A lumbar herniated disc (HNP), also known as a slipped or ruptured disc, occurs when the soft inner core of a disc in the lower back protrudes through its tough outer layer. This condition can result from injury, age-related degeneration, or excessive strain. It often leads to intense lower back pain, radiating leg pain (sciatica), muscle weakness, numbness, and tingling. Treatment options range from rest, physical therapy, and medication to more invasive interventions like surgery. Proper diagnosis and management are crucial to alleviate symptoms and prevent further complications, making early medical evaluation essential for those experiencing lumbar herniated disc symptoms.
Clinical Trial
Epidural steroid injections have been used as a non-surgical alternative, with triamcinolone being a common choice due to its pain relief effectiveness. However, concerns about severe side effects have emerged. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), derived from blood through centrifugation, has shown promise in various medical fields. A clinical trialevaluated the efficacy of PRP in treating single-level lumbar HNP compared to triamcinolone.Thirty patients received transforaminal epidural injections, with fifteen in each group: the triamcinolone and PRP groups. PRP was prepared using a standardized double-spin protocol. Patients in both groups followed the same postoperative protocols and medications. The primary outcome measure was the Visual Analogue Scale of leg pain (LegVAS), assessed at baseline, 2, 6, 12, and 24 weeks. Secondary endpoints included BackVAS, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), adverse events, and treatment failure.