Back Pain Breakthroughs: Spinal Surgery vs. Regenexx Treatments for LBP

Conventional Approaches to Low Back Pain Treatment

Low back pain affects roughly 72.3 million Americans, leading many to seek out various treatments. Physical therapy, interventional procedures, and conservative care are usually among the first options considered. For patients who are unsuccessful with these methods and are given little to no relief, back surgery often becomes one of their next considerations. Although surgery can offer relief, it comes with considerable downsides: recovery can take months, and there is often a lengthy rehabilitation process. Additionally, back surgery doesn’t always improve one's condition, with success rates ranging from 60-80%. Some patients even require additional surgery several years later, further subjecting them to the risks of invasive surgery and the aforementioned post-recovery challenges. 

The financial burden of spine surgery is also significant. Even with insurance, patients may pay from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Total costs can quickly accumulate, especially when accounting for additional expenses like hospital stays and post-operative care. Without insurance, these costs soar even higher.

Regenexx Platelet Lysate Injections

As we age, our bodies' natural healing abilities decline. Regenerative medicine procedures, particularly those by Regenexx, aim to boost the body's healing by delivering concentrated cells or growth factors to sites of injury. One  procedure that that has become increasingly popular in recent time is Platelet Lysate by Regenexx.

The process for Platelet Lysate injections begi ns with the drawing one's blood, followed by the laboratory processing of the acquired sample to concentrate the platelets and release their growth factors. Under ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance, this growth factor-rich serum is injected into affected areas, particularly the musculoskeletal tissue of the spine. Regenexx can offer quicker pain reduction with minimal downtime compared to surgery. Costs vary but are generally lower than surgery, ranging from $1,500 to $9,000.

Regenexx Same-Day (SD) Treatment: Bone Marrow Concentrate Containing Stem Cells

Regenexx's  SD treatments, which employ a patient's own stem cells from bone marrow concentrate, offer a cutting-edge option to managing lower back pain. This is done through the harnessing of the body's inherent healing mechanisms. 

The procedure begins with a patient being put under semi-conscious sedation for a bone marrow aspiration. Proprietary laboratory processing similar to that of Platelet Lysate concentrates the restorative cells within the marrow. The cell-rich serum is then meticulously injected into the affected areas with the assistance of ultrasound or fluoroscopic imaging to ensure precise placement. This innovative approach typically does not require an extensive recovery period, and patients may begin to notice a reduction in pain within a few months. While these treatments are an investment in one’s health, they are generally not covered by insurance, with costs ranging from $2,000 to $10,000 depending on individual circumstances. The upside? Many of the downsides associated with surgery can be bypassed or delayed.

Advancements in Non-Surgical Pain Relief

Regenexx Platelet Lysate injections and SD Bone Marrow Concentrate treatments are at the forefront of non-surgical pain relief methods. These approaches are designed to provide significant relief without the complications associated with surgical interventions. They offer patients a smoother recovery experience, are minimally invasive by nature, and often present a more cost-effective solution for long-term pain management.

Dr. Kohler of Ospina Medical is a Regenexx provider trained in the delivery of these advanced treatments. Book your initial consultation today to get started on your journey to pain relief. 

Written by: Ashley Knebel

Edited by: Camden Rowe

Medically Reviewed By: Matthew Kohler, MD