How Soon Will I Find Relief from Back Pain After PRP?

Back pain can range from a nagging ache to significant discomfort that impacts your mobility and quality of life. Treatments depend on the underlying cause and may include rest and other home care strategies, formal physical therapy, medication, and sometimes surgery.

Our pain management team at Coastal Spine, with six New Jersey locations, also uses PRP therapy to decrease inflammation and promote healing. This injection-based treatment takes a natural approach to reducing back pain, neck pain, and other musculoskeletal conditions.

Read more from our team about the benefits of PRP therapy and how it works.

PRP basics

Platelet-rich plasma therapy involves extracting a small amount of the patient's blood, which is then processed to concentrate the platelets. These platelets contain growth factors and other bioactive proteins that promote tissue repair and regeneration.

When injected into the affected area, PRP stimulates the body's natural healing process, reducing inflammation and pain. Conditions affecting the back and neck that may respond well to PRP therapy include degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, and osteoarthritis.

Studies have also shown PRP can aid in treating rotator cuff tears, knee osteoarthritis, ligament tears, hamstring injuries, and other issues affecting muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

How quickly can you expect relief after a PRP injection?

Your Coastal Spine provider discusses the expectations and other details of PRP therapy before scheduling this in-office treatment. 

However, it's essential to understand that PRP therapy isn’t a quick fix. Instead, it relies on the body’s natural regenerative and rebuilding process to repair or replace damaged tissues.

You may experience some discomfort at the injection site immediately after the therapy. That can include mild soreness, swelling, or bruising, which typically subsides within a few days. 

In the days and weeks following PRP therapy, many patients report a gradual reduction in pain and improved mobility.

However, the timeframe for experiencing noticeable relief can vary. Your response may depend on factors such as the severity of the condition under treatment and your overall health, which can affect the body’s natural healing response.

Otherwise, some individuals notice improvement within a few days of a PRP injection, while others may require several weeks to feel significant relief. Thus, your treatment strategy may include other therapies to manage pain until you experience the long-term benefits of PRP.

Long-term benefits of PRP therapy

While short-term relief is essential, the actual value of PRP therapy lies in its long-term benefits.

Research studies and clinical results indicate that PRP can promote tissue regeneration and improve the overall health of the affected area, leading to sustained pain relief and functional improvement.

Many patients continue to experience ongoing improvements in pain and mobility months after undergoing PRP therapy. 

By addressing the underlying cause of back pain and stimulating the body's natural healing mechanisms, PRP offers the potential for long-lasting results that extend well beyond the initial treatment period.

Schedule an evaluation at Coastal Spine today for more information about PRP therapy and our other services. Call the office nearest you or request an appointment online.