PRP for Radiculopathy: A Non-Surgical Option for a Pinched Nerve
Radiculopathy—often called a pinched nerve—can cause sharp, burning, or radiating pain that travels from the spine into the arms or legs. According to health experts, up to 10% of those with general low back pain will develop radiculopathy, which can cause limited mobility, interrupted sleep, and impaired quality of life.
Fortunately, surgery isn’t the only form of treatment. For those seeking holistic alternatives, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is emerging as a promising solution. By using a patient’s own platelets, PRP can help reduce inflammation and promote healing of irritated or compressed nerves, such as those causing radiculopathy.
What is Radiculopathy?
Radiculopathy is a condition that occurs when a spinal nerve becomes compressed or irritated as it exits the spine. This nerve compression can lead to pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that radiates along the nerve’s pathway.
The most commonly affected regions are:
- Cervical spine (neck): symptoms often radiate into the shoulders, arms, or hands.
- Lumbar spine (lower back): symptoms may travel down into the buttocks, legs, or feet.
Radiculopathy is commonly caused by several factors, including herniated or bulging discs, degenerative disc disease, and bone spurs resulting from osteoarthritis. Additionally, spinal stenosis, which refers to the narrowing of the spinal canal, can contribute to this condition. Injuries or repetitive strain on the spine also play a significant role in developing radiculopathy.
Some common symptoms of radiculopathy to watch for include:
- Sharp, burning, or shooting pain in the arm or leg
- Numbness or tingling in the arms, hands, fingers, legs, feet, or toes
- Muscle weakness in the affected limb
- Pain that worsens with certain movements, prolonged sitting or standing, and coughing or sneezing
How PRP for Radiculopathy Works
PRP therapy is a regenerative treatment that uses a concentration of platelets derived from a patient’s own blood to promote healing in injured or inflamed tissues. These platelets contain growth factors that stimulate tissue repair and reduce inflammation.
For patients with radiculopathy—nerve pain stemming from irritation or compression of a spinal nerve—PRP can be injected into the affected area using imaging guidance. When delivered near the inflamed nerve root, PRP may help calm nerve irritation, support the body’s natural healing response, and restore healthier function without surgery.
Benefits of PRP for Radiculopathy
PRP therapy offers several unique advantages for individuals managing radiculopathy. By leveraging the body’s natural healing mechanisms, this treatment provides a targeted, non-surgical option that addresses the root cause of nerve pain without relying on steroids or long-term medications.
Key benefits of PRP for radiculopathy:
- Minimally invasive and non-surgical approach
- Helps reduce nerve inflammation and relieve pressure at the source
- May delay or eliminate the need for spinal surgery
- Involves minimal recovery time with a low risk of side effects
- Utilizes the body’s own biological healing response—no steroids or systemic medications
Who Is a Candidate for PRP?
As with any medical procedure, not every patient is an ideal candidate for PRP. In general, appropriate candidates are individuals with radiculopathy who continue to experience pain or functional limitations despite conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or steroid injections.
What to Expect During and After PRP Treatment
PRP therapy for radiculopathy is performed as an outpatient procedure using image guidance—such as fluoroscopy—to ensure precise placement of the injection. The process typically takes less than an hour, and patients return home the same day.
Mild soreness at the injection site is common following the procedure, but downtime is typically minimal. After a PRP injection, most patients can resume normal light activities within a few days, though strenuous activity should be avoided initially.
Continued improvement in pain relief and comfort occurs gradually over several weeks as the body responds to the regenerative effects of the platelets. Depending on the severity of the condition and response to the first injection, additional treatments may be recommended to achieve lasting pain relief.
Get Minimally-Invasive Relief for a Pinched Nerve Today
If you’re dealing with persistent nerve pain from radiculopathy and conservative treatments haven’t provided lasting relief, PRP therapy may offer a safe, minimally invasive path forward. This approach addresses the root cause of nerve irritation while also supporting long-term healing, without surgery or medications.
At Desert Spine and Sports Physicians, our fellowship-trained spine specialists deliver expert, evidence-based care tailored to each patient’s unique needs. With convenient locations across Arizona and a commitment to non-surgical pain solutions, we’re here to help you take the next step toward recovery.
Schedule a consultation today to see if PRP is the right option for your radiculopathy.