Targeted spine care
Intradiscal Therapies
Disc-focused care with VIA Disc NP emphasis
Intradiscal therapies place treatment directly into a carefully selected painful disc. Pohlman Pain Associates highlights nucleus pulposus allograft supplementation, including VIA Disc NP, while presenting its emerging evidence and regulatory context plainly.
This guide is educational and cannot determine candidacy. Every treatment has limitations and risks, and outcomes are not guaranteed. A clinician must review your diagnosis, health history, imaging, medicines, and goals.
What it targets
A procedure built for a particular pain mechanism.
A degenerating disc can lose hydration, load-bearing capacity, and normal internal structure. Nucleus pulposus allograft supplementation introduces processed donor nucleus pulposus tissue into the disc through a needle. The goal is to supplement lost tissue and reduce discogenic pain without fusion; it is not a proven method to regrow a normal disc.
Who may be evaluated
Candidacy begins with diagnostic fit.
Because low-back pain can arise from several nearby structures, the most important step is confirming a predominantly discogenic pattern and excluding stronger alternative causes.
Clinical considerations
- Chronic midline axial low-back pain, often worsened by sitting or forward flexion
- Moderate degeneration at one or two lumbar discs on MRI
- Symptoms that persist despite physical therapy, medication, and other appropriate care
- No dominant radiculopathy, large extrusion, severe stenosis, instability, or major spondylolisthesis
- Understanding that evidence, coverage, and out-of-pocket cost may differ from established procedures
Evaluation may include
- Detailed examination to distinguish discogenic, facet, endplate, SI-joint, and nerve-root patterns
- Lumbar MRI grading and review for annular disruption, herniation, stenosis, and instability
- Review of the duration and quality of conservative treatment
- Discussion of product regulation, infection prevention, evidence limitations, and coverage
How it is performed
The procedure, step by step.
Disc selection
The physician correlates the pain pattern and MRI findings and confirms that the planned disc meets treatment and safety criteria.
Fluoroscopic needle placement
With local anesthetic and sedation, a spinal needle is guided through a safe corridor into the center of the selected disc.
Allograft delivery
The prepared nucleus pulposus allograft is delivered into the disc, after which the needle is removed and the patient is monitored.
After the procedure
Recovery, follow-up, and important risks.
Recovery & follow-up
- The procedure is generally outpatient, but the exact activity plan is individualized.
- Temporary procedure-site soreness or a short pain flare can occur.
- Follow-up commonly evaluates symptoms and function over several months rather than relying on an immediate response.
- Patients should call promptly for fever, progressive weakness, new bowel or bladder symptoms, or escalating pain.
Risks & limitations
- Disc infection, bleeding, nerve irritation, allergic or inflammatory response, and pain flare
- Risks related to transannular needle access and sedation
- No improvement or uncertain durability beyond current study periods
- Potential exclusion by payer policies or classification as investigational
Alternatives to discuss
Evidence & technology
What is established—and what is still being studied.
Evidence in context
Prospective studies report encouraging pain and function outcomes, but the evidence base remains smaller and less mature than for established spine interventions. Larger randomized studies and longer follow-up are still needed, and insurers may consider the treatment investigational.
Brands are examples, not endorsements
VIA Disc NP is a proprietary nucleus pulposus allograft regulated as a human cell, tissue, and cellular and tissue-based product under Section 361. That pathway is different from FDA premarket approval of a drug or medical device and should not be described as equivalent.
Common questions
A useful conversation starts here.
Related patient guides
Compare nearby clinical pathways.
Bring the questions with you
Find out whether the diagnosis fits the treatment.
Request an evaluation at one of our three South Florida offices.