Are there any risks or side effects of PRP therapy?

PRP therapy has an excellent safety profile. Since the treatment uses the patient’s own blood, there is virtually no risk of allergic reaction or rejection. Mild soreness at the injection site is the most commonly reported side effect.

Synapse Spine

PRP Therapy for Back Pain: Is it the “Biologic Revolution” of Spine Care?

What if the “cure” for your chronic back pain was already circulating in your veins? In the past, we only had two options for worn-out spinal discs: mask the pain with steroids or cut the disc out with surgery. Today, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy is changing the narrative.

What is PRP? (The Science of Self-Healing)

PRP is a concentrated dose of your own platelets. These platelets are your body’s “first responders.” When you get a cut, they rush to the scene to stop the bleeding and regrow skin. In the spine, we use this same power to repair micro-tears in your discs and reduce chronic inflammation in the facet joints.

Why It’s the Future

No “Foreign” Chemicals: Unlike steroid injections, which can weaken bone and tissue over time, PRP uses your own biology. There is zero risk of an allergic reaction.
Tissue Regeneration: Steroids only “mute” the pain signal. PRP actually works to repair the damaged environment.
The “Gap” Filler: It fills the gap between “Physio isn’t working” and “I’m not ready for surgery.”

Is it right for you?

At Synapse Spine, we use PRP for patients with Degenerative Disc Disease or Chronic Facet Joint Pain. It’s not a “magic wand”—it takes 4-6 weeks for the growth factors to do their work—but for the right patient, it offers a path to recovery without a single stitch.

FAQ’s

1. What is the success rate of PRP for chronic back pain?

Clinical studies show that PRP therapy has a success rate of approximately 70% to 80% for patients with mild to moderate degenerative disc disease.

2. Is PRP better than a cortisone (steroid) shot?

While cortisone is excellent for immediate, short-term pain relief (within 24–48 hours), it can actually weaken tendons and ligaments over time.

3. Does the PRP injection into the spine hurt?

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so the injection itself is relatively comfortable.

4. How many sessions of PRP will I need for my back?

Most patients see significant improvement after a single session. However, depending on the severity of the disc degeneration or joint wear, a second “booster” injection may be recommended 3 to 6 months later.

5. Are there any risks or side effects?

One of the greatest benefits of PRP is its safety profile. Since the treatment uses your own blood, there is zero risk of allergic reaction or “rejection.”