What Is the Discseel® Procedure?
If you're living with chronic back or neck pain that hasn't improved with physical therapy, injections, or medication, you may have come across the Discseel® Procedure while searching for options that don't involve major surgery. Here's a clear explanation of what it is and how it works.
A non-surgical approach to damaged discs
The Discseel® Procedure is a minimally invasive treatment designed to address one of the most common but under-recognized sources of chronic back and neck pain: tears in the wall of the spinal disc. It was developed by Dr. Kevin Pauza, a physician widely recognized for his work in spinal disc biologics. At Emerald Coast Integrated Care, it is performed by Dr. Gerald Mastaw — a retired Navy Lt. Commander and military physician who is a lead trainer for the Discseel® Procedure, training other physicians in the technique.
Spinal discs act as cushions between the vertebrae. Over time — through age, injury, or wear — the tough outer wall of a disc (the annulus) can develop small tears. These tears can cause pain directly and can allow the disc to leak, which may lead to inflammation and further degeneration. Many standard imaging approaches don't always reveal these tears clearly, which is part of why this source of pain is often missed.
How the procedure works
The Discseel® Procedure uses a biologic called fibrin — a naturally occurring sealant involved in the body's own healing process. During the procedure:
- The provider first uses a specialized dye and imaging to identify exactly which discs are torn or leaking. This diagnostic step is a defining feature of the approach — treatment is targeted to the discs that are actually damaged.
- The fibrin sealant is then injected into the affected discs to seal the tears.
- Because fibrin supports the body's natural healing response, the goal is not only to seal the tear but to encourage the disc to repair over time.
The entire procedure is performed through a needle rather than an incision, which is what places it in the minimally invasive, non-surgical category.
What makes it different from surgery
Traditional surgical options for disc problems — such as spinal fusion or disc removal — involve altering the structure of the spine, often by joining vertebrae together or removing disc material. These are significant operations with meaningful recovery periods.
The Discseel® Procedure takes a different philosophy: rather than removing or fusing, it aims to repair and seal the existing disc. For the right candidate, this may mean avoiding or delaying more invasive surgery. Whether it's appropriate depends entirely on your individual condition, which is why candidacy is determined through evaluation and diagnostic imaging.
Is it right for you?
The Discseel® Procedure isn't for everyone, and honest candidacy assessment matters. Some people are strong candidates; others are better served by different treatments. At Emerald Coast Integrated Care, Dr. Gerald Mastaw — a lead trainer for the Discseel® Procedure — can evaluate whether it fits your situation.
To learn whether you may be a candidate, call (800) 931-6086 or explore the Discseel® Procedure.
Where to Find the Discseel® Procedure
The Discseel® Procedure is available at both of our Florida locations, performed by Dr. Gerald Mastaw:
The Coast — Destin (Emerald Coast Integrated Care) 3999 Commons Dr W, Ste B, Destin, FL 32541 Serving Destin, Shalimar, Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, Crestview, Pensacola, and the greater Emerald Coast — including the Eglin AFB and Hurlburt Field military communities.
The Heartland — Land O' Lakes (Veterans Spine and Discseel Center of America) 16703 Early Riser Ave, Land O' Lakes, FL 34638 Serving Land O' Lakes, Pasco County, and the greater Tampa Bay area. View location details
Both locations: (800) 931-6086 · Mon – Fri, 9:30 am – 4:30 pm · Request an Appointment
About the Provider
Dr. Gerald Mastaw is a retired Navy Lt. Commander and military physician who serves as a lead trainer for the Discseel® Procedure, training other physicians across the country in the technique. As a veteran himself, he brings a particular focus to caring for the veteran and military community across the Emerald Coast and Tampa Bay. He performs the Discseel® Procedure at Emerald Coast Integrated Care.
This article is educational and is not medical advice. Individual results vary, and whether any treatment is appropriate depends on an evaluation by a qualified provider.