Accessing Non-Surgical Spine Treatment and Benefits for Veterans: Your Top Questions Answered

For veterans experiencing chronic back and neck pain, finding effective, non-surgical treatment options that are also accessible through VA benefits can be a critical step toward a better quality of life. At ValorSpine, we understand the unique challenges faced by service members and offer advanced biologic disc repair treatments designed to address the root causes of spine pain. This FAQ provides detailed information on our innovative approaches, how they can benefit veterans, and guidance on navigating the treatment process.

What is intra-annular fibrin injection?

Intra-annular fibrin injection is a minimally invasive procedure designed to repair damaged spinal discs by directly addressing annular tears. These tears in the outer layer of the disc can lead to disc degeneration and chronic pain. The treatment involves injecting a fibrin sealant, derived from human plasma, into the damaged disc. Fibrin acts as a biological scaffold, promoting the body’s natural healing processes, sealing tears, and potentially restoring disc integrity. This approach offers a non-surgical alternative for individuals suffering from discogenic pain, aiming to regenerate the disc rather than merely mask symptoms or remove disc material. ValorSpine specializes in providing this advanced biologic treatment option.

How does fibrin repair a damaged disc?

Fibrin works by forming a stable, biological scaffold within the disc’s annular tears. Once injected, the fibrin sealant clots and adheres to the torn tissue, providing immediate structural support. This scaffolding effect encourages the infiltration of the body’s own reparative cells, facilitating the natural healing and regeneration of the disc’s outer wall. By sealing the tears, fibrin can prevent the leakage of inflammatory substances from the disc’s nucleus, which often contributes to pain. Over time, the body integrates this biologic material, reinforcing the annulus and potentially reducing pain and improving disc function. This regenerative process is a cornerstone of biologic disc repair at ValorSpine.

Am I a candidate for this fibrin disc treatment, especially as a veteran?

Candidacy for fibrin disc treatment is determined through a comprehensive evaluation, often beginning with a review of your medical history, physical examination, and advanced imaging such as an MRI. This treatment is primarily for individuals with chronic back or neck pain caused by annular tears or degenerative disc disease who have not found relief with conservative treatments. For veterans, ValorSpine understands that service-related injuries often contribute to disc problems. We evaluate each veteran’s specific condition to determine if biologic disc repair is the most appropriate and effective path forward, ensuring our treatments align with your unique needs and eligibility.

Can this biologic disc repair help if I’ve already had spine surgery?

Yes, many patients who have previously undergone spine surgery, including fusions or discectomies, may still be candidates for biologic disc repair. The success of prior surgeries often depends on various factors, and sometimes new or persistent pain can arise from adjacent disc levels or from incomplete healing of the original treated disc. Fibrin disc treatment offers a different approach, focusing on repairing and regenerating the disc rather than further surgical intervention. ValorSpine frequently evaluates veterans with a history of spine surgery, providing a thorough assessment to determine if our advanced annular tear repair can offer a new avenue for relief.

How is this different from steroid injections?

The fundamental difference between fibrin disc treatment and steroid injections lies in their mechanism and long-term goals. Steroid injections typically aim to reduce inflammation and temporarily alleviate pain, offering symptomatic relief that often wears off over time. They do not address the underlying structural damage to the disc. In contrast, intra-annular fibrin injection is a regenerative approach. It seeks to physically seal annular tears and promote the body’s natural healing processes to repair the disc’s structural integrity. This aims for more sustained relief by addressing the root cause of the pain, offering a reparative solution rather than just pain management.

Does the VA cover this treatment, and do you work with VA community care?

ValorSpine is committed to serving our veterans, and we actively work with the VA community care program to make our advanced treatments accessible. While intra-annular fibrin injection is considered an off-label use for disc treatment, ValorSpine assists veterans in navigating the authorization process through community care. Eligibility for VA coverage often depends on the specific VA facility, your service connection, and whether the VA determines that the necessary care is not readily available within their system. We encourage veterans to contact us directly to discuss their individual circumstances, and our team can provide guidance on seeking VA authorization for treatment at ValorSpine.

How long does the procedure take, and is anesthesia used?

The intra-annular fibrin injection procedure is typically an outpatient procedure that takes less than one hour to complete. Patients often spend approximately 30 minutes in the operating suite. During the procedure, local anesthesia is administered to numb the treatment area, ensuring your comfort. Additionally, optional conscious sedation may be offered to help you relax throughout the process. This approach allows for a relatively quick and comfortable experience, with most patients able to walk within 30 minutes of the procedure’s completion and discharged on the same day.

What can I expect during the recovery period following biologic disc repair?

The recovery period following biologic disc repair is crucial for optimal healing. Most patients are encouraged to begin light activity the day after the procedure. It’s important to avoid heavy lifting, bending, and twisting for approximately four weeks to allow the fibrin to stabilize and the disc to begin healing. Walking is highly encouraged daily, as it helps promote circulation and gentle movement. While some temporary soreness or a possible increase in symptoms during the first one to two weeks is common, significant pain relief typically manifests within three to six months, with full healing continuing for up to 12 months.

What activities should I avoid during recovery from fibrin disc treatment?

During the initial recovery phase from fibrin disc treatment, it’s essential to protect the healing disc and allow the fibrin sealant to integrate properly. For the first four weeks, patients should strictly avoid activities that place excessive strain on the spine. This includes heavy lifting, which can involve anything over 5-10 pounds, as well as bending, twisting, and prolonged sitting or standing. High-impact activities like running or jumping, and contact sports, should also be avoided for several months. Your ValorSpine physician will provide detailed, personalized instructions on activity restrictions and a gradual return to normal routines.

How long do the results of biologic disc repair last?

The goal of biologic disc repair with intra-annular fibrin injection is to provide long-term relief by addressing the structural integrity of the disc. Clinical studies have shown promising durability, with patient satisfaction rates of 70% at two years or more post-procedure. The treatment aims to facilitate natural disc healing, which can continue for up to 12 months. While individual results vary, the repair of annular tears can lead to sustained reductions in pain and improved function. ValorSpine focuses on achieving lasting outcomes, helping patients return to a more active and pain-free life by promoting the body’s own regenerative capabilities within the disc.

What is the success rate of this annular tear repair?

The success rate for intra-annular fibrin injection is encouraging, particularly for patients suffering from chronic discogenic pain. Clinical data indicates high patient satisfaction and significant pain reduction. For instance, studies report that 70% of patients experience satisfaction at two years or more post-procedure, with notable improvements in pain scores. Even for patients who have had failed back surgery, approximately 80% have reported positive outcomes. With over 12,500 procedures performed worldwide, this advanced biologic treatment demonstrates a strong track record in reducing pain and improving the quality of life for individuals with damaged spinal discs.

How do I schedule a consultation at ValorSpine, especially as a veteran?

Scheduling a consultation at ValorSpine is a straightforward process, and we are dedicated to making it accessible for veterans. You can begin by visiting our website or calling our office directly. Our patient care team will guide you through the initial steps, which typically involve collecting your medical history and any relevant imaging, such as recent MRIs. For veterans, we can discuss the process of obtaining a referral through the VA community care program if applicable, or explore other options. Our goal is to ensure you receive a comprehensive evaluation to determine if our advanced biologic disc repair is the right treatment for your pain.

If you would like to read more, we recommend this article: Accessing Non-Surgical Spine Treatment and Benefits for Veterans