Treating back pain with Regenerative Therapy

July 17, 2024•6 min read

Regen Ocala is pleased to announce a new service we are now offering Regenerative Spine Services at our Ocala office, .

Long gone are the days when corticosteroids were injected in and around the spine to decrease pain, and speed up the degenerative process, accelerating degeneration, and the need for surgical intervention. Regenerative procedures with platelet–rich plasma or platelet–rich fibrin matrix can be injected into the facet joints, and the disc itself to regenerate the area, not just reduce inflammation and decrease pain, but rebuild tissue.

Help us welcome Jacob Miller, APRN, our Regenerative Spine Specialist.

Jacob Miller is a distinguished Nurse Anesthetist and a respected expert in chronic pain management. He began his academic career at the University of Kansas, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology with a specialization in Chemistry. His passion for healthcare led him to Washburn University, where he achieved his Bachelor of Science in Nursing with Honors. Jacob’s commitment to advancing his expertise in pain management propelled him to the top 1% of his class at the Minneapolis School of Anesthesia, where he received his Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesiology.
Following his graduation, Jacob completed a rigorous fellowship in Chronic Pain Management at the University of South Florida. During this time, he also had the unique opportunity to train under Dr. Runels, the inventor of the innovative Vampire procedures, which significantly enhanced his skills and knowledge in minimally invasive treatments.
In his practice, Jacob specializes in the treatment of painful conditions affecting the spine, joints, and musculoskeletal system, including chronic migraines. He is particularly noted for his critical approach to traditional pain management strategies. Through his extensive research and clinical experience, Jacob has advocated for the use of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy over corticosteroids, which he argues can often exacerbate conditions rather than provide relief. His approach focuses on using the body’s own healing mechanisms to treat underlying causes of pain, promoting longer-term health and well-being.
Jacob’s professional journey is marked by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and a deep commitment to improving patient outcomes through innovative pain management techniques. His expertise and groundbreaking work in the field of anesthesiology and pain relief continue to make a significant impact on the lives of his patients.

What can we offer at Regen Ocala?

Back pain can usually be identified in coming from one for two issues, or a combination of both:

1. Facet Arthritis-

Facet arthritis, also known as facet arthropathy, facet joint syndrome, or facet joint osteoarthritis (FJOA), is a degenerative condition that affects the facet joints in the spine. These joints connect each vertebra in the spine, allowing it to bend and twist. When facet arthritis occurs, the cartilage that covers the ends of the joints wears away, causing the joints to rub, become inflamed, and painful.
   • Pain and tenderness in the neck and lower back
  • Pain that worsens when the spine rotates or extends
• Pain that radiates down the upper leg or towards the knee
• Pain that intensifies when light pressure is applied to the skin over the irritated facet
• Pain that's worse in the morning, after sitting still for a long time, or after heavy exercise
  • Difficulty standing up straight or getting out of a chair
  • Walking hunched over

2. Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a chronic condition that occurs when the spinal discs wear down and change due to aging or other factors. Spinal discs are rubbery cushions between the vertebrae that act as shock absorbers and help with movement. As people age, the discs can become brittle, leak, or bulge, causing the tissue to flatten and spread sideways. This can lead to pain in the neck or back, and can also put pressure on spinal nerves, causing weakness or pain, and in severe cases, DDD can damage nerves.
  • Pain that's worse when sitting, bending, lifting, or twisting
  • Pain that feels better when walking or running
• Sharp or constant pain in the neck or back

Prior to PRP, steroids were the common treatment. WE now know the dangers of their use.

Here are some recent research regarding the use of steroids around the spine:
  Epidural Steroid Injections Are Associated With Less Improve... : Spine

Here is some research on the use of PRP in facet arthritis:
Comparison of intra-articular lumbar facet joint injection of platelet-rich plasma and steroid in the treatment of chronic low back pain: A prospective study

Here is data on the use of intradiscal PLATELET RICH PLASMA (PRP).
We are seeing significant improvements in low back pain, as well as some improvements in radicular pain with an increase in disc height, and the unloading of nerve roots at the neuroforamen.

Intradiscal Injection of Fibrin Sealant for the Treatment of Symptomatic Lumbar Internal Disc Disruption: Results of a Prospective Multicenter Pilot Study with 24‐Month Follow‐Up - Yin - 2014 - Pain Medicine - Wiley Online Library

At Regen Ocala we strive to "Make you a better you"

Dr. Jeff
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