Stem cell therapy kind of peaked in popularity five to 10 years ago, when before we could really see outcomes and results. It’s very rare for me to do a stem cell injection at this time, as frankly, there’s just not good evidence to support that it’s really helped that many people. So it’s a very expensive procedure.
It has limited risks, but if it’s not gonna work, and I tell my patients we don’t know if it’s gonna work or think it’s gonna work, then the question is, well, why do it?
For the future of spinal surgery as we progress, I think the current trends will continue in that more and more spine surgery will be routinely done at an outpatient surgery center. That trend has been very strong the last several years, and I think it’ll continue indefinitely. As we found that a lot of these procedures that we thought had to be done in a hospital, really the patients do just as well, or even better if it’s done in a surgery center.
For via disc patients who undergo an injection, sometimes physical therapy can be indicated just for their overall back health. As a general rule, though, the procedure itself doesn’t require physical therapy.
The VIA Disc procedure offers an innovative, minimally invasive approach for individuals suffering from chronic back pain due to degenerative disc disease. Unlike traditional surgery, this treatment involves a simple injection, which means fewer complications and a faster recovery—most patients return to regular activity within just 72 hours.
One of the key strengths of the VIA Disc procedure is its precision. By directly targeting the damaged disc—the root source of the discomfort—it not only reduces pain but also helps restore functionality. This focused method stands in contrast to general pain management techniques, which often fail to address the actual cause of pain.
Moreover, VIA Disc supports the body’s natural healing process by helping the disc regain its cushioning ability. This offers the potential for long-term pain relief, making it a sustainable solution for many patients. Rather than adapting life around back pain, individuals may reclaim their normal routines, including physically demanding activities, thanks to this advanced treatment that truly addresses the source of suffering.
Recovery after a via disc injection is really minimal. Patients need to commit about a half day to having the procedure done just to get to the surgery center and go home. Other than that, there’s no real recovery to speak of in terms of sedation required. It can be either done purely on our local anesthetic or with a very light sedation. Patients don’t need to be put to sleep.