Bio-regenerative therapies represent one of the major recent revolutions in the treatment of back pain and degenerative spinal conditions. Rather than acting only on symptoms, these techniques stimulate the body’s own natural repair mechanisms to improve the condition of the intervertebral disc, the facet joints, and the surrounding soft tissue.
At the Mediterranean Spine Institute (ICEM), located inside Hospital La Salud Valencia, Dr. Antonio Vilatela integrates these therapies into personalised treatment plans, especially for patients with chronic pain who are not yet surgical candidates or who prefer to exhaust conservative alternatives first.
What are bio-regenerative spine therapies?
They are injection-based treatments that use biological elements derived from the patient — or molecules with a regenerative effect — to induce a local repair response in the injured tissue. Their goal is not only to relieve pain but also to modify the natural course of the degenerative process, restoring some of the disc, facet cartilage, or perineural tissue’s self-repair capacity.
Unlike classic corticosteroid injections (which only temporarily reduce inflammation), bio-regenerative therapies act at the cellular and biochemical level, and their effects can last for months or years.
Techniques we offer at ICEM
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
The most studied regenerative technique applied to the spine. Blood is drawn from the patient, centrifuged to concentrate the platelets (which contain growth factors), and injected under ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance into the affected area (intervertebral disc, facet joint, ligaments, nerve root). Indicated for degenerative disc disease, facet syndrome, chronic mechanical lumbar pain, and associated tendinopathy.
Concentrated growth factors (CGF / PRGF)
Advanced PRP variant in which growth factor concentrates (CGF) or plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) are obtained through specific protocols. Higher concentration of signalling molecules and, according to available evidence, better regenerative response in some patient profiles.
Mesenchymal stem cell therapy
A more recent technique: mesenchymal stem cells are obtained (from the patient’s own adipose tissue or bone marrow) and injected into the disc or injured tissue. Indicated for selected degenerative disc disease in younger patients, where preliminary evidence shows symptomatic improvement and, in some cases, radiological signs of disc recovery.
Spinal ozone therapy
Image-guided injection of a controlled oxygen-ozone mixture into the disc, foramen, or paravertebral region. Provides anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and local immunomodulatory effects. Particularly indicated for contained disc herniation and subacute or chronic radicular pain.
When are bio-regenerative therapies indicated?
- Lumbar or cervical degenerative disc disease with chronic pain unresponsive to classic conservative treatment.
- Facet joint syndrome with recurrent mechanical pain.
- Symptomatic contained disc herniation without neurological deficit.
- Non-specific chronic low back pain in patients who want to avoid surgery.
- Pre-operative patients: when surgery is indicated but the patient wants to first exhaust conservative options.
- Post-operative: to accelerate and complete recovery after spine surgery.
- Associated tendon and soft-tissue conditions (myofascial syndrome, sacroiliac pain, etc.).
Advantages over classic treatments
- Low risk: using elements from the patient, there is no rejection risk or significant systemic effects.
- Outpatient procedure: performed in the consultation, in 30–60 minutes, with no hospitalisation in most cases.
- No incisions or general anaesthesia: only local anaesthesia at the injection point.
- Long-lasting effect: regenerative effects can last 12–24 months or more.
- Compatible with each other and with other treatments: can be combined with physiotherapy, epidural injections, and other options.
- May avoid or postpone surgery in a significant proportion of patients.
- Repeatable: if effective once, can be repeated periodically without cumulative damage.
How does the procedure work?
- Initial assessment: clinical review and imaging studies to confirm indication.
- Procedure day: blood draw (for PRP/PRGF/CGF) → centrifugation → preparation of the concentrate → ultrasound or fluoroscopy-guided injection.
- Total duration: 30–60 minutes.
- Anaesthesia: local only at the injection point.
- After the injection: the patient walks home. 24–48h of light activity is recommended.
- Follow-up: review at 4–6 weeks and at 3 months to evaluate response.
- Standard regimen: 1–3 sessions separated by 4–6 weeks depending on the pathology and patient response.
Expected outcomes
- Significant pain improvement: 60–80% of patients at 3 months.
- Reduced analgesic use: in the majority of responders.
- Surgery postponement or avoidance: possible in a significant proportion of non-urgent surgical candidates.
- Effect duration: 12–24 months in responders; some patients maintain improvement beyond.
- Complication rate: very low (<1%); the most frequent are mild and self-limited (24-48h local pain after injection).
Bio-regenerative therapies in Valencia
At ICEM (Mediterranean Spine Institute) we offer the full range of image-guided bio-regenerative therapies (ultrasound and fluoroscopy), integrated into a personalised treatment plan. Regenerative medicine does not replace diagnosis or clinical judgement: it is one more tool, indicated when there is a biological basis for response.
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Frequently asked questions
Does PRP therapy hurt?
The blood draw is like a routine analysis. The injection is performed under local anaesthesia and is well tolerated by most patients. Local discomfort during the following 24–48 hours is common, controllable with mild oral analgesia.
How long until it takes effect?
Unlike corticosteroids (effect in hours), regenerative therapies act progressively. Improvement usually starts to appear from week 3–4 and consolidates between months 2 and 3. The complete standard regimen includes 1–3 sessions separated by 4–6 weeks.
Is it covered by Spanish public healthcare or my insurance?
Bio-regenerative therapies are performed in private consultation. We do not work with Asisa or Adeslas. If your insurance allows reimbursement, we recommend checking with your provider. Private consultation gives you access without waiting lists and with personalised assessment.
This article is informative and does not replace medical judgement. Always consult a specialist for your particular case.