Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP Treatment)

Platelets are one of the components of blood, along with red and white blood cells and plasma. Platelet-rich plasma injection, or PRP injection, is a treatment based on harnessing the body’s natural healing potential. In addition to their role in coagulation, blood platelets release growth factors that promote wound healing.

One of the attractions of PRP treatment is that it is generally better tolerated than cortisone, with fewer side effects or potential risks.

30 to 120 ml of your blood is drawn, then centrifuged to concentrate the platelets and obtain 3 to 4 ml of platelet-rich plasma. The result is a liquid containing 8 times the normal concentration of platelets. This mixture is then injected into your facet joints.

Stay well hydrated and eat a low-fat diet for 24 hours before the procedure.

Patients should avoid anti-inflammatory or anti-platelet drugs for 2-6 weeks prior to the procedure.

Although it’s not mandatory, it may be safer to have someone accompany you back home after the procedure.

You may notice an increase in pain in the days following the injection. It’s also possible to have an allergic reaction to the iodinated contrast material (for spinal procedures only). Finally, a vasovagal episode may follow the procedure.

You need to be patient, as improvement is very gradual over the long term. You can observe the maximum effect within 3 to 6 months.

However, the literature shows that PRP is superior to cortisone at 6 months and 12 months after treatment (for facet injections).