VIA Disc NP

in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Virginia


Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a common cause of back pain and disability, affecting millions of people worldwide. The VIA Disc® NP ( (nucleus pulposus) technology offers a revolutionary solution for DDD, using allogeneic tissue to repair degenerated discs and reduce chronic lower back pain. If you're dealing with chronic back pain caused by DDD and are looking for a non-surgical option, contact us today to discuss VIA Disc® NP treatment.

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Digital Guide 

Treatment overview and more!

Via Disc NP Allograft

Via Disc NP is a non-surgical treatment that helps repair damage to degenerative discs to help reduce chronic lower back pain caused by degenerative disc disease. As we age, discs can experience wear and tear which can result in a loss of water within the disc and disc degeneration. Over time, disc degeneration can worsen which further causes pain and discomfort.

If left untreated degenerative disc disease can develop and lead to other painful conditions such as osteoarthritis, scoliosis, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, and spondylolysis. Taking action and seeking treatment is essential to reduce pain and improve overall function. If you would like to learn more about the Via Disc NP procedure, recovery, and frequently asked questions, use the resource buttons listed below.

If you're ready to speak with one of our board-certified pain specialists, please fill out our contact form here or give us a call to schedule your new patient consultation. Our top priority is to accurately diagnose your condition, answer your questions, and discuss your health goals to determine whether VIA Disc NP is right for you.


What Patients Are Saying


Great office, good people. Been there quite a few years. Never a problem. Leave them a message, they always respond. I've had six back surgeries 2knees and right shoulder. Gregg keeps my chronic debilitating pain managed well so I can still live my life best I can. Im so grateful.

Jenny Martins / google review

Dr. Rao. I can't find the words to tell you how much he has meant to me. I followed him from an old practice to his very new high tech office. They offer so many different areas of assistance to those with issues from nutrition to spinal surgery... and much more. His office is professional.

Mom To2 / vitals

Dr. Rao is such an amazing doctor! During my first visit, he never tried to rush through my appt.; he genuinely listened to all my concerns and then took his time to explain to me in detail all his recommendations and how they would help me.

Nikki / healthgrades

VIA Disc NP Treatment Guide

VIA Disc NP Digital Guide

Our board-certified back pain specialist doctors specialize in interventional treatments like the VIA Disc NP. Download our guide to learn more about our comprehensive services focussed on pain management for chronic pain.

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What is VIA Disc NP

As we age, discs can experience wear and tear, which can result in a loss of water within the disc and disc degeneration. Over time, disc degeneration can worsen, causing pain and discomfort. Failure to effectively treat the condition can warrant more pain and discomfort, significantly decreasing your balance and function.

VIA Disc® NP is an injectable allograft that helps supplement degenerated intervertebral discs and restore them. The injectable allograft consists of two components: the intervertebral disc tissue particulate and spine-derived cells. Each of these is mixed with saline and then injected into your intervertebral disc to help regenerate the disc and delay further degeneration.

VIA Disc NP falls under the category of interventional treatments. Interventional treatments are becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to more invasive surgical procedures for degenerative disc disease. One of the main advantages of interventional treatments is their minimally invasive nature, which means that they require smaller incisions and cause less trauma to surrounding tissues. This can result in a shorter recovery time, less postoperative pain, and fewer complications compared to traditional surgery.

Additionally, interventional treatments often involve the use of advanced imaging technologies such as fluoroscopy or CT guidance to ensure that the treatment is targeted accurately and with precision. Overall, the minimally invasive nature of interventional treatments makes them an attractive option for patients with degenerative disc disease who want to avoid the risks and lengthy recovery associated with open surgery.

Key Features VIA Disc Treatment

With more than 3 million people in the United States living with pain and discomfort caused by degenerated discs, more and more people are looking for non-invasive treatment to address their chronic discogenic pain

That is where the VIA Disc comes in. As a minimally invasive procedure the nucleus pulposus tissue allograft that can effectively supplement degenerate intervertebral discs and reduce your pain without needing major surgery. Here are few key features to consider:

A graphic displaying the key features of Via Disc NP
A graphic displaying the key features of Via Disc NP

What Conditions Does VIA Disc Treat?

