What are Biologics?

Biologic therapy or biopharmaceuticals are a highly-effective class of revolutionary medicines that are based on naturally-occurring proteins and produced using living cells.

What is the Discseel® procedure composed of?

The Discseel® procedure is comprised of highly purified and exact parts of fibrinogen, prothrombin, the two essential blood proteins involved in the formation of a disc healing.

How do I know if I’m a candidate for the Discseel® Procedure?

Any person with long lasting low back pain is a potential candidate. A person with low back pain who’s had surgery or a person with low back pain who prefers to avoid surgery is a potential candidate, because the cushion in the back known as the disc is the most common cause of low back pain.

What is the average cost of the Discseel® Procedure?

During your consult, Dr. Wolff will complete a thorough evaluation of your condition and develop a tailored plan. Our Clinical Nurse Specialist, Callie Needs, MS, RN will then be able to advise on the cost. The Discseel® Procedure generally costs less than 25% of what a spinal fusion would cost.

Is the Discseel® Procedure covered by Insurance?

Unfortunately, the Discseel Procedure is not covered by insurance. However, Southwest Spine and Sports offers multiple financing options that we can discuss in more detail during your private consultation.

What if I’ve had failed procedures in the past?

That’s okay and is a situation that many of our patients are in. They’ve had prior surgery, they’ve had fusions, and they’ve had metal inserted into their backs. That’s what we work with, and our goal is to help you have a life with more function and less pain.

What are the most common causes of lower back pain?

The cushions in the low back are called discs, and the disc is the most common cause of low back pain. We know that the discs can be injured, degenerated, bulged, and herniated. These conditions can be treated at the source of the problem, naturally,and non-surgically with the Discseel® procedure. There is a time and a place for surgery but if you are a candidate for Discseel procedure – doesn’t it make sense to try it rather than going through surgery to add hardware, plates, rods, or screws and a lengthy recovery?

What is the success rate?

With over  7000 Discseel Procedures performed across the United States, 82% Of Discseel® Procedure patients report an improvement and a reduction in overall pain

How many Discseel treatments will I need?

Most patients typically only need one treatment to see great results; however, a small amount may need a second treatment. During your consultation at Southwest Spine & Sports, Dr. Wolff will examine your current health and medical history to create the right treatment plan for you.

What’s the average age of your patients?

The average patient is in their mid 50’s, however we have treated patients as young as 15 and patients in their early 90’s.

What type of exercise can I do after the procedure?

We prefer patients to begin walking within a few days after the procedure and continue a daily regime of walking as a lifestyle. We would like patients to avoid bed rest except for the first night we want them to rest in a local hotel unless they live nearby and can rest at home. We would like all patients to avoid flexion (bending over) and rotation (twisting) of the lumbar spine when possible. We remind them that something got them into this position to begin with, which was likely a continuous motion of compressive (flexion) and shear (rotation) forces on the discs over time, so we encourage them to avoid activities that involve flexion and rotation.

If Physical Therapy is recommended by Dr. Wolff?

We recommend obtaining the “Post Discseel® protocol for Physical Therapists” from Callie Needs, MS, RN to help guide your physical therapist on the physical movements a patient can/can not do and the duration of these restrictions.  VIEW OUR PROTOCOL

When can I return to exercising?

You may begin walking a couple of days after the procedure. We do not want you on bed rest. Discs get their nutrients through osmosis, so we encourage all patients to begin walking in small spurts usually on day 2-3 days after the procedure. For the first 4-6 weeks, we encourage walking daily. After the first 4-6 weeks, depending on the patient’s symptoms, they may add other activities into their exercise regime but only at a 10% level and see how they feel afterward. Based on how they feel at a 10% level, hold there for a few weeks, and slowly add as tolerated. Use a common-sense approach.

Can I have a massage right after the procedure?

Yes, you may have a massage one-week post procedure. You may want to avoid a deep tissue massage the first couple of weeks, but a normal massage is okay. Make sure your massage therapist does not stretch you or manipulate the spine in anyway!

How long will I be off work?

Most patients return to work after about 3-5 days. We strongly advise patients to avoid any heavy lifting for 4-6 weeks and to consult Dr. Wolff if you think you need additional time off work.

How long does it take for the patient to begin feeling relief?

Based on our research the majority of our patients “turn the corner” in 3-6 months. However, many patients feel better several weeks following the procedure, and a minority of patients as late as 8-12 months. Individual results may vary as each person responds differently based on the location and severity of their injury.

Are there any studies I can read about on the Discseel® Procedure?

Kevin Pauza, MD, the Chief Medical Adviser and Director of Discseel Technologies.and his co-investigators are currently performing several investigations evaluating the Discseel® Procedure. He and his co-investigators previously won several NASS Outstanding Study Awards evaluating surgical and non-surgical spine treatments. Their previous research can be found on our Southwest Spine and Sports website under Patient Resources, Research and References underneath the Clinical Studies title.