What is lumbar epidural PRP?
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is prepared from a sample of your own blood. Lumbar epidural PRP places the prepared product in the epidural space near irritated spinal nerves. This is different from injecting PRP into a disc or facet joint.
Evaluation and treatment planning
A consultation reviews your symptoms, examination, imaging and response to previous care. The aim is to determine whether your symptoms are related to nerve irritation and whether this approach is appropriate to discuss.
What does the evidence show?
Clinical trials have studied epidural PRP for lumbar disc-related nerve pain. Findings are promising, but study methods and PRP preparations vary. The best preparation, long-term safety and expected benefit are not fully established. Improvement and tissue regeneration cannot be guaranteed.
What to expect and consider
Treatment involves a blood draw, PRP preparation and an image-guided injection. Risks include a pain flare, bleeding, infection, spinal-fluid leak and nerve injury. Discuss alternatives, evidence limits, costs and follow-up before deciding. The care team provides individualized preparation and recovery instructions.