New Options for Herniated Disc Treatments

Herniated discs are one of the most common causes of back pain, affecting millions of adults each year. Traditionally, treatment options ranged from rest and physical therapy to steroid injections and spinal surgery. But in 2025, the landscape is changing—fast.

Thanks to advances in minimally invasive techniques, regenerative medicine, and precision diagnostics, patients now have more options than ever before. At Healios Laser Therapy, we’re helping clients explore these new frontiers with Class IV laser therapy and integrative care plans designed to reduce pain, restore function, and avoid surgery whenever possible.

Here’s a look at the most promising new treatments for herniated discs—and how they’re reshaping recovery.

1. Ultra-Minimally Invasive Discectomy

According to University Hospitals, a new surgical technique using Arthrex technology allows surgeons to remove the herniated portion of a disc through a tiny incision—less than a centimeter long.

Benefits include:

• Minimal tissue damage
• Little to no blood loss
• Reduced risk of infection
• Same-day discharge
• Rapid return to activity
• Less scarring and lower risk of future spinal fusion

This approach is ideal for patients who haven’t responded to conservative care but want to avoid traditional open surgery.

2. VIA Disc NP: Regenerative Injection Therapy

A new biologic treatment called VIA Disc NP uses donor-derived nucleus pulposus tissue to restore hydration and function to degenerated discs. The procedure involves injecting reconstituted disc tissue into the affected area while the patient is awake but sedated.

According to New Atlas, clinical trials showed significant pain reduction and functional improvement for up to one year after a single injection.

Patients return home the same day and resume normal activities within 24 hours. This option may delay or prevent the need for surgery in select cases.

3. Percutaneous Endoscopic Discectomy (PED)

PED is a needle-guided technique that uses a small endoscope to remove herniated disc material. It’s performed under local anesthesia and requires only a small skin puncture.

A 2025 meta-analysis published in BMC Surgery found that PED offers comparable pain relief to traditional microdiscectomy, with fewer complications and faster recovery.

PED is especially useful for patients with contained disc herniations and minimal spinal instability.

4. Class IV Laser Therapy

At Healios, we use Class IV laser therapy to:

• Reduce inflammation around the disc and nerve roots
• Stimulate tissue repair and collagen synthesis
• Improve circulation and lymphatic drainage
• Modulate pain signals and accelerate recovery

Laser therapy is non-invasive, drug-free, and compatible with other treatments. It’s ideal for patients with mild to moderate herniations, post-surgical pain, or chronic discogenic symptoms.

5. Multimodal Conservative Care

Even with new technologies, conservative care remains foundational. The most effective plans combine:

• Physical therapy and core stabilization
• Anti-inflammatory nutrition and hydration
• Ergonomic adjustments and posture correction
• Manual therapy and myofascial release
• Mind-body techniques for pain modulation

These approaches are often used before or alongside newer interventions to maximize outcomes.

Final Thoughts

Herniated disc treatment is no longer a binary choice between rest and surgery. With minimally invasive procedures, regenerative injections, and advanced therapies like Class IV laser, patients have more control over their recovery than ever before.

At Healios Laser Therapy, we specialize in helping clients navigate these options with personalized care plans that prioritize safety, function, and long-term results. If you’re struggling with disc-related pain, reach out to explore what’s possible.

References

• University Hospitals. (2025, July 16). A new way to treat herniated discs, with less pain and downtime. UH Hospitals Blog. Retrieved October 9, 2025, from https://www.uhhospitals.org/blog/articles/2025/07/new-way-to-treat-herniated-discs
• McClure, P. (2025, May 6). New treatment for spinal disc pain shows promising clinical results. New Atlas. Retrieved October 9, 2025, from https://newatlas.com/chronic-pain/nucleus-pulposus-allograft-back-pain-clinical-trial
• Song, K., Liang, J., Zhang, M., Cai, S., Wang, Y., & Wu, W. (2025). Comparison of different treatments for lumbar disc herniation: A network meta-analysis and systematic review. BMC Surgery, 25, Article 259. Retrieved October 9, 2025, from https://bmcsurg.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12893-025-02992-9