Back pain is one of the most common and debilitating conditions people face, impacting their mobility, productivity and overall quality of life. But thanks to innovative advancements in regenerative medicine, patients dealing with stubborn back pain now have new hope.

We spoke with Dr. Michelle Barlow, a pain medicine specialist at the CU Medicine Regenerative Medicine, Hand and Spine Center - Steadman Hawkins Clinic Denver, about how cutting-edge therapies like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are transforming back pain treatment.

Identifying the root cause of back pain

Back pain can stem from a variety of underlying issues, from disc injuries and muscle strains to pinched nerves and spinal degeneration. That's why getting an accurate diagnosis is so crucial, said Barlow.

 "When someone comes in to evaluate their back pain, I take a comprehensive approach," Dr. Barlow explained. "If I understand the person's goals, whether it be hiking again, caring for children or grandchildren or sleeping better, I can help create a treatment plan tailored to their life. There is usually more than one reason a person has pain, and there are usually several ways to improve it."

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) 

While traditional therapies like steroid injections can be effective for many patients, Dr. Barlow has seen promising results using innovative regenerative medicine techniques to treat back pain. 

"One treatment we've had a lot of success with is platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections," Dr. Barlow explained. "PRP harnesses the body's own healing properties to stimulate tissue repair and reduce inflammation around the spine." 

The process involves drawing a small sample of the patient's blood, which is then spun in a centrifuge to extract the concentrated platelets. These platelet-rich plasma cells are then precisely injected into the affected area.

Unlike oral medications or invasive surgeries, PRP is a minimally invasive treatment that capitalizes on the body's natural healing mechanisms. Dr. Barlow noted that it's a particularly useful option for patients seeking to avoid the risks and recovery time associated with more traditional interventions. 

Integrative care at CU Medicine Regenerative Medicine, Hand and Spine Center 

For patients dealing with the effects of debilitating back pain, Dr. Barlow emphasizes the importance of taking an integrative, multidisciplinary approach to treatment and rehabilitation.

Integrative care for back pain includes:

• Physical therapy
• Medications

Surgical and non-surgical procedures

 “What I love about treating patients at CU Medicine Regenerative Medicine, Hand and Spine Center is that we have a great multidisciplinary team that includes wonderful physical therapists,” explains Dr. Barlow. “As a team, were able to create a plan for patients to help them get back to activities like work and the outdoor Colorado lifestyle a lot of us enjoy.”

At CU Medicine Regenerative Medicine, Hand and Spine Center, board-certified specialists use the most advanced medical technology and minimally invasive procedures to help patients find relief from chronic joint and nerve pain and address their orthopedic injuries and ailments. The state-of-the-art facility includes modern exam rooms, procedure areas and an onsite lab, ensuring patients can access the region's top providers and medical services in one convenient location. The multidisciplinary CU Medicine team takes a comprehensive, personalized approach to care to help patients get back to doing the things they love.

Click here to schedule an appointment at CU Medicine Regenerative Medicine, Hand and Spine Center.