Stem cell treatment for lower back pain

Mesenchymal Autologous Stem Cell Transplant and PRP - Alternative to Surgery

Patients who are dealing with chronic lower back pain, facet pain, discogenic pain, or spinal nerve pain often face the difficult decision of 
whether to opt for surgery or try a less invasive treatment option.  For those considering surgery, it is crucial to be aware of the potential
risks and complications involved. These can include infection, post-operative rehabilitation, and long-term morbidity. On the other hand, stem cell and PRP injections, otherwise known as regenerative medicine,  offer a minimally invasive alternative with a much shorter recovery time.

Benefits Of Stem Cells For Back Pain:

Does stem cell therapy work for back pain? Yes! These regenerative medicine injections effectively treat chronic lower back pain, facet pain, discogenic pain, and spinal nerve pain. The injections work by regenerating damaged tissue and reducing inflammation. This can lead to reduced or eliminated pain, increased mobility and function, and avoidance of the risks associated with surgery. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of regenerative medicine injections.

Reduced Pain

One of the most common reasons people seek out our clinic is for pain relief. The procedure has been shown to be effective in treating various chronic pain conditions, including lower back pain, facet pain, discogenic pain, and spinal nerve pain. The injections work by regenerating damaged tissue and reducing inflammation. This can lead to reduced or eliminated pain, increased mobility and function, and avoidance of the risks associated with surgery. 

A 12-month study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of autologous bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in treating chronic low back pain caused by severe lumbar spinal degeneration.  The study showed that patients who received this treatment experienced significant improvement in functional status, pain relief, and other measures compared to the control group. At the 12-month follow-up, 67% of the stem cell group achieved a minimum clinically important difference (MCID) compared to only 8% in the control group.

The study also found that over half of this group experienced a 2-point or greater reduction in pain over the course of the study, while opioid use decreased in the stem cell group and increased in the control group. The study results indicate that regenerative cell-based treatments can be a promising solution for patients with severe degenerative spinal disease. [1] In other words, stem cell treatment for back pain works!

Improved Mobility and Function

In addition to reducing your pain, regenerative medicine injections can also improve mobility and function. The ability to move more freely without pain can significantly improve your quality of life. These procedures can also help avoid the risks associated with surgery, such as infection and blood clots. 

Faster Recovery Time

Another benefit of regenerative medicine is that it generally has a shorter recovery time than surgery. This means you can get back to your life sooner rather than later. Instead of the grueling post-operative recovery from surgery that can last months, you can be rest assured that this is nothing like that. The typical recovery with stem cell transplant for back pain is some tenderness that lasts for a few days to a week. During this time you will be walking around with few limitations.

Safe and Research Backed Treatment

Low back pain is a significant problem with negative impacts on individuals and society. The intervertebral discs are a major source of pain and degeneration. Traditional treatments may provide temporary relief but fail to address the underlying cause of discogenic pain. 

 Multipotent mesenchymal stem cell treatment for back pain is a new approach that holds promise for treating disc problems by reducing catabolism and regenerating tissue. 

Many study's results suggest that this therapy may bring significant and sustained improvement, potentially leading to a shift in how discogenic or facet related pain and degeneration are treated. [2] The results of a systematic review and meta-analysis indicate very promising news for you and many others with chronic low back pain.  It states that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) may potentially manage low back pain caused by degenerative discs, arthritic facet joints and sacroiliac joints. 

Safety Profile

There are very few risks associated with regenerative treatments. The most common side effect is mild soreness at the injection site. Other potential side effects include bruising, swelling, and pain. However, these side effects are usually mild and resolve on their own within a few days. Severe complications from these specialized cell-based treatments are infrequent. This is compared to surgery, which often involves a lengthy while painful recovery period with a significant risk of complications.  Unequivocally, stem cell treatment for lower back pain is a safe and effective alternative. 

Conclusion

The results of numerous studies have shown that regenerative medicine therapy have the potential to provide significant pain relief and improved quality of life for patients suffering from chronic lower back pain, facet pain, discogenic pain, or spinal nerve pain. Furthermore, they are associated with minimal risks, making them an ideal treatment option for those looking to avoid surgery. When considering stem cell treatment for back pain cost is also minimal due to reduced downtime and rapid return to work.

At Spectrum Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine Center we have a great team that have helped many individuals avoid surgery 
while returning to pain-free activity.  Please call our clinic today  (262) 202-8312  to set up a free phone consultation with a doctor!

References

1.  Atluri S, Murphy MB, Dragella R, Herrera J, Boachie-Adjei K, Bhati S, et al. Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Autologous Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells in the Treatment of Chronic Low Back Pain Due to Severe Lumbar Spinal Degeneration: A 12-Month, Open-Label, Prospective Controlled Trial. Pain Physician. 2022;

2. Tyrakowski M, Siemionow K. Mesenchymal stem cells in facet joint articular cartilage regeneration: Potential future perspectives. Seminars in Spine Surgery. 2015 Jun 1;27(2):82–5.

3.  Manchikanti L. Do Regenerative Medicