In July 2024, real estate developer Nathan Sapp was touring a property when he was injured in a UTV rollover. The accident left him with two broken feet and months of recovery ahead.
His feet would eventually heal after surgery and physical therapy, but the shift in his gait placed new strain on his spine, sparking back pain that was far worse than what he had first endured. “I was in a lot of pain at the time, and it only seemed to get worse as time went on,” said Nathan.
The discomfort stretched from his lower back into his right hip, leaving daily activities difficult to manage. And during a six-month period, the pain kept him from sleeping more than a couple of hours each night.
“The pain affected everything I did,” said Nathan. “I could no longer travel, enjoy time with family and friends, or work on our 200-acre black walnut tree farm. By that point, I knew I needed help.”
Turning to OrthoIndy and Dr. Osborne
Through a worker’s compensation claim, Nathan was referred to OrthoIndy, a place he already knew well. He and his siblings had previously received treatment there for sports injuries, and this history gave him confidence in returning.
At his first visit, Nathan was promptly connected with physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) specialist Dr. Mark Osborne. After carefully reviewing Nathan’s MRI and conducting a full evaluation, Dr. Osborne found the source of his pain, a herniated disc at the L5/S1 level.
“I was bummed that I was having back issues being as young as I am,” said Nathan. “But I was confident that Dr. Osborne and the staff and OrthoIndy could get me back on the right track.”
At first, Dr. Osborne prescribed a conservative approach including therapy and an epidural steroid injection, but unfortunately the relief was short-lived. That’s when Dr. Osborne recommended the VIA Disc NP procedure, a minimally invasive injectable treatment designed to restore hydration and cushioning inside damaged spinal disc.
Surgical options for this condition may include disc replacement or lumbar fusion. Alternatively, VIA Disc NP is a non-surgical option that works by injecting a nucleus pulposus allograft (healthy disc tissue) directly into the disc to help it rehydrate and restore its natural structure. Unlike other treatments that only block pain signals, VIA Disc NP supplements tissue loss in the disc, often leading to longer-lasting results with little downtime.
“With the information Dr. Osborne provided for me with VIA Disc NP, and compared to other options I had at the time, it seemed like the best option for me,” said Nathan.
VIA Disc NP procedure and outcomes
Nathan underwent the VIA Disc NP procedure with Dr. Osborne in April 2025. Everything went smoothly and the results were life changing. Nathan’s back pain resolved, his disc rehydrated and his body healed without the need for more invasive surgical intervention. For the first time in months, he could move without limitation, and even more importantly, he could return to the activities that mattered most.
“Today, I feel great,” said Nathan. “I can’t tell a difference from before my back pain started and now. It has been amazing.”
Nathan can once again travel, sit comfortably on long flights, spend time on the beach and tend his tree farm. The pain that once dictated every part of his life is now a distant memory.
Nathan credits his recovery not only to the VIA Disc NP procedure but also to the excellent care he received at OrthoIndy. From the first appointment to his post-procedure follow-up, Dr. Osborne and the entire team made sure he was informed, supported and comfortable with every step.
“All I can say at this point is ‘thank you’ to OrthoIndy and Dr. Osborne,” said Nathan. “I have been able to enjoy my life again without pain, and I cannot imagine my life without the procedure!”
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VIA Disc NP is helping change the lives of those experiencing low back pain due to injured and degenerative intervertebral discs. If you are experiencing back or neck pain, contact Dr. Osborne’s staff at 317.802.2000 to schedule an appointment to be evaluated and discuss your treatment options.
