Addressing Torn Disc Without Surgery On 13th Street, Newark
Are You a Regenexx Candidate?This location is for evaluation appointments only.
The spine relies on discs to act as cushions between the vertebrae in the neck and back. These structures absorb shock and allow the spine to move freely. Each disc consists of a tough outer shell, called the annulus fibrosus, protecting a soft, gel-like center known as the nucleus pulposus. Whether due to aging, daily wear and tear, or a specific injury, the outer shell can develop a crack or tear. This is known as an annular tear. While not everyone feels pain from these tears, they can be a significant source of discomfort, particularly for active individuals under the age of 50.
These injuries, often called annular tears, are frequently missed or lumped into a general diagnosis of “degenerative disc disease.” To confirm if a tear is the actual cause of the issue, physicians may sometimes utilize a discogram. This diagnostic test pressurizes the disc to see if it reproduces the specific discomfort the individual is feeling.
The Limitations Of Conventional Disc Care
For many, a torn disc may improve with simple rest and time. However, once torn, that area of the spine may remain susceptible to future issues or accelerated degeneration.
When symptoms remain, standard medical advice often turns to high-dose epidural steroid injections. While these may mask the pain temporarily, they come with potential side effects and, in some cases, may actually hinder the body’s natural healing mechanisms. If injections fail, the next step in conventional care is often spinal fusion surgery. This major operation involves permanently locking two vertebrae together. While this stops movement at that level, research suggests it may place excessive stress on the spinal segments above and below the fusion, potentially leading to new problems later.
At Pain Doctors Medical on 13th Street, Newark, NJ, physicians in the licensed Regenexx network provide a different approach. Instead of masking symptoms with steroids or altering the spine’s mechanics with fusion, they offer procedures using Regenexx injectates. These procedures rely on advanced image guidance to deliver customized concentrations of the patient’s own healing agents directly to the damaged areas of the disc. The goal is to help reduce symptoms and support improved function while keeping the spine’s natural structure intact.
495 North 13th Street
Newark, NJ 07107
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Call to Schedule Schedule OnlineClinic Hours
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | 9AM–5PM |
| Tuesday | 9AM–5PM |
| Wednesday | 9AM–5PM |
| Thursday | 9AM–5PM |
| Friday | 9AM–5PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
How Interventional Orthopedics Supports Disc Health
Physicians at this Newark location focus on non-surgical interventions that utilize the body’s own repair mechanisms. These outpatient procedures involve processing the patient’s biological material to create potent injectates.
Depending on the specific severity and nature of the tear, the physician may recommend:
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): A concentration of platelets derived from the patient’s blood.
- Bone Marrow Concentrate (BMC): An injectate containing stem cells derived from the patient’s bone marrow.
The primary objective is to select the least invasive option that is most likely to help improve quality of life. Compared to surgical interventions, these procedures generally involve less downtime and recovery time.
Watch a real Regenexx spinal procedure performed by a certified Regenexx physician:
Our goal is to use the least invasive, least expensive procedure to get the desired results. Your Regenexx physician will work with you to determine whether that would be a platelet procedure or a BMC procedure.
What To Expect During Thorough Evaluation
Navigating back issues can be confusing. Physicians in the licensed Regenexx network prioritize education, helping individuals understand their condition and their options.
The process begins with a comprehensive evaluation at Pain Doctors Medical on 13th Street. This goes beyond a simple MRI review. The physician typically performs a SANS evaluation, which assesses Stability, Articulation, Neuromuscular function, and Symmetry. This thorough exam helps pinpoint whether the disc tear is the primary source of the problem or if other factors are contributing to the discomfort.
Based on this thorough assessment, the physician will determine if the Regenexx approach is suitable and develop a customized plan for the individual’s specific needs and goals.
Free Webinar: Understanding Your Non-Surgical Options
For those interested in a deeper dive, Chris Centeno, MD, the founder of Regenexx, hosts a free webinar. This session explores how procedures using Regenexx injectates may help manage back discomfort without surgery.
Webinar topics include:
- How procedures using bone marrow concentrate (BMC) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) compare to surgical and other options.
- What the procedure and recovery process typically looks like.
- Answers to frequently asked questions about interventional orthobiologics.
Get started to see if you are a Regenexx candidate
To talk one-on-one with one of our team members about how the Regenexx approach may be able to help your orthopedic pain or injury, please complete the form below and we will be in touch with you within the next business day.
