Disc Tear Management Without Surgery In Ospina Medical – New York, NY
Spinal discs serve as cushions between the vertebrae in the neck and back, helping to absorb impact during movement. Each disc consists of a tough outer layer called the annulus fibrosus and a softer, gel-like center known as the nucleus pulposus. The annulus may develop small tears due to age-related degeneration or trauma, which can lead to varying degrees of pain depending on the tear’s location. Although some individuals experience no symptoms, annular tears are more likely to produce discomfort in people under the age of 50.
Annular tears are sometimes overlooked as a potential source of back pain and may be misclassified as part of degenerative disc disease (DDD). A discogram is typically used to help determine whether a tear is contributing to back pain. During this diagnostic procedure, controlled pressure is applied to the disc to assess whether it reproduces the individual’s typical symptoms.
How Are Disc Tears Commonly Treated?
In some cases, with adequate time and activity modification, torn spinal discs may improve without surgical intervention. However, the affected area may remain vulnerable to future injury and may contribute to the progression of degenerative disc disease (DDD).
When symptoms persist, physicians often recommend high-dose epidural steroid injections to help manage pain. While these injections may provide temporary relief, they are also associated with potential adverse effects and may influence the body’s natural tissue response over time.
If symptom relief is not achieved, spinal fusion is commonly presented as the next step. This procedure involves permanently joining two vertebrae using surgical hardware. Published studies have shown that fusion outcomes may not consistently outperform placebo (sham) procedures, and complications have been reported in approximately 25% of patients. These may include the development of adjacent segment disease (ASD), a condition in which nearby spinal segments experience additional stress following the fusion.
That’s why physicians at Ospina Medical use the Regenexx approach, a non-surgical alternative.
635 Madison Ave
Suite 1301
New York, NY 10022
Request an Appointment
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 |
Treating Disc Tears Without Surgery
During Regenexx’s outpatient procedures, custom concentrations of your body’s natural healing agents are injected into the exact areas of damage in the spine. Treatments use only your own blood to make super-concentrated platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or your own bone marrow concentrate (BMC), which contains stem cells.
Best of all, your downtime will be a fraction of what it is with surgery and generally requires little to no opioid pain medications or time off of work.
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.
Is the Regenexx Approach Right for Your Disc Tear?
Physicians from Ospina Medical are committed to providing the information you need to make an informed decision about your treatment options.
During your initial appointment, a physician will conduct a thorough evaluation to help identify the source of your discomfort. This includes a full range of motion assessment, the SANS evaluation (stability, articulation, neuromuscular function, and symmetry), and advanced ultrasound imaging when appropriate. After the evaluation, the physician will determine whether the Regenexx approach may be suitable and will outline a customized treatment plan based on your specific condition and needs.
Am I a candidate?Webinar: Treating Back Pain Without Surgery
Join Chris Centeno, MD, founder of Regenexx, to learn how Regenexx procedures can help treat your back pain without surgery and 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 treatment options
- Procedure expectations
- Answers to the most common questions about regenerative medicine treatments
