Platelet-Rich Plasma for Facet-Mediated Mechanical Low Back Pain: A Review

Authors

• Aaron Chang, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Resident - Corewell Health West
• Mitchell Doerr, Transitional Year Resident - Corewell Health West
• Justin Dzierzawski
• Oluseun Olufade
• Di Cui

Document Type

Conference Proceeding - Restricted Access

Publication Date

5-8-2026

Abstract

Facet-mediated mechanical low back pain is a common contributor to chronic disability worldwide. While platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has demonstrated efficacy in discogenic low back pain, its role in facet joint-mediated pain remains less clearly defined. This review aimed to evaluate the existing clinical evidence on the use of PRP for lumbar facet-mediated mechanical low back pain.

A comprehensive PubMed search was conducted in October 2024 for studies published between 2014 and 2024, with one additional eligible study published in 2025 included. Studies evaluating intra-articular or periarticular PRP injections for lumbar facet-mediated pain were included, encompassing randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and case series, with study selection guided by PRISMA criteria.

Of 103 articles identified, six studies met inclusion criteria, comprising case series, observational studies, and one randomized controlled trial. Across studies, PRP injections were associated with reductions in pain scores and improvements in functional outcomes, including Visual Analog Scale, Oswestry Disability Index, Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire, and patient-reported satisfaction. Compared with corticosteroid injections, PRP demonstrated more durable pain relief in studies with comparative designs. However, heterogeneity in PRP preparation, injection targets, outcome measures, and follow-up duration limited cross-study comparisons.

Current evidence suggests that PRP may offer clinically meaningful and sustained improvements in pain and function for patients with facet-mediated mechanical low back pain. Nonetheless, the limited quality and heterogeneity of existing studies highlight the need for larger, standardized, long-term controlled trials to better define its role in clinical practice.

Recommended Citation

Chang A, Doerr M, Dzierzawski J, Olufade O, Cui D. Platelet-rich plasma for facet-mediated mechanical low back pain: A review. Presented at: Research Day Corewell Health West; 2026 May 8; Grand Rapids, MI.

Comments

2026 Research Day Corewell Health West, Grand Rapids, MI, May 8, 2026. Abstract 2002