PRP INTO THE EPIDURAL SPACE FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF INTERVERTEBRAL DISC DEGENERATION AND AXIAL PAIN. PRELIMINARY REPORT.

Abstract

Intervertebral disc degeneration is a chronic disease that causes significant disability and dependence and exerts a high cost on society. It is the most common cause of back pain, and may involve any segment of the spine, being the lumbar the most frequently affected area. It is one of the most frequent reasons for consultation in the general population, second only to headache, affecting 80-85 % of people throughout life. Current therapeutic strategies are primary conservative, including physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medication. Surgical techniques are intended only to stabilize the spine and/or decompress the spinal or foraminal canal, searching for relieve of symptoms; however, do not address the cause of the degeneration and even accelerate the degeneration of adjacent segments. Understanding of the biology of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and its effect on condral repair has led to the use of PRP as a promising biological therapeutic strategy for enhance the regenerative process and healing of the intervertebral disc. Very few studies have been conducted in vitro and there are even fewer clinical studies that link PRP with the management of degenerative disc disease. At present, there is no document linking PRP used in injection into the epidural space as a method of intervertebral disc regeneration in cases of disc disease. This is a preliminary study of pain management in patients with degenerative disc disease and axial pain, by using PRP injected into the epidural space, cervical or lumbar.