About Intradiscal Injections
Spinal discs are cushions between the vertebrae. With age and wear, a disc can develop small tears in its outer wall or lose some of its inner gel, and this can cause deep, aching low back pain that is often worse with sitting or bending.
Intradiscal injections deliver material directly into the disc. Orthobiologics, prepared from your own blood or bone marrow, are intended to support the body's healing response. ViaDisc is donated disc tissue intended to supplement the disc's inner material. Neither regrows a healthy disc, and not everyone improves.
These procedures are done under X-ray guidance in a sterile procedure setting. Careful selection is important: this approach is meant for people whose pain comes mainly from the disc itself, not from a pinched nerve or unstable spine.
What happens during treatment
- 1.
Dr. Chen reviews your history, exam, and MRI, and may order additional testing to confirm the disc is the likely source of pain.
- 2.
On the day of the procedure, you receive light sedation if needed and often an antibiotic to lower infection risk.
- 3.
Under X-ray guidance, a thin needle is guided into the disc and the chosen material is injected.
- 4.
You rest briefly and go home the same day with a driver and a gradual activity plan.
Who may be a good candidate
- Adults with chronic low back pain that seems to come from one or two degenerated discs and has not improved with rehab.
- People whose MRI shows disc changes without large herniations, severe collapse, or spinal instability.
- People who want to explore a nonsurgical option before considering spinal fusion or disc replacement.
Recovery
Back soreness and sometimes increased pain are common for days to a couple of weeks. You will be asked to avoid heavy lifting, bending, and prolonged sitting early on, then gradually increase activity. Any improvement tends to develop slowly over weeks to months, and a structured trunk strengthening program is part of recovery.
Risks and limits
The most serious risk is discitis, an infection of the disc, which is rare but may require antibiotics or hospital care. Other risks include increased back pain, nerve irritation, bleeding, and a headache from a spinal fluid leak. Evidence for these treatments is still developing, and results vary. These injections are not appropriate if you have an active infection, a large disc herniation pressing on a nerve, or spinal instability.
What to expect at your visit
- 1.
We listen first
Your visit opens with a real conversation: how the problem started, what you have already tried, and the activity you want back.
- 2.
Exam and in-office ultrasound
A hands-on exam, then ultrasound at the exam table, often while you move, so your physician can see the tendon, joint, or nerve involved.
- 3.
A clear diagnosis and plan
You leave knowing what is wrong and what your options are, from strength-based rehab to procedures, and why we recommend each one.
- 4.
Treatment and follow-through
Most procedures happen here in the office. We coordinate with your physical therapist and check progress against the goals you set.
Questions about Intradiscal
- Can an intradiscal injection rebuild my disc?
- No. These injections are intended to reduce pain and support the disc's own healing response, not to grow a new disc. Some people have meaningful improvement, while others do not.
- What is ViaDisc?
- ViaDisc is processed donor disc tissue that is injected into a degenerated disc to supplement its inner material. It is one of several intradiscal options Dr. Chen may discuss, depending on your imaging and symptoms.
- Who should not have an intradiscal injection?
- People with an active infection, a large herniation pressing on a nerve, spinal instability, or a severely collapsed disc are usually not good candidates. Dr. Chen will review your MRI and history carefully before recommending it.