Estepona, 29 February 2024. According to the statistics, chronic back pain is one of the medical conditions affecting the largest number of people throughout the world. The figures leave no room for doubt: between 60% and 85% of the population have experienced or will experience lower back pain at some time in their lives.
The majority of these patients suffer from so-called degenerative disc disease, in which the disc between the vertebrae starts to wear down and become thinner, increasing pressure on the vertebral facet joints - in other words the back.
“This chronic pain can reduce the quality of life for sufferers to such a degree that it makes it difficult (and sometimes impossible) to perform daily activities. Furthermore, the progression of the disc pathology may lead to complications such as herniated discs and pinched nerves which can further aggravate the condition”, explained Dr. Javier Guerrero, orthopaedic surgeon and traumatologist.
To combat this situation, the Hospiten Estepona spinal unit is now applying innovative new treatment methods, using PRGF and PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma).
A revolutionary solution for a very common problem
Dr. Guerrero went on to clarify how “PRGF and PRP treatments belong to the field of personalised regenerative medicine. Using blood extracted from individual patient, we obtain a medicine based on the therapeutic properties of the growth factors already present in that same blood”.
This is how the treatment works:
1.- A blood sample is extracted from the patient.
2.- The sample is then processed to concentrate the platelets and growth factors it contains.ç
3.- The processed and concentrated solution is injected into the affected intervertebral discs helping them to regenerate. This is an outpatient procedure, with the patient sedated but with no general anaesthetic required.
4.- Following the treatment, approximately 24 hours rest is recommended, with no further recovery necessary.
After this rest period, the patient will be ready to return to their normal routine.
Always focused on the patient
In general, we recommend three platelet-rich plasma sessions to achieve optimum results. This therapy aims to stimulate the regeneration of the affected intervertebral disc and alleviate related pain, improving the quality of life for patients without the need to resort to surgery.
With encouraging results and fewer side effects compared with other treatments, PRP is a highly promising therapeutic option, safe and effective.
Constantly striving towards innovation as part of its mission to ensure excellence in treatments and procedures, Hospiten Estepona continues to look out for the wellbeing of its patients and improving their quality of life.
About the Hospiten Group
The Hospiten Group is an international healthcare network committed to providing the highest quality service, with over 50 years’ experience and 20 private hospitals based in Spain, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Jamaica and Panama, as well as more than 100 outpatient clinics, under the Clinic Assist brand. Originally founded by Dr. Pedro Luis Cobiella, it now attends over two million patients every year with a staff of more than 5,000 people.