What is a VIA Disc?
VIA Disc NP is the first injectable disc treatment of its kind approved for clinical use, derived from donated human disc tissue that has been carefully processed and sterilized into a solution delivered through a thin needle directly into the affected disc.
The spinal discs sit between the bones of the spine and act as shock absorbers. The center of each disc, called the nucleus pulposus, is a gel-like tissue that is mostly water. It allows the disc to handle the forces of everyday movement, whether that is walking, bending, or lifting. Over time, this tissue can dry out and break down. When it does, the disc loses its height and cushioning ability, and the surrounding nerves and bones begin to feel the effects.
VIA Disc NP is designed to replace some of that lost tissue and help the disc function more normally again. Lab testing has shown that the transplanted material can absorb water similarly to healthy disc tissue, addressing the underlying tissue loss rather than managing symptoms around it.
At Shore Spine & Pain, VIA Disc NP is performed by Dr. Woska as a nonsurgical outpatient treatment that takes less than an hour, requires no incision, and sends you home the same day.
Why is a VIA Disc Performed?
VIA Disc NP is used to treat chronic low back pain caused by degenerative disc disease, also known as discogenic pain. This is one of the most common causes of ongoing back pain in adults. As discs wear down and lose their cushioning, the spine takes on more stress than it was designed to handle. Small tears can develop in the outer disc wall, nerve endings in that area become irritated, and the joints above and below the disc begin to absorb loads they would not normally carry. The result is persistent pain that can be difficult to resolve with standard treatments.
Those with this type of pain typically feel it most in the center of the lower back. It tends to get worse with sitting for long periods, bending forward, or anything that puts pressure on the spine, such as long drives or prolonged standing. The pain may spread into the buttocks or upper legs, but it is usually more of a back-centered ache than a shooting nerve pain. An MRI is used to confirm that disc degeneration is the actual cause of symptoms before any treatment decisions are made.
VIA Disc NP is generally considered after conservative treatments have not worked well enough. That includes anti-inflammatory medications and injections such as epidural steroid injections or facet joint injections. When those options have been tried without lasting benefit and surgery is not yet on the table, VIA Disc NP addresses the underlying problem in the disc itself rather than managing pain temporarily.
At Shore Spine & Pain, Dr. Woska evaluates candidates for VIA Disc NP based on a thorough review of symptom history and imaging. Good candidates typically have had low back pain for at least 6 months, with MRI findings that confirm disc degeneration consistent with their symptoms.
If you are living with chronic disc-related back pain in the Lakewood or Shrewsbury, NJ area and have not found lasting relief, contact us to find out whether VIA Disc NP is the right next step for your situation.
How is a VIA Disc Performed?
VIA Disc NP is performed by Dr. Woska as a same-day outpatient procedure using live fluoroscopic imaging to guide every step. We perform the procedure under sterile conditions, and an antibiotic is given through an IV beforehand as a standard precaution to minimize the risk of infection.
You will be positioned comfortably on a procedure table, and a local anesthetic is applied to numb the treatment area before anything begins. Light IV sedation is available depending on your preference and Dr. Woska’s recommendation. Using live imaging as a guide, Dr. Woska carefully advances a thin needle through a natural opening in the lower spine and into the center of the damaged disc, accessing the target without disturbing the surrounding nerves or tissue.
Once Dr. Woska confirms the needle is correctly positioned, the VIA Disc NP solution is slowly delivered into the disc while imaging is used to monitor the injection throughout. When complete, the needle is removed, a simple dressing is placed over the site, and you move to a brief recovery area where our team monitors you before you head home.
The disc tissue used in VIA Disc NP comes from carefully screened donors and is sterilized in compliance with FDA and American Association of Tissue Banks standards, ensuring the highest level of safety before it ever reaches our clinic.
What To Expect After a VIA Disc
Some soreness at the injection site and inside the disc is normal after the procedure. Because the needle goes directly into the disc space, it is common to feel more discomfort for a few days before things begin to improve. To help manage this, Dr. Woska may prescribe pain relievers, a short course of oral steroids, or muscle relaxants. Applying ice to the injection site can also bring some relief during those first few days.
For the first 72 hours, take it easy. Strenuous activity and heavy lifting should be avoided, though normal daily tasks are generally fine. Someone else will need to drive you home after the procedure, and if you received IV sedation, another adult should be with you for the first 24 hours.
The results from VIA Disc NP build over time. The injected material works gradually over the weeks following the procedure to replenish disc tissue and restore some of the disc’s natural function. Meaningful improvement in pain and activity tolerance typically begins somewhere between 4 and 8 weeks after the injection, though individual timelines vary.
A follow-up visit is typically scheduled two to four weeks after the procedure so Dr. Woska can assess your recovery and review any changes in symptoms at Shore Spine & Pain.
Frequently Asked Questions about VIA Disc
Am I a candidate for VIA Disc NP?
Good candidates are those with chronic low back pain lasting at least 6 months who have not responded well to conservative care including medications or spinal injections such as epidural steroid injections. An MRI confirming degenerative disc disease at one or more lumbar levels as the source of symptoms is required before the procedure is considered. VIA Disc NP is not appropriate for disc herniations, spinal stenosis, or other structural spine conditions. Dr. Woska will review your imaging, treatment history, and symptoms during a consultation at Shore Spine & Pain in Lakewood or Shrewsbury, NJ to determine whether you are a good fit.
Does VIA Disc NP involve surgery?
No. The procedure is a needle-based injection performed in an outpatient setting at Shore Spine & Pain. There are no incisions, no general anesthesia, and no hospital admission required. Most people are home within a few hours of arriving for the procedure and are back to light daily activity within a day or two.
What is the allograft material and where does it come from?
VIA Disc NP is derived from the disc tissue of deceased human donors. All donors are screened and tested in compliance with FDA regulations and standards set by the American Association of Tissue Banks. The tissue is sterilized before use, ensuring a rigorous safety process from donation through delivery at Shore Spine & Pain.
When will I start to feel better after VIA Disc NP?
VIA Disc NP works gradually. The injected material supplements the disc tissue over the weeks following the procedure, so improvement is not immediate. It is also common to feel more soreness than usual in the first few days after the injection before things begin to settle. Most people start noticing meaningful changes in pain and activity tolerance somewhere between 4 and 8 weeks after treatment, though individual timelines vary. Dr. Woska will monitor your recovery at follow-up appointments at Shore Spine & Pain and discuss next steps based on how you are responding.
Is VIA Disc NP covered by insurance?
Coverage through commercial insurance plans varies by carrier and individual plan. The Shore Spine & Pain team in Lakewood and Shrewsbury, NJ will work with you ahead of the procedure to verify your benefits and clarify any expected out-of-pocket costs before a decision is made. Contact us with any questions about coverage or to schedule a consultation.
