact activities help circulation, prevent stiffness, and support tissue remodeling.

Four + Weeks after Regenexx PRP Treatment

Around four weeks post-PRP therapy, the healing process shifts from regeneration to strengthening. The newly formed collagen and repaired tissue begin to mature, becoming more structured and resilient. As this continues into the second and third months, inflammation further decreases, and the treated area strengthens, allowing for greater stability and function. By this stage, most patients experience significant—if not complete—pain relief and much-improved mobility and can gradually return to normal activities.

Regenexx PRP Treatment Costs

Crowdstrike, my ex-husband's employer, paid nearly 100% of the costs for this procedure. After the procedure, I received an invoice with the total cost which was close to $9,000, but I was only charged $40. Without this benefit from my ex-husband's employer, I don't know where I'd be. It's insane to me that insurance companies aren't covering this procedure. I really hope that changes quickly in the future.

Conclusion

Experimental procedures like PRP and stem cell therapies are paving the way for regenerative medicine, and offer hope to patients who would otherwise face spine surgery. The FDA's lack of approval shouldn't deter patients. There's a reason countless celebrities and athletes have undergone this procedure and even flown to other countries where the research is further along. However, it should be performed by a trusted provider to achieve the desired results. I can personally vouch for how this procedure has greatly improved my quality of life.