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Living with spinal stenosis can feel like a constant battle with pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.
Maybe you’ve already tried physical therapy, medications, or steroid injections and you’re still not getting lasting relief.
If you’re looking for something more natural and less invasive, PRP for spinal stenosis may be worth exploring.
At Orthobiologics Associates, we help people find real solutions to back and neck pain using advanced regenerative treatments like platelet-rich plasma therapy.
Here’s a clear, straightforward guide to how PRP works for spinal stenosis and whether it might be a good fit for you.
GET RELIEF FROM SPINAL STENOSIS
What Is Spinal Stenosis?
Spinal stenosis happens when the spaces in your spine narrow and put pressure on nearby nerves.
This can affect your lower back (lumbar spinal stenosis) or neck (cervical spinal stenosis) and lead to symptoms like:
- Numbness or tingling in your arms or legs
- Pain that radiates down your back, hips, or shoulders
- Muscle weakness or loss of balance
- Difficulty standing or walking for long periods
Spinal stenosis is often caused by age-related changes in the spine, like arthritis or disc degeneration.
In the past, treatment mostly focused on managing symptoms with medications or surgery.
But now, regenerative medicine offers a more natural option.
What Is PRP Therapy?
PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma, a treatment made from your own blood.
It works by using concentrated platelets that are packed with growth factors and healing proteins.
It’s one of the newest treatments for spinal stenosis.
These platelets are injected into the painful area to support tissue repair and reduce inflammation.
Here’s how it works:
- We draw a small amount of your blood.
- We spin it in a centrifuge to separate the platelets.
- We inject the PRP into the affected area of your spine using precise imaging guidance.
Unlike medications or cortisone injections, PRP is designed to promote healing rather than just reduce inflammation temporarily.
How PRP Helps with Spinal Stenosis
When nerves in your spine are compressed by inflammation or damaged tissue, PRP can help calm the area and support repair.
Injecting PRP near the affected part of the spine may:
- Reduce swelling around nerves
- Support healing of ligaments and soft tissue
- Improve how the spine moves and functions
- Slow down the progression of degeneration
By treating the root of the problem, PRP may offer longer-lasting relief than short-term pain management options.
PRP for Lumbar vs. Cervical Spinal Stenosis
Most people we see have lumbar spinal stenosis, which affects the lower back and often causes pain down the legs.
But cervical spinal stenosis, which affects the neck, is also common and can lead to pain in the shoulders and arms.
We adjust our treatment approach depending on where the problem is.
For lumbar cases, PRP is often injected around the nerve roots that cause sciatica-type symptoms.
For cervical cases, we focus on areas that affect neck pain, shoulder tension, and hand numbness.
Benefits of PRP for Spinal Stenosis
There are a lot of reasons people are choosing PRP therapy for spinal stenosis:
- It’s a non-surgical procedure done in our office
- There’s little to no downtime
- It’s made from your own blood, so it’s natural and safe
- PRP supports healing, not just pain relief
- It can help delay or avoid surgery
This treatment is especially helpful if you’re looking for something that goes beyond just masking the pain.
What to Expect During and After PRP Treatment
The process is simple and typically takes under an hour.
Here’s what happens:
- Before your injection: We review your imaging (like MRI or X-rays), take a blood sample, and prepare your PRP.
- During the injection: We use ultrasound or fluoroscopy (real-time imaging) to guide the PRP to the exact area. You’ll be awake and comfortable throughout.
- After the injection: You might feel sore for a day or two. Most people return to light activity quickly. Over the next few weeks, the PRP works to reduce inflammation and promote healing. It usually takes a few weeks to feel results, and many patients benefit from two to three sessions spaced out over time.
PRP vs Steroid Injections or Surgery
Steroid injections can provide fast pain relief, but it’s often short-lived and repeated use can damage tissue.
Surgery is more invasive, carries higher risks, and usually requires significant recovery time.
Here’s how PRP compares:
- Studies show that PRP helps your body heal and can offer longer-lasting results
- Steroids reduce inflammation quickly but don’t fix the underlying problem
- Surgery can help in severe cases, but it’s not always necessary early on
For many, PRP offers a balanced approach: effective relief without the risks of surgery or the downsides of repeated steroid use.
Is PRP Right for You?
PRP therapy can be a good option if you:
- Have been diagnosed with mild to moderate spinal stenosis
- Want to avoid surgery
- Haven’t found relief from physical therapy or medications
- Don’t have severe spinal instability or advanced degeneration
The best way to know is through a thorough evaluation.
At Orthobiologics Associates, we’ll review your symptoms, imaging, and medical history to help you decide if PRP is a good fit.
How Orthobiologics Associates Can Help
At Orthobiologics Associates, we specialize in non-surgical treatments like PRP therapy to help people with spinal stenosis live with less pain and more mobility.
Our team uses the latest technology to guide every injection with precision.
We’re experienced in treating both lumbar and cervical spinal stenosis, and our approach is always tailored to your needs.
We believe in helping your body heal itself — and we’re here to support you through that process.
If you’re ready to explore PRP for spinal stenosis, we’d love to talk with you.
Conclusion: PRP for Spinal Stenosis?
If you’re looking for a natural, non-surgical way to get real relief from spinal stenosis, PRP therapy may be the answer.
We’re here to help you understand your options and take the next step with confidence.
Reach out to Orthobiologics Associates today to schedule your consultation and find out if PRP is right for you.
FAQs: PRP for Spinal Stenosis
What is PRGF vs PRP?
PRGF stands for Plasma Rich in Growth Factors. It’s a specific type of PRP that’s processed in a way to isolate only the most bioactive growth factors, while removing inflammatory white blood cells. Both PRP and PRGF are derived from your blood and aim to promote healing, but PRGF is often considered a more refined version of PRP with potentially less inflammation and more targeted regenerative effects.
Can PRP reverse nerve damage?
PRP isn’t a cure for severe or chronic nerve damage, but it may help improve nerve function by reducing inflammation, supporting surrounding tissue repair, and creating a healthier environment for healing. In cases of spinal stenosis where nerve pain is caused by compression and inflammation, PRP can often provide significant relief and support nerve recovery.
How long does it take for PRP to work on spine?
Most people begin to notice improvement within two to six weeks after a PRP injection. However, results can vary depending on the severity of the condition and your body’s natural healing response. In many cases, continued progress is seen over the next few months as the regenerative effects take hold.
What are the negatives of PRP?
While PRP is generally safe, some patients may experience mild soreness or swelling after the injection. It’s also not a quick fix—results take time, and not everyone will respond to PRP. Additionally, insurance often doesn’t cover PRP therapy, which can make it more expensive out of pocket. That said, the risks of complications are much lower than with surgery or repeated steroid use.
Is PRP good for the spine?
Yes, PRP can be a valuable option for treating certain spine conditions, especially spinal stenosis, disc-related pain, and soft tissue inflammation. It’s not right for everyone, but for many people dealing with chronic back or neck pain, PRP offers a safe, natural alternative to surgery or long-term medication use.
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