VIA Disc allograft treats degenerative disc disease (DDD) or discogenic pain. Disc degeneration is one of the most common causes of chronic low back pain. While immediate pain may not be felt, the condition can develop and worsen pain symptoms with time.

Understanding Disc Anatomy

The intervertebral disc is made up of three regions:

  1. 1
     the anulus fibrosus (AF)
  2. 2
    the nucleus pulposus (NP)
  3. 3
    the cartilaginous endplate. 
Image of spinal anatomy

The anulus fibrosus is an outer fibrous ring of collagen fibers that primarily bears the load of the intervertebral disc. The nucleus pulposis (NP) is a hydrophilic gelatinous core mainly composed of proteoglycans, collagen II, water, and cells. When an NP contains about 77% water, which enables it to absorb and redistribute spinal loads. 

What Happens When Discs Degenerate?

These discs are the cushions between the vertebrae that act as shock absorbers and allow us to move our spines flexibly. When these disc degenerate they lose height, water content, and nutrient content which can lead to chronic lower back pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. 

Six different spinal conditions displayed in two rows.

Who Is a Good Candidate for VIA Disc NP?

While it's not typically a first-line treatment, VIA Disc® NP comes into the picture when you've tried other therapeutic approaches but are still grappling with persistent discomfort. It's a more targeted approach designed to alleviate chronic pain by delivering medication directly to the affected area, interrupting the nerve signals responsible for your pain sensations.

If you've been diagnosed with discogenic pain or DDD, VIA Disc® NP may be an appropriate option for you. It's essential to remember that every individual's battle with pain is unique, and what works best for one person may not be the same for another.


How We Diagnose DDD and Discogenic Pain At Pain and Spine Specialists

At Pain and Spine Specialists, we believe that understanding your unique situation is the first step in finding an effective solution for your chronic pain. Before recommending VIA Disc® NP, our team of board-certified medical doctors takes you through a comprehensive consultation process to accurately diagnose your pain condition.

Four square tiles outlining the consultation steps at pain and spine specilialists
Four blue blocks with icons that represent the consultation process at Pain and Spine Specialists
  1. 1
    review of  medical history: Firstly, we conduct a thorough review of your medical history. This step allows us to understand any pre-existing conditions or previous treatments that could be contributing to your current discomfort. Your path towards improved health begins with this crucial step of understanding your past medical experiences.
  2. 2
    physical examination: Next, we proceed with a physical examination. Our doctors will assess your body's mobility, strength, and reflexes, among other aspects. This hands-on approach provides valuable insights into the nature and severity of your pain.
  3. 3
    Advanced Imaging: We may also recommend diagnostic imaging such as X-rays, MRI scans, or CT scans. These advanced tools enable us to obtain detailed images of your body's structure, helping us pinpoint potential sources of your discomfort.
  4. 4
    Nerve Tests: If necessary, nerve tests may be conducted. These tests evaluate the electrical activity in your nerves and muscles, providing further clarity about your condition.
  5. 5
    Diagnostic Nerve Blocks: Finally, depending on your situation, we might suggest diagnostic nerve blocks like facet joint injections, epidural steroid injections, SI injections, or medial branch blocks. These procedures can help us identify specific nerves that might be causing your discogenic pain, enabling us to tailor your treatment plan more effectively.
A doctor review patient records after a failed back surgery


What Should I Expect During VIA Disc NP Treatment?

Before VIA Disc treatment, your doctor will carefully evaluate your medical history and symptoms to determine if a spinal disc injection is the right treatment option for you. From there, the nucleus pulposus particulate will be mixed with saline so it is prepped for delivery during the procedure.

Most patients will go under local anesthesia during the procedure. During treatment, your physician will use fluoroscopy, a computer scan that gives real-time video during the procedure so the doctor has an accurate and precise view of the procedure.

Your physician will insert a needle containing the injection in the spine for pain into the center of the intervertebral disc. This will help supplement the degenerated intervertebral disc, giving it the essential cushioning and support to reduce pain symptoms while delaying further disc degeneration.

