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PRP for Low Back Arthritis: More Effective Than Steroids

Samuel G Oltman, ND, RMSK


A recent scientific review highlights the long-term benefits of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) for treating low back arthritis. PRP promotes the body’s natural healing response, offering sustained relief compared to traditional steroid injections (1). Low back pain can arise from various causes, often involving multiple contributing factors. One of the most common culprits is arthritis in the facet joints, which accounts for over half of low back pain cases, according to some estimates (2).


What Are Facet Joints and How Does Arthritis Affect Them?

Facet joints are small joints located at the back of the spine. Along with the intervertebral discs, they provide stability and enable movement between the vertebrae. When these joints degenerate due to arthritis, it can result in pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility. Facet arthritis is widespread but doesn’t always cause symptoms. However, when it does, PRP injections have proven to be an effective treatment option.

Facet joint arthritis PRP

Traditional Treatments for Facet Arthritis: Limitations of Steroid Injections

In conventional practice, facet joint pain is often diagnosed by injecting an anesthetic into a single joint to see if it alleviates the pain. If relief is found, a steroid (cortisone) injection is typically administered. However, this approach has limitations:

  • Single Joint Focus: This method assumes that pain is coming from just one joint, but in reality, multiple joints and structures are usually involved.

  • Steroid Limitations: While steroids may provide short-term pain relief, they don’t address the underlying issue of arthritis, only masking symptoms temporarily.

    • This is the pattern we see in every degenerative condition and is covered extensively here.


Why PRP Is Superior to Steroids for Low Back Arthritis

Recent studies show that PRP injections outperform steroid injections in treating facet joint arthritis (1,3,4). PRP offers fewer side effects and higher patient satisfaction, especially over time. Here's why:

  • Short-Term vs. Long-Term Relief: Steroid injections may relieve symptoms in the first month, but PRP is more effective at 3, 6, and 12 months, providing longer-lasting relief.

  • Silencing the Smoke Alarm vs. Putting Out The Fire: Steroids merely mask symptoms—like taking the batteries out of a smoke alarm while the fire rages on. PRP, on the other hand, promotes healing by stimulating the body's natural repair mechanisms. It addresses the root cause, resulting in lasting relief—like putting out the fire.


Comprehensive Approach to Treating Low Back Pain at Cascade Regenerative Medicine

At Cascade Regenerative Medicine, we take a holistic approach to treating facet joint arthritis. Rather than focusing on just one “problem spot,” we treat multiple levels of the spine on both sides, targeting supportive ligaments, muscles, and nerves that may also be contributing to pain.

  • Precision with Ultrasound: Facet joints are visible on ultrasound, allowing us to inject PRP with pinpoint accuracy into all the areas involved in the pain.

  • Multifactorial Treatment: Low back pain is rarely caused by a single factor, so we treat it as an integrated system. Our comprehensive treatment approach ensures that every contributing factor is addressed.


Why Choose Cascade Regenerative Medicine for Your Low Back Pain Treatment?

Low back pain is complex, and a thorough evaluation is crucial for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan. At Cascade Regenerative Medicine, we spend time with each patient, conduct in-office imaging, and provide detailed explanations of your condition and treatment options. Our commitment to personalized care and our proven results set us apart.


Get the Relief You Deserve

If you’re ready for long-lasting relief from low back arthritis, schedule a consultation with us today. Experience the difference in care at Cascade Regenerative Medicine and start your journey toward recovery.



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6420 S Macadam Ave, Ste #208

Portland, OR 97239

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