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The Regenexx Approach For Disc Tears in Newark, New Jersey

73-75 Ferry Street Newark, NJ 07105

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The discs of the spine function as cushions between the vertebrae in the neck and back, helping absorb pressure and support normal movement. Each disc consists of a firm outer layer, the annulus fibrosus, surrounding a softer, gel-like core called the nucleus pulposus.

The annulus may develop small tears due to repetitive stress, age-related changes, or injury. Some annular tears do not produce symptoms, while others may cause discomfort, particularly in individuals under 50.

Annular tears may at times be included within broader diagnostic categories such as degenerative disc disease (DDD). A discogram is one method used to evaluate whether a specific disc may be contributing to discomfort. During this procedure, controlled pressure is applied to the disc to assess whether symptoms are reproduced.

Common Treatment Approaches for Disc Tears

When disc tear symptoms persist, physicians may recommend high-dose epidural steroid injections. These injections may provide temporary relief but can also carry the risk of side effects and may interfere with the body’s natural healing processes. If steroid injections are not effective, spinal fusion surgery is sometimes suggested. This procedure permanently joins two vertebrae to stabilize the spine but has been associated with limited long-term benefits and potential complications, including adjacent segment disease (ASD), which may place added stress on nearby spinal levels.

Physicians in the licensed Regenexx network provide an alternative. Regenexx injectate protocols are designed to help support the body’s natural healing response without surgery. These image-guided procedures deliver customized concentrations of the individual’s healing agents to the affected area. The goal is to may help reduce symptoms and may help improve function, while preserving spinal structure.

73-75 Ferry Street
Newark, NJ 07105

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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.

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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 Torn Disc

Physicians in the licensed Regenexx network offer a non-surgical option for managing disc tears. These outpatient procedures use Regenexx injectates—customized concentrations of the individual’s biologic materials, delivered precisely to the area of damage in the spine.

Depending on the condition, options may include super-concentrated platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or bone marrow concentrate (BMC).

Compared to surgery, procedures using Regenexx injectates generally involve significantly less downtime.

The goal is to identify the least invasive and most recommended procedure to help improve function and reduce discomfort. The physician at Mountain View Headache and Spine Institute will determine the most appropriate orthobiologic option based on the individual’s needs.

Is the Regenexx Approach a Fit for Your Disc Tear?

Physicians in the licensed Regenexx network focus on providing the information needed to help patients make informed decisions about managing disc-related conditions.

At the initial visit, a physician will conduct a thorough evaluation to help identify the source of discomfort. This assessment may include:

  • A full range of motion assessment.
  • The SANS evaluation, which examines stability, articulation, neuromuscular function, and symmetry
  • Advanced ultrasound imaging when appropriate.

Following the evaluation, the physician will determine whether the Regenexx approach may be suitable and will outline a customized management plan based on the condition and goals. This care is available through physicians in the licensed Regenexx network at Pain Doctors Medical, located at 73-75 Ferry Street, Newark, NJ.

Webinar: Exploring Non-Surgical Options for Back Pain

Join Chris Centeno, MD, founder of Regenexx, for a free webinar discussing how procedures using Regenexx injectates may help manage back discomfort without surgery and may help support a faster return to activity.

In this webinar, individuals will learn:

  • How Regenexx procedures using bone marrow concentrate (BMC) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) compare to surgical and other option
  • What to expect before, during, and after the procedure
  • Answers to common questions about Regenexx procedures and interventional orthobiologics

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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.

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