Veterans whose disc pain hasn’t responded to repeated epidural injections often have an unaddressed annular tear at the source. Regenerative care under the Mission Act can seal the tear with an FDA-approved fibrin sealant, addressing the underlying cause that injections alone cannot close.
Key Takeaways
- Epidurals reduce inflammation but don’t close annular tears.
- Recurrent failure of injections often points to a structural problem.
- Regenerative care addresses the underlying tear.
- Mission Act may cover community-care regenerative options.
- Valor handles VA paperwork directly.
Why Injections Sometimes Stop Working
Steroid injections quiet inflammation around irritated nerve roots. They are diagnostic and therapeutic. They are not structural — when the underlying tear remains open, the inflammation cycle eventually returns.
What Are the Next Steps?
- Continued conservative care with adjusted protocols.
- Diagnostic procedures to confirm the pain generator.
- Regenerative care for annular tears.
- Surgical paths when indicated.
How Does Regenerative Care Help?
Intra-annular fibrin injection seals the annular tear so the disc can heal. Stabilizing the tear often reduces the inflammation cycle that injections were treating. Reported 83% long-term success.
Clinical Note
Veterans who have had multiple injections without lasting relief often arrive at Valor discouraged. The Valor team’s evaluation determines whether the underlying tear can be sealed before any further escalation.
What About Mission Act?
Eligible veterans may access community-care regenerative options when criteria are met. Valor confirms eligibility and handles paperwork.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many injections are reasonable to try?
Discuss limits with your physician.
Will the regenerative procedure work after multiple injections?
Often yes, depending on underlying pathology.
Does the VA cover regenerative care?
Veterans may qualify under the Mission Act.
Can I combine the procedure with continued PT?
Yes.
Sources & Further Reading
- AAFP — Epidural injection evidence
- NIH — Discogenic pain
- VA — Mission Act
- CDC — Chronic pain
Medical disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes and does not replace medical advice. Consult your physician about any condition or treatment decision.
Schedule a consultation with the Valor team if injections have stopped working.
