Spine conditions
Degenerative disc disease
Image-guided regenerative options for chronic back pain from worn, dehydrated discs, for patients who want to explore alternatives to fusion.
Understanding the condition
Discs that have worn down over time
Despite the name, degenerative disc disease is not really a disease. It describes discs that have lost water and height with age or repeated load. The disc absorbs shock less well, small tears can develop in its outer ring, and the joints and ligaments behind it take on more of the work.
Disc wear is common on imaging and does not always hurt. When it does, the pain is usually a deep, aching back pain that is worse with sitting and bending, sometimes with flare-ups that last days or weeks.
Symptoms
What patients describe
- A deep ache in the low back or neck that comes and goes
- Pain that is worse sitting for long periods and eases when you move
- Flare-ups after lifting, bending or a long drive
- Stiffness, especially in the morning
- Pain that sometimes spreads into the buttocks or thighs
- Back pain that has lasted months despite physical therapy
If this sounds like your situation, a consultation starts with finding out exactly which structure is causing the pain.
Treatment
Degenerative disc treatment at RegenOrthoSport
Primary treatment
Image-guided stem cell therapy (BMAC)
Bone marrow concentrate can be delivered to the painful disc and to the facet joints and ligaments that share its load, placed precisely under fluoroscopic guidance.
Bone marrow is collected from the back of your hip, concentrated in a centrifuge, and placed by Dr. Movva under ultrasound or X-ray guidance so the treatment reaches the structure that is actually injured.
Before surgery or steroids
Why look at regenerative options first?
When physical therapy and medication are not enough, chronic disc pain is often managed with repeated steroid injections or, eventually, a spinal fusion. Injections can help for a time without changing the disc. Fusion removes motion at that level and can move stress to the discs above and below.
Regenerative treatment aims instead to support the disc and the structures around it. Whether it suits you depends on which structures are generating your pain, which is what the consultation is for.
Your plan
What treatment can include
- Fluoroscopy-guided regenerative injection of the painful disc level
- Treatment of the facet joints or ligaments when they are part of the problem
- A review of prior imaging and injections
- A strengthening and mobility program for the back and hips
- Guidance on work posture, sitting and lifting
Every plan begins with a detailed assessment. Dr. Movva will tell you if regenerative treatment is not the right option for your case.
Recovery timeline
What to expect after treatment
All patients go home the same day. Mild soreness at the bone marrow collection site and injection areas is common for several days, as the healing process begins with a natural inflammatory response.
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First few days
Mild soreness or stiffness is typical.
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Weeks 2–6
Gradual improvement in pain, mobility, and daily function.
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Months 2–6
Continued healing as stem cells and growth factors support tissue repair.
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Your rehab plan
Dr. Movva provides a personalized rehabilitation plan to help you achieve the best possible results.
Patient reviews
Patients in their words
I started my journey with Dr. Movva 7 months ago to regenerate L4L5. Still healing, however; extremely pleased with my progress. All of Dr. Movva’s staff are equally as great.
Dr Movva and his staff are wonderful! I was able to have my thumb, elbow, shoulder and back treated in two days and am looking forward to having pain free movement back soon!
Individual results vary. Patient testimonials describe personal experiences and are not a guarantee of outcome for any other patient.
Related
More spine conditions
Am I a candidate for regenerative orthopedic treatment?
Candidates are typically individuals seeking non-surgical options for joint pain, sports injuries, tendon or ligament damage, or degenerative orthopedic conditions. Your physician will determine whether regenerative treatment is appropriate based on your diagnosis, imaging findings, and overall health.
Can regenerative treatments help me avoid surgery?
Many patients seek regenerative orthopedic care because they want to delay or avoid surgery whenever appropriate. While surgery may still be necessary in some cases, our goal is to explore advanced non-surgical options that may help relieve pain, improve function, and support natural healing before considering surgical intervention.
How long before I notice improvement?
Healing is a gradual biological process. Some patients begin noticing improvement within several weeks, while others continue to experience progress over several months as damaged tissues respond to regenerative treatment.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments depends on your diagnosis, severity of injury, treatment goals, and healing response. Some patients achieve their desired outcome after a single procedure, while others may benefit from a staged treatment plan.
Are there risks or side effects?
Most patients experience only mild soreness, swelling, or stiffness for a few days after treatment. As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks, which your physician will discuss during your consultation along with the expected benefits based on your condition.
Consultation request
Get your back evaluated
Tell us where it hurts and how it is holding you back. Our team will contact you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Movva at our Dallas office.
- Consultation with Dr. Movva
- Review of your history and imaging
- An honest answer on candidacy
Prefer to talk? Call (817) 442-9292 or text (817) 441-0457.
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