Spine conditions
Herniated & bulging discs
Image-guided, non-surgical treatment for disc-related back and leg pain, aimed at the disc and the irritated nerve rather than at masking the pain.
Understanding the condition
When a disc presses where it should not
Each disc between the vertebrae has a tough outer ring and a softer centre. A bulging disc spreads beyond its normal edge; a herniated disc is one where the softer centre pushes through a tear in the outer ring. Both can press on or inflame a nearby nerve root.
Many disc bulges seen on an MRI cause no symptoms at all, so the first job is to work out whether the disc on the scan is really the source of your pain. When it is, the pain is often felt less in the back than down the leg (sciatica) or, in the neck, down the arm.
Discs in the neck (the cervical spine) can bulge or herniate in the same way. Cervical disc problems and nerve compression can cause neck pain, stiffness and discomfort that radiates into the shoulder and arm. Dr. Movva evaluates and treats chronic neck pain as well as low back pain and sciatica.
Symptoms
What patients describe
- Low back or neck pain that is worse sitting, bending or lifting
- Pain, tingling or numbness running into the buttock and leg, or into the arm
- Pain that flares with coughing or sneezing
- Weakness in the leg or foot, or in the arm or hand
- Stiffness first thing in the morning
- Symptoms that keep returning after physical therapy or steroid injections
If this sounds like your situation, a consultation starts with finding out exactly which structure is causing the pain.
Treatment
Disc treatment at RegenOrthoSport
Primary treatment
Image-guided stem cell therapy (BMAC)
Bone marrow concentrate or other regenerative injections can be placed at the injured disc level under fluoroscopic guidance, with the aim of supporting repair of the disc and the tissues around it.
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?
The usual pathway for a painful disc is rest and physical therapy, then epidural steroid injections, then surgery such as a discectomy or fusion. Steroid can calm an inflamed nerve for a while, but it does not repair the disc. Surgery has a clear role when a nerve is badly compressed or weakness is progressing.
For many patients in between, regenerative and interventional options are worth discussing before surgery. Dr. Movva will also tell you plainly when your symptoms need a surgical opinion.
Your plan
What treatment can include
- Fluoroscopy-guided regenerative injection at the affected disc level
- Interventional pain procedures such as targeted nerve blocks when appropriate
- A review of your MRI alongside your examination findings
- Core and hip strengthening with a physical therapy program
- Changes to sitting, lifting and training while the disc settles
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.
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.
Can regenerative treatments help if I've already been told I need surgery?
Some patients who have been advised to undergo surgery may still benefit from a regenerative orthopedic evaluation. Depending on the condition and its severity, advanced non-surgical treatments may be an option to help improve function or potentially delay surgery. However, surgery remains the best treatment for some conditions, and recommendations are made on an individual basis.
What is recovery like after treatment?
Recovery is typically much shorter than traditional orthopedic surgery. All patients go home the same day and gradually resume normal daily activities based on their physician's recommendations and individualized rehabilitation 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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