Chronic low back pain can be difficult to manage when a damaged spinal disc continues to contribute to pain, stiffness, or limitations in daily activity. Dr. Rathna Nuti at DFW Sports Medicine offers DISCSEEL® for appropriately selected patients in McKinney and Frisco, Texas.
DISCSEEL® is a minimally invasive, injection-based procedure intended to address certain damaged or leaking spinal discs without removing disc tissue or surgically fusing the spine. Dr. Nuti evaluates each patient individually to determine whether disc-related pain may be contributing to their symptoms and whether DISCSEEL® may be an appropriate treatment option.
How Does DISCSEEL® Target Disc-Related Back Pain?
Each spinal disc has a strong outer layer called the annulus fibrosus. Small tears in this outer layer may allow substances from inside the disc to irritate nearby spinal structures and contribute to inflammation and pain.
DISCSEEL® uses a biologic fibrin sealant that is carefully placed into an affected disc under imaging guidance. The sealant is intended to help close annular tears and reduce irritation associated with disc leakage.
The procedure may involve:
- Imaging guidance for accurate needle placement
- Evaluation of potentially symptomatic spinal discs
- Placement of fibrin sealant into qualifying discs
- Treatment of more than one disc during the same procedure when appropriate
- A minimally invasive approach without large surgical incisions
DISCSEEL® is not appropriate for every type of back pain. A consultation, physical examination, medical history, imaging review, and appropriate diagnostic evaluation are needed to identify the likely source of a patient’s symptoms.
Can DISCSEEL® Permanently Eliminate Chronic Back Pain?
DISCSEEL® may provide meaningful and lasting improvement for some appropriately selected patients, but it cannot guarantee permanent pain relief. Chronic low back pain can arise from several structures, including spinal discs, joints, nerves, muscles, ligaments, and the sacroiliac joints.
DISCSEEL® is specifically intended for cases in which one or more damaged spinal discs are believed to be an important source of pain. Results can vary according to factors such as:
- The location and extent of disc damage
- The number of affected discs
- The presence of nerve irritation
- Other spinal conditions contributing to pain
- Overall health and healing capacity
- Adherence to post-procedure activity recommendations
Improvement is not necessarily immediate. Some patients may begin to notice changes within several weeks, while improvement for others may occur gradually over several months.
How Many DISCSEEL® Treatments Are Usually Needed?
DISCSEEL® is generally performed as a single procedure rather than as a routine series of injections. During that procedure, more than one qualifying disc may be addressed when clinically appropriate.
The treatment plan depends on:
- The patient’s symptoms and pain pattern
- Physical examination findings
- Review of available imaging
- The number and location of suspected symptomatic discs
- Previous treatments and responses
- Functional limitations and recovery goals
The length of the procedure varies depending on the number of discs evaluated and treated. Dr. Nuti will explain the anticipated procedure and individualized treatment plan during the consultation.
What Does Recovery After DISCSEEL® Involve?
Because DISCSEEL® is minimally invasive and does not require a large incision, recovery is generally different from recovery following open spine surgery. Most patients return home the same day after completing the appropriate observation period.
Recovery may include:
- Temporary soreness or discomfort near the treatment area
- Short-term activity restrictions
- A gradual return to activity according to medical guidance
- Follow-up visits to monitor symptoms and function
- Improvement that may continue over several weeks or months
Patients should carefully follow all post-procedure instructions. Returning to strenuous activity too quickly may interfere with recovery. Specific restrictions and rehabilitation recommendations are individualized according to the discs treated, the patient’s overall condition, and the clinical response.
Schedule a DISCSEEL® Consultation With Dr. Nuti
If chronic low back pain has continued despite conservative treatment, an evaluation can help determine whether a damaged spinal disc may be contributing to your symptoms. Dr. Nuti provides individualized DISCSEEL® evaluations and minimally invasive spine treatment planning for patients in McKinney, Frisco, and surrounding North Texas communities.
Schedule a consultation with DFW Sports Medicine to learn whether DISCSEEL® may be appropriate for your condition. All treatment recommendations depend on an examination, diagnosis, imaging review, medical history, and individual treatment goals.