A series of three images with descriptions showings spinal degeneration.

What is the VIA Disc NP Recovery Process

Unlike major open surgeries, the VIA Disc procedure is an outpatient with a short recovery time. Many patients may experience pain and soreness after treatment which is expected as the body adjusts to the increased pressure within your intervertebral disc.

While downtime is minimal, it is recommended that you reduce any intense physical activity for up to 72 hours post-treatment. It’s important to follow your doctor’s post-procedure instructions. You may be prescribed pain medications to help better manage your pain from the procedure. Alternative pain-relieving techniques, such as applying an ice pack where the injection in the spinal cord for pain was delivered, can further help reduce your pain symptoms at the injection site.

Your doctor may also recommend wearing a back brace or practicing physical therapy to help reduce pain and discomfort and improve overall mobility and function post-treatment. About one month after your treatment, a follow-up appointment will be scheduled to evaluate your pain symptoms.


How Soon Will I Notice Results?

The graft will supplement and repair the damaged disc several weeks after the injection. This results in support and cushioning of the disc, ultimately reducing pain. Therefore, while it may take weeks post-procedure to experience noticeable improvements, Viadisk provides long-term results and reduces your risk of developing other conditions linked to DDD.


Frequently Asked Questions

 What types of doctors offer VIA Disc NP injections?

VIA Disc NP injections are typically performed by pain management specialists, physiatrists, anesthesiologists, neurologists, orthopedic surgeons, and interventional radiologists.

Is VIA Disc NP injections covered by insurance?

Coverage for VIA Disc NP injections varies by insurance provider. Many plans cover it, especially if more conservative treatments have failed. Those with Medicare may need to meet certain criteria first. Checking with your insurance provider is recommended.

What are the alternatives to VIA Disc NP injections treatment?

Alternatives may include rest, OTC or prescription pain medications, physical therapy, chiropractic care, massage, acupuncture, spinal decompression therapy, and surgery in some cases. More conservative treatments are often tried before considering injections.

How do I find a VIA Disc NP injections treatment center near me?

Search online for "pain management clinic near me" or "interventional pain clinic near me". You can also ask your primary doctor for a referral to a specialist that offers the injections.

How much does VIA Disc NP injections cost?

Costs vary, but can range from $2,000 to $4,000 per injection. Those with insurance may pay less out of pocket depending on coverage. Discuss costs beforehand with your provider.

What treatments are often tried before considering VIA Disc NP injections?

More conservative treatments like rest, physical therapy, medications, chiropractic care, massage, and acupuncture are often tried for several weeks or months before considering injections.

Do Medicare and Medicaid cover VIA Disc NP injections?

Medicare may cover VIA Disc NP injections but there are criteria to meet first, like trying other conservative treatments. Discuss your options with a Medicare provider. Medicaid coverage varies by state.

Benefits of VIA Disc NP

If you are suffering from pain caused by degenerative disc disease, you must address the source of your pain to 1) better manage your pain symptoms and 2) reduce your risk of developing other health conditions as a result of not properly treating your DDD.

While some risk factors such as pain and discomfort felt at the injection site may be possible, there’s no denying the many benefits of VIA Disc NP.

The top benefits of VIA Disc NP include:

  • Minimally Invasive: Rather than undergoing major open surgery to address your pain caused by DDD, VIA Disc NP is a minimally invasive procedure. This not only minimizes your recovery time but limits the possibility of scarring or developing negative health complications.
  • Short Recovery Time: Due to this being a minimally invasive procedure, this results in a short recovery time. Most patients can resume all normal activities (including strenuous physical activity) 72 hours post-procedure.
  • Targeted Pain Relief: This treatment directly addresses the cause of your pain symptoms by supplementing the damaged disc, rather than simply masking your pain.
  • Reduces Pain Symptoms: Pain can significantly reduce your quality of life. VIA Disc NP allows you to take back your life and not have to modify your life around your pain resulting from ddd.
Customers served! 1 point  Americans Affected by lower back pain at any given time in their lives.

A VIA Disc study recorded a 35-point ODI improvement by six months. - NIH

Customers served! 1 %  Americans Affected by lower back pain at any given time in their lives.

