The lumbar disc is composed of two principal parts: the inner jelly (nucleus pulposis) and the outer sidewall (annulus). The annulus provides support similar to that of the sidewall of your tire. If the sidewall (annulus) becomes weakened, it can bow out. When this occurs it is referred to as a disc protrusion, herniation or extrusion depending upon how far it protrudes outwardly. The protruding disc can be painful itself or it can press upon a nerve root causing leg pain.
Steroid injections have been used for lumbar disc protrusions, however there is concern over the side-effects of high dose steroids as previously discussed.
PRP injections are rich in platelet-derived growth factors which have the potential of increasing blood flow and therefore healing of the disc.
The Centeno-Schultz utilizes various types of PRP to treat lumbar disc disease. Examples include platelet-poor plasma, plasma lysate, and activated PRP. Patient-specific platelet-rich plasma injections created in a state-of-the-art lab as opposed to those created by portable centrifuge units are just another example of how the Centeno-Schultz Clinic distinguishes itself.