The impact of platelet-rich plasma in the short-term management of chronic discogenic pain: A randomized controlled trial

Objective: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), derived from the patient’s own blood and containing a high density of bioactive compounds, is an emerging therapeutic option for the management of spine-related disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the short-term efficacy of PRP therapy in managing chronic discogenic low back pain compared with conventional treatment. Methods: In the present randomized controlled trial, 32 participants were enrolled from the Neurosurgery Ward at Shahid Bahonar Hospital in Kerman; all patients had a diagnosis of chronic discogenic low back pain. The subjects were randomly assigned to a PRP treatment group (n = 15) and a control group (n = 17). PRP was prepared using a standardized protocol and injected into the affected disc under fluoroscopic guidance. Control group participants underwent conventional treatment, specifically physical therapy and analgesics. Pain intensity (VAS), functional disability (ODI), analgesic use, and adverse events were monitored at baseline and at 1, 4, and 12 weeks, and at 6 months post-treatment. Results: The PRP and control groups had mean ages of 47.5 ( ± 9.2) and 49.8 ( ± 8.8) years, respectively (P = 0.487). The PRP intervention resulted in significantly improved VAS scores as early as 1 week post-treatment, with improvements persisting at weeks 4 and 12 and at month 6 (P < 0.05). The PRP group showed greater reductions in ODI scores at both the 12-week and 6-month follow-ups (P < 0.05). Conclusion: PRP therapy significantly alleviates pain and improves function in patients with low back pain. This makes it a promising alternative to conventional treatment approaches.