Did You Know?

Over the past several years, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) has gained momentum as a treatment for spinal conditions. Its growing use is backed by well-controlled clinical studies comparing PRP to both placebo and corticosteroids.

The findings are consistent:

• PRP provides better overall outcomes.
• Relief may take longer to appear than with steroid injections.
• Duration of benefit is longer than steroids.
• PRP is generally more costly, but offers greater value over time due to lasting effects.

Broader Applications Within the Spine

Steroid injections are typically confined to the epidural space, but PRP’s regenerative potential allows for broader application throughout the spine. In addition to epidural use, PRP has also shown promise when injected into:

• Facet joints
• Sacroiliac joints
• Intervertebral discs (intra-discal)
• Spinal ligaments, particularly those that have become lax and contribute to instability

These expanded applications allow PRP to address pain sources that traditional steroid injections may not adequately target.

PRP represents a shift in spine care—from temporary symptom relief to biological healing. While the treatment may involve a higher upfront cost and slower onset of relief, the longer-lasting benefits and versatility make it an increasingly attractive alternative to steroids.

Read more from the series “Evidence for Platelet-Rich Plasma in Spine Care”:

• The History of Epidural Steroid Injections 
• How Many Steroid Injections Are Too Many?
• When Is a Steroid Injection Actually Warranted?
• How PRP Compares to Steroids in Spine Treatment
• The Protocol for Using PRP in Spine Care (Coming Soon)