Spinal PRP Injections
PRP Injections for Spine Pain
Q: What is PRP, and how does it help back pain?
A: PRP is platelet-rich plasma made from your own blood. It is injected into the painful area to support healing and reduce pain. PRP uses your own platelets, which release growth factors and signaling proteins that may help trigger healing, support new tissue repair, improve blood supply, and reduce inflammation over time.
Q: What kinds of back pain can PRP help with?
A: PRP may help with degenerated discs, sacroiliac joint pain, and facet joint pain.
- An intradiscal PRP injection places PRP directly into a damaged or degenerated spinal disc. It may help with disc-related low back pain and mild to moderate disc degeneration. Benefits may include less pain, better function, and improved daily activity.
- A sacroiliac joint PRP injection is a PRP injection into the sacroiliac joint, which connects the spine to the pelvis. It may help reduce SI joint pain and improve movement and daily function.
- A facet joint PRP injection is a PRP injection into the small joints in the back of the spine that can cause back pain and may help with facet-related back pain and stiffness.
Q: How is a PRP spine procedure done?
A: A provider draws a small amount of your blood, processes it in a centrifuge, and injects the PRP into the painful area using image guidance when needed.
Q: How long does the PRP procedure take?
A: The blood draw is quick, taking approximately 5 minutes, and the injection portion of the procedure usually takes between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on the treatment area and number of injection sites, and is performed in the clinic.
Q: How are patients kept comfortable during PRP injections?
A: The skin is cleaned, the area is often numbed with a local anesthetic such as lidocaine, and image guidance is used to place the needle accurately.
Q: Will I be awake during the procedure?
A: Yes, most PRP spine injections are done while you are awake, but the area is numbed to reduce discomfort.
Q: What should I expect during the blood draw?
A: The blood draw feels like a regular lab draw or a small pinch, and only a small amount of blood is usually needed.
Q: Am I a good candidate for PRP injections in my spine?
A: PRP spinal injections may be a good option for people who have ongoing back pain that has not improved enough with treatments like physical therapy, medications, or other injections. They may be considered for people with degenerated discs, sacroiliac joint pain, or facet joint pain, especially when the pain source has been identified clearly. In general, the best candidates are people in good overall health, without an active infection or major bleeding problem, and who have realistic expectations about gradual improvement rather than an instant cure.
Q: Who should not get PRP injections?
A: PRP may not be a good option if you have an active infection, low platelets, abnormal platelet function, severe anemia, or another condition that makes the procedure unsafe.
Q: How is PRP different from a steroid shot?
A: Steroid shots mainly reduce inflammation. PRP uses your own platelets and is meant to support healing.
Q: Is PRP safe for spine injections?
A: PRP is generally considered safe because it uses your own blood, which lowers the risk of allergy or rejection.
Q: What are the most common side effects of PRP?
A: The most common side effects are soreness, swelling, bruising, and short-term pain at the injection site.
Q: What are the serious risks of PRP?
A: Serious complications are rare, but infection, bleeding, nerve irritation, or tissue injury can happen with any injection.
Q: How soon will I feel better after PRP?
A: Some people notice improvement in a few weeks, while others improve more slowly over several months.
Q: How long do PRP results last?
A: Results vary, but relief may last for months and sometimes longer. Some studies have even shown significant lasting pain relief for over 1 year post spinal PRP injections.
Q: How long does recovery take after PRP?
A: Recovery is usually quick. Many people return to light activity in a few days, but intense exercise may need to wait up to two weeks.
Q: Do I need to stay overnight after PRP?
A: No. PRP spine injections are usually done in a clinical setting as an outpatient procedure, so you go home the same day.
Q: Is PRP covered by insurance?
A: PRP is often not covered by insurance for spine pain treatment.
Medically Reviewed by Zachary Goldstein, MD. Last reviewed on 08/05/2026.