In one study, data demonstrated that VIA Disc improved pain and function in patients with DDD by greater than 70%. - Spinal News International

30%
of people

By the age  60, about 90% of people will have disc degeneration. - Columbia University

VIA Disc NP spine injections maryland, pennsylvania, Florida, and Virginia

At Pain and Spine Specialists, we take pride in our comprehensive approach to treating VIA Disc® NP. We understand that managing chronic pain can be a complex process, often requiring a tailored strategy that addresses your unique needs and circumstances. As board-certified medical doctors, we are committed to providing professional, informative, and empathetic care, focusing on your well-being every step of the way.

Our comprehensive approach involves a deep understanding of your medical history, a thorough physical examination, and advanced diagnostic techniques. This allows us to accurately identify the source of your discomfort and develop a personalized treatment plan that targets your specific pain condition.

If VIA Disk treatment doesn't provide sufficient relief, rest assured that we have several other treatment options to consider. These include advanced procedures for nerve pain, alternative therapies, medication management programs, mental health and illness recovery programs, minimally invasive spine procedures, and targeted injection therapies. Each of these options is designed to address different aspects of chronic pain, offering a holistic approach to your care.

To get started with us, simply schedule a consultation. During this session, we'll discuss your current situation, review your medical history, and perform necessary tests to diagnose your pain condition. From there, we'll work collaboratively with you to develop a treatment plan that aligns with your unique needs and goals.

Explore Our Webinars and Podcasts 

Learn about The Conditions We Treat and the treatments We offer from our board-certified doctors.

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About Us

We are a comprehensive pain management practice with board-certified doctors in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia that specialize in innovative treatments like VIA disc np.

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Digital Guide

View our providers, locations, services, and patient reviews.

More Resources

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Candidates For Treatment

Patients with the following disorders, injuries, diseases, or infections may be candidates for an Injection:

Related Pain Regions

VIA Disc NP are often used to treat pain in the following regions:

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Contact using options below to see if non-invasive VIA Disc NP treatment is right for you!

Appointment FAQ's

Billing / Insurance Questions

We Accept All Insurances!

That includes Medicare and state Medicaid.

How Soon Can I Be Seen?

Usually within one week of the initial call.

Appointments can be schedule by phone or through our contact form here.

What To Expect During Appointments

At Pain and Spine Specialists we provide comprehensive pain care while offering the most up-to-date minimally invasive techniques. Our ethos is to treat each patient (and potential patient) as if they were a family member.

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Patient Portal / Policies

At Pain and Spine Specialists we want to provide the most efficient and pleasurable experience possible. As in all medical facilities, we have certain policies in place to ensure that you receive the time you require to address your needs as well as enhance your experience while in our care.

View our policies here.

Reviews and Testimonials

We encourage patient feedback to better improve your experience. We strive to create a friendly and warm environment where patients feel their voices are heard and validated.

View our patient reviews here.

Meet Our Team

VIA Disc NP Specialists in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Florida and Virginia


Our board-certified VIA Disc NP doctors have over 20 years of experience in pain management. Alongside our physicians, we have physician assistants and nurse practitioners committed to providing effective and minimally invasive spine injections in MarylandPennsylvaniaFlorida, and Virginia.

We develop customized treatment plans that can accurately diagnose conditions like degenerative disc disease and treat the root cause of your pain with treatments like VIA Disc NP.

MEET OUR PARTNER

OUR PARTNER

At Pain and Spine Specialists, we support the mission of PANCHA. A non-profit organization that is dedicated to assisting the families of those suffering from pancreatic cancer.

At Pain and Spine Specialists, we support the mission of PANCHA. A non-profit organization that is dedicated to assisting the families of those suffering from pancreatic cancer.

MEET OUR PARTNER

MEET OUR PARTNER

At Pain and Spine Specialists, we support the mission of PANCHA. A non-profit organization that is dedicated to assisting the families of those suffering from pancreatic cancer.

At Pain and Spine Specialists, we support the mission of PANCHA. A non-profit organization that is dedicated to assisting the families of those suffering from pancreatic cancer.

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