Via Disc Procedure Specialist in San Antonio, TX

The VIA disc procedure is a minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure that involves the injection of a material that causes reparation and regeneration of vertebra into injured or damaged spinal disc to provide them with increased stability as well as to reduce pain. This procedure is frequently used to repair degenerative spinal discs to improve function and provide significant pain relief. It is also a great, safer treatment option for those who have developed compression fractures within the spine and degenerative disc disease and has shown to provide substantial results for many patients. Spinal fractures can be caused by a number of conditions, including cancer, osteoporosis, or even injuries to the spine. By providing significant pain relief and repairing those fractures in the spine, patients are able to experience significantly improved mobility as well. The VIA disc procedure is also known as a vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty.

The material that is injected into the damaged disc is an allogenic disc material, meaning that it is very similar to the natural materials that exist in our spinal discs, in order to support the natural healing and repairing process of the damaged tissues. The injected materials are a type of graft that supplements the damaged disc to enable or speed up the natural healing and regeneration, essentially just tricking the disc in to healing itself more effectively. This material is injected directly into the damaged disc in order start that essential healing process almost immediately. The actual healing process will take a matter of weeks as it is just boosting the natural healing process, so patients should not expect immediate pain relief directly following the procedure.

The VIA disc procedure is performed as an outpatient procedure and can be performed under moderate sedation or just local anesthesia, depending on the recommendations of the specialist providing the procedure. A 20-gage needle will be used to inject the material into the damaged disc and will be guided through the use of fluoroscopy (digital imaging that continues to take images of the area being treated throughout the procedure) so that the physician ensures precision for the entire process and is able to accurately see where the needle is and where it is going. Once the needle has made it through the skin and muscle to the center of the intervertebral disc, the material will be slowly injected. The material that is injected will start to work its magic by causing the damage tissue to regenerate and repair over the course of several weeks.

It is common to experience some pain following the procedure due to the procedure itself as there is increased pressure within the intervertebral space, but this pain will fade along with the previously experienced pain that was caused by the damage disc. Certain pain medications may be prescribed for the healing process if significant pain is being experienced. It will most likely be recommended that you avoid any strenuous activities for around 72 hours following the procedure but will be able to return to most normal daily activities as soon as you are comfortable to do so. Your physician will provide you with all other aftercare instructions and recommendations to ensure that the recovery is as comfortable and speedy as possible.

VIA disc procedures can definitely be covered or at least partially covered by your health insurance provider. Medicare does currently provide some coverage for the procedure. The coverage will vary from insurance provider and policy, so it is always recommended that you review your personal health insurance policy to determine the degree of coverage you may be entitled to, and to also check with your healthcare provider that is performing the VIA disc procedure to make sure that they accept your specific insurance provider. San Antonio Pain Consultants accepts the vast majority of health insurance providers, but we encourage all patients to reach out if they have any questions regarding their insurance coverage for our services.

The Via Disc surgery substitutes missing tissue in degenerative spinal discs in a minimally invasive, outpatient setting. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are located at 3903 Wiseman Blvd, Ste 117, San Antonio, TX 78251. We serve patients from San Antonio TX, Shavano Park TX, Balcones Heights TX, Fair Oaks TX, Helotes TX, Alamo Ranch TX, Leon Valley TX, Fair Oaks Ranch TX, Castroville TX, and surrounding areas.