In this 2022 prospective trial, researchers found that a single intradiscal injection of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) significantly reduced pain and improved lumbar function in patients with chronic discogenic low back pain over a 48-week period. Analysis of 31 patients showed a 71% success rate, with clinical improvements in pain scores (NRS) and functional indices (FRI) sustained from the first month through the end of the follow-up. While the procedure was generally safe, one patient (3%) developed intervertebral discitis at two weeks—likely due to repeated needle puncture rather than the PRP itself—and required surgery. The study also noted that patients with multilevel disc involvement had higher failure rates, suggesting that the extent of degeneration impacts efficacy.
