For athletes and sports enthusiasts, chronic low back pain (LBP) can be a significant barrier to performance, training, and overall mobility. Whether from repetitive strain, injury, or simply the wear and tear that comes with an active lifestyle, dealing with persistent back pain can impact everything from agility to strength. The Discseel® Procedure offers a cutting-edge, minimally invasive treatment for chronic low back pain, particularly when traditional treatments have fallen short.

Indications for the Discseel® Procedure

The Discseel® Procedure is ideal for athletes who have suffered from chronic low back pain lasting at least six months, with or without leg pain (radicular or nonradicular). If back pain has become a nagging issue, preventing full participation in sports, this procedure may offer relief and the chance to return to peak performance.

Though the focus is often on lumbar pain, studies also show high success in treating cervical pain, including cases with radiculopathy (pain radiating into the arms). If you’re an athlete with neck and back pain, especially after an injury or years of impact sports, the Discseel® Procedure could be a viable option.

Ideal Candidates

For athletes, the Discseel® Procedure is suitable for individuals with:

• Chronic low back pain (6 months or longer) that impacts performance.
• No acute, untreated injuries—acute injuries often resolve within a few months, but if back pain has lingered for years, this procedure may be worth exploring.
• No significant psychosocial factors—such as anxiety or depression—that could affect recovery.
• No severe spinal stenosis or nerve compression that might require surgical decompression.
• Previous spine surgeries, such as discectomy or fusion, do not exclude patients from treatment.

The procedure targets intervertebral discs to address pain caused by tears in the annulus (the disc’s outer layer). Even for athletes who have undergone previous spinal surgeries, the Discseel® Procedure could potentially prevent or address recurring pain due to surgical scars or degeneration of nearby discs.

Procedure and Considerations

The procedure itself is relatively simple, requiring fluoroscopic guidance (X-ray) for precision. A small needle is inserted into the targeted disc, where fibrin (a natural healing protein) is injected to promote tissue repair and healing. This process strengthens the disc’s annulus and may relieve pain, allowing athletes to return to training faster.

Though it’s a minimally invasive procedure, there are some precautions for athletes:

• Blood thinners and medications may need to be adjusted before the procedure.
• Discseel® is not recommended for patients with active infections or significant spinal conditions, such as cauda equina syndrome.

Getting Back on Track: Recovery for Athletes

One of the biggest advantages of the Discseel® Procedure is the minimal recovery time compared to traditional back surgeries. Athletes can usually return to non-strenuous activities in a matter of weeks, with more intensive workouts resuming as they feel ready. It offers a potential alternative to surgery, which can have long recovery times and a greater risk of complications.

For athletes, this means faster recovery, better results, and a return to performance without the long-term interruption that typically follows invasive surgery.

The Bottom Line

For those suffering from chronic low back pain, the Discseel® Procedure can offer a powerful alternative to traditional treatments, like spinal fusion or injections, which may not provide long-lasting relief. It’s a procedure worth considering, especially for those who want to get back to doing what they love most—competing, training, and enjoying an active lifestyle.



If you’re an athlete struggling with persistent back pain and want to explore the Discseel® Procedure, consult with a qualified physician to see if this minimally invasive solution is right for you.

Contact us today to schedule your consultation and learn more about how the Discseel® Procedure can help you get back to living pain-free. Call (818) 660-6527 or visit California Sports and Spine Institute  for more information.

Take the first step towards a pain-free life—your spine deserves it!