Candidacy, Evaluation, and Treatment Process: Your Top Questions Answered

At ValorSpine, we understand that finding effective relief for chronic back and neck pain can be a challenging journey. Our focus is on providing innovative, minimally invasive solutions, particularly biologic disc repair. This FAQ addresses common questions about determining if you’re a candidate, what to expect during your evaluation, and the general process of fibrin disc treatment. We aim to equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about your spinal health.

Am I a candidate for intra-annular fibrin injection?

Candidacy for intra-annular fibrin injection is determined through a comprehensive evaluation by our spine specialists. Generally, candidates are individuals experiencing chronic back or neck pain caused by degenerative disc disease, annular tears, or internal disc disruption. Ideal candidates often have not found sufficient relief from conservative treatments like physical therapy, medications, or steroid injections, and are seeking a less invasive alternative to surgery. We focus on patients where a specific disc or discs have been identified as the primary pain source.

What conditions does fibrin disc treatment address?

Fibrin disc treatment primarily addresses chronic back and neck pain stemming from degenerative disc disease, specifically focusing on the repair of annular tears and internal disc disruption. These conditions often lead to pain when the outer fibers of the spinal discs tear, allowing the inner jelly-like nucleus to bulge or leak, irritating surrounding nerves. By targeting these tears with biologic disc repair, the treatment aims to stabilize the disc, prevent further leakage, and promote natural healing within the disc structure, thereby reducing pain and improving function.

Can this treatment help if I’ve already had spine surgery?

Yes, fibrin disc treatment can be a viable option for individuals who have previously undergone spine surgery but continue to experience persistent or new pain, often referred to as failed back surgery syndrome. Our clinic has observed positive outcomes in patients with this history. The treatment focuses on repairing the specific disc damage, such as annular tears, that may have been overlooked or were not the primary target of previous surgeries. A thorough evaluation is crucial to determine if the current pain source can be effectively addressed by biologic disc repair.

What if other treatments haven’t worked for me?

Many of our patients come to ValorSpine after trying various conservative treatments without lasting success. If you’ve explored options like physical therapy, chiropractic care, epidural steroid injections, or nerve blocks and are still struggling with chronic discogenic pain, intra-annular fibrin injection may be a suitable next step. This treatment offers a unique approach by aiming to repair the structural integrity of the disc itself, rather than just managing symptoms, making it an excellent consideration for those who have exhausted conventional non-surgical methods.

Do I need an MRI before my consultation?

An MRI is a crucial diagnostic tool for evaluating the health of your spinal discs and is generally required before a consultation for biologic disc repair. The images from an MRI help our specialists identify degenerative disc disease, annular tears, disc bulges, or herniations that could be the source of your pain. This detailed information allows us to accurately assess your condition, determine if you are a suitable candidate for intra-annular fibrin injection, and plan the most effective treatment strategy tailored to your specific needs. Please bring any recent MRI scans to your appointment.

How do I know if my pain is from a disc problem?

Determining if your pain originates from a disc problem often requires a comprehensive evaluation. Common indicators of discogenic pain include deep, aching pain in the lower back or neck that may worsen with sitting, bending, twisting, or coughing. It might also radiate into your buttocks, legs, or arms. During your consultation, our specialists will review your medical history, perform a physical examination, and meticulously analyze your MRI findings to pinpoint the exact source of your pain. A diagnostic injection may also be used to confirm disc involvement.

What happens during the intra-annular fibrin injection procedure?

The intra-annular fibrin injection procedure is typically an outpatient treatment performed under fluoroscopic (live X-ray) guidance to ensure precision. After administering local anesthesia and optional sedation, our physician carefully inserts a fine needle into the damaged disc. The fibrin sealant is then meticulously injected into the annular tears within the disc. This biologic substance works to seal the tears and help regenerate disc tissue. The entire process generally takes less than an hour, and patients are typically able to walk within 30 minutes of completion.

Is anesthesia used during the fibrin disc treatment?

Yes, anesthesia is used during the fibrin disc treatment to ensure patient comfort. We typically administer local anesthesia at the injection site to numb the area thoroughly. Additionally, patients have the option of receiving mild sedation to help them relax throughout the procedure. Our goal is to make the experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible while maintaining the patient’s ability to communicate if necessary. The use of anesthesia is carefully monitored by our medical team to ensure safety and efficacy.

How long does the fibrin disc treatment procedure take?

The intra-annular fibrin injection procedure itself is remarkably efficient, typically taking less than one hour to complete. This timeframe includes the administration of local anesthesia and the precise injection of the fibrin sealant into the affected disc(s) under fluoroscopic guidance. While the procedure is quick, patients should plan for a slightly longer visit overall to account for pre-procedure preparation and a brief post-procedure observation period before being discharged the same day. Our team will provide a detailed timeline during your consultation.

How do I schedule a consultation at ValorSpine?

Scheduling a consultation at ValorSpine is straightforward. You can contact our office directly by phone or submit an inquiry through our website. Our patient care team will guide you through the initial steps, which include gathering your medical history and any relevant imaging, such as recent MRI scans. This initial information helps us determine if intra-annular fibrin injection aligns with your needs and prepares our specialists for a productive discussion about your candidacy and personalized treatment plan.

Do I need a referral to be seen at ValorSpine?

While a referral from another physician is not always strictly required to schedule an initial consultation at ValorSpine, it can often be beneficial. A referral may provide valuable insights into your medical history and previous treatments, facilitating a more streamlined and informed assessment by our specialists. We recommend checking with your insurance provider regarding their specific requirements. Regardless, our dedicated team is ready to assist you in arranging your appointment and ensuring you have all the necessary information.

How long is the consultation at ValorSpine?

A comprehensive consultation at ValorSpine is typically scheduled for approximately 60-90 minutes. This allows ample time for our spine specialists to thoroughly review your medical history, discuss your symptoms, perform a physical examination, and meticulously analyze your diagnostic imaging, such as MRI scans. It also provides an opportunity for you to ask questions and gain a clear understanding of intra-annular fibrin injection, including whether it’s the right treatment path for your specific condition. Our goal is to ensure you feel fully informed and confident in your treatment decisions.

If you would like to read more, we recommend this article: Candidacy, Evaluation, and Treatment Process