Regenexx Logo

The Regenexx Approach for Herniated Discs at Pain Doctors Medical

Targeted Orthobiologic Care from Experienced Physicians in the Licensed Regenexx Network in New Jersey

Image-guided procedures using Regenexx injectates are offered as a non-surgical option for those dealing with the symptoms of a herniated disc. This specialized care is available through Pain Doctors Medical, located at 73-75 Ferry Street, Newark, NJ.

73-75 Ferry Street Newark, NJ 07105

On This Page

The discs in the spine are specialized cushions positioned between the vertebrae. Each disc has a firm outer layer, the annulus fibrosus, which encloses a softer, gel-like material called the nucleus pulposus.

A disc herniation occurs when the outer layer tears, allowing the inner material to push outward. This can irritate spinal nerves, potentially resulting in localized pain or discomfort that radiates into the arms or legs. Disc herniations are sometimes referred to as “slipped discs” or “ruptured discs.”

Anatomy of a normal spinal disc vs. a herniated spinal disc side-by-side.

Physicians in the licensed Regenexx network at Pain Doctors Medical may discuss how interventional orthobiologic approaches compare to typical surgical options. While surgery may be considered if conservative care is unsuccessful, it can potentially compromise the disc and lead to increased strain on nearby spinal structures.

Surgical intervention often involves spinal fusion, a procedure where two vertebrae are permanently joined together with hardware. Steroid injections may temporarily help reduce pain, but they can have undesirable side effects and may reduce the body’s natural capacity for healing.

Regenexx injectate protocols may offer a less invasive alternative. These outpatient procedures utilize the individual’s own platelets or bone marrow concentrate, which are prepared using proprietary Regenexx lab processes. The procedure is guided with imaging to help target affected areas with precision.

In many cases, the signs and symptoms associated with a herniated disc will resolve over time. Research indicates that a significant number of individuals see improvement through rest, modifying their activities, and employing other conservative measures.

For individuals experiencing persistent symptoms—such as ongoing low back discomfort or discomfort radiating into the leg—procedures using Regenexx injectates at Pain Doctors Medical may provide an alternative to surgery. These approaches aim to help reduce inflammation and support the body’s natural healing response.

This minimally invasive approach is typically associated with:

  • Less downtime compared to surgery.
  • Minimal need for prescription pain medications.
  • Fewer disruptions to daily activity

Regenexx PL Injectate: Avoiding the harmful side effects of epidural steroids and back surgery

73-75 Ferry Street
Newark, NJ 07105

Request an Appointment

Call to Schedule Schedule Online

Doctors

Dr. Ilana Etelzon is a highly skilled Pain Management Specialist with extensive experience in Interventional Pain and Musculoskeletal Medicine. Fellowship-trained, she emphasizes regenerative techniques and adopts a non-operative approach to pain management. Dr. Etelzon specializes in addressing a wide range of conditions, including lower back pain, sciatica, pinched nerves, neck pain, and musculoskeletal injuries related to overuse, sports, and arthritis. She employs advanced fluoroscopic and ultrasound-guided methods to ensure precise and effective treatments.

Dr. Etelzon is dedicated to breaking the cycle of pain by developing practical and personalized treatment plans in collaboration with her patients. Her approach begins with alleviating pain, followed by rehabilitation designed to prevent recurrence. The ultimate goal is to create an individualized strategy tailored to each patient’s needs, fostering long-term success and satisfaction.

With expertise in innovative, minimally invasive techniques, Dr. Etelzon focuses on treatments that promote the body’s natural ability to heal and repair. Her methods have been met with high success rates, as evidenced by the positive feedback from her patients.

Dr. Etelzon is an active member of leading professional organizations, including the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians (ASIPP), Spine Intervention Society (SIS), North American Spine Society (NASS), and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPMR). She has contributed to numerous articles on pain management, regenerative medicine, sports medicine, and cardiac rehabilitation. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Etelzon remains involved in research and enjoys teaching and mentoring residents and students.

View Full Profile

Areas treated: Cervical Spine (Not Upper Cervical or CCI)*, Elbow, Foot & Ankle, Hand & Wrist, Hip, Knee, Lumbar Spine, Shoulder, Thoracic Spine

Areas Treated

Cervical Spine (Not Upper Cervical or CCI)*, Elbow, Foot & Ankle, Hand & Wrist, Hip, Knee, Lumbar Spine, Shoulder, Thoracic Spine

*This provider is NOT authorized by Regenexx to treat the C0-C1 or C1-C2 levels of the neck or CCI (craniocervical instability).

Non-Surgical Options for a Herniated Disc

Outpatient procedures using Regenexx proprietary processes involve customized concentrations of the individual’s own healing agents. These agents may include platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or bone marrow concentrate (BMC).

When addressing sensitive structures, such as nerve roots, a Regenexx PL injectate (platelet lysate) may be utilized. This is a filtered form of PRP developed specifically for application near those areas.

These image-guided procedures are performed by physicians in the licensed Regenexx network, aiming to help reduce pain and may help improve function through targeted, less invasive care.

Am I a candidate?

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.

Below are MRI images illustrating the outcome following a procedure using Regenexx PL injectate to address a subligamentous disc herniation. Following the procedure, the patient experienced a quick reduction in discomfort and returned to their normal activities within weeks.

The images are two years apart from the original procedure date. Observe the disc before the procedure by moving the arrow to the right—the white/lighter area may indicate the damaged tissue. Move the arrow to the left to see the disc after the procedure.


Herniated disc before and after MRI images 1


Herniated disc before and after MRI images 2

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.

Join Chris Centeno, MD, founder of Regenexx, to learn how the Regenexx approach may help with a herniated disc without surgery and may lead to a faster recovery.

During this free webinar you’ll learn:

  • How procedures using bone marrow concentrate (BMC) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) compare to surgery and other spine pain options
  • Procedure expectations
  • Answers to the most common questions about regenerative medicine

Watch Webinar

TO TOP