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Disc Tear Management Without Surgery In Nashville, TN

210 23rd Avenue Nashville, TN 37203

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Spinal discs act as shock absorbers between the vertebrae (spinal bones) in your neck and back. They have a tough outer covering called the annulus fibrosus and a softer, gel-like center called the nucleus pulposus.  The annulus can tear from wear and tear or trauma and can cause mild to severe pain, depending on the location. And although many are asymptomatic, they are more likely to be painful if you’re under age 50.

Annular tears can be overlooked as a cause of pain and are often lumped in with degenerative disc disease (DDD). The only reliable way to find out if a tear is causing your back pain is via discogram. During a discogram, pressure is injected into the disc. The doctor uses this pressure to see if the disc is painful.

In many cases, given enough time and rest, torn discs will heal on their own. However, the area will be more prone to repeat injury and degenerative disc disease (DDD). 

If the pain and other symptoms don’t lessen over time, physicians often recommend a high-dose epidural steroid injection that can temporarily help the pain. But this can also lead to severe side effects and reduce your body’s natural ability to heal itself. 

If the steroid injection doesn’t work, the next common orthopedic option is spinal fusion, a procedure in which two vertebrae are screwed together, or fused. Spinal fusions have been shown to be no more effective than placebo surgeries (also known as sham surgeries), while complications occur in 25% of fusion patients and often lead to further issues, including adjacent segment disease (ASD).

That’s why we’ve developed a different approach.

210 23rd Avenue
Nashville, TN 37203

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Doctors

I became a doctor because I wanted to be a part of the noble profession of healing people. I have always believed in the ‘mantra’ of “Do No Harm”. My goal is to treat the patient, not the disease. I have always believed that, while we cannot successfully treat every disease, it is possible to successfully treat every patient. This is, if the goal is to leave the patient physically, or psychologically better, and better informed, after every visit. Whether or not the particular disease was treated at the particular visit. I have learned from my patients as much as I have educated them. I believe a well informed patient does better with treatment. That is why I take the extra time in educating and carrying them along.

I am an interventional physiatrist and rehabilitation specialist. I specialize in the evaluation and treatment of non-surgical spinal and musculoskeletal disorders. I am (ABMS) board certified with the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R) in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and the subspecialty of Pain Medicine.

Since my wife and I settled our young and growing family in Nashville 26 years ago, we have never regretted it. We have raised our kids here and they know, no other home. We reside in Brentwood, Tennessee. I enjoy travelling and Shotokan Karate.

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Dr. Peace, a dedicated and accomplished physician, specializes in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation with a particular focus on Interventional Pain Management. His unwavering commitment to improving patients’ functionality and overall quality of life sets him apart in the field.

He further advanced his expertise through a fellowship in Interventional Pain Management. This specialized training equipped him with the skills and knowledge to employ innovative and minimally invasive techniques for managing pain. As an interventionist, he goes beyond traditional approaches, utilizing cutting-edge methods to address pain at its source.

With a patient-centric approach, Dr. Peace builds strong, empathetic connections with those under his care. He understands the profound impact that pain can have on one’s life and strives to tailor treatment plans that align with each patient’s unique needs. His commitment extends beyond mere symptom management; he aims to empower individuals to regain control over their lives and enjoy a better quality of life.

A proud graduate of Meharry Medical College, Dr. Peace embarked on his medical journey with a passion for making a tangible impact on the lives of those facing physical challenges. During his residency training at UT Health San Antonio, he distinguished himself, earning the role of Chief Resident. This experience honed his leadership skills and provided a solid foundation for his future endeavors.

Outside the medical realm, Dr. Peace cherishes family time, enjoying moments with his two young boys and beloved dog, adding a touch of warmth and balance to his fulfilling life. Notably, he holds a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, showcasing his discipline and dedication beyond the realm of medicine.

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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

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

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.

At Regenexx, we are dedicated to giving you the information you need to make an informed decision about your best treatment option.

During your initial appointment, your Regenexx doctor will use our four-part SANS (stability, articulation, neuromuscular, and symmetry) evaluation to identify the underlying causes of your pain. Your doctor will examine your injury through a full range of motion and may use ultrasound to observe the inner workings in real time. 

Once the evaluation is completed, your doctor will determine if Regenexx is right for you and will discuss your customized treatment plan based on your specific needs.

Am I a candidate?

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
Watch Webinar
Mature couple looking at tablet with smile on face while watching a webinar

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Please note our procedures are only covered by self-funded health plans at this time.

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What about health insurance or medical benefits? What may be covered or reimbursed depends on the details of your plan. Insurance typically covers evaluations and diagnostic testing (if recommended) but most do not cover Regenexx Procedures. Some Employer specific Regenexx Benefits plans do also cover Regenexx Procedures. Your plan’s representative can help verify your benefits, out-of-pocket costs, and coverage.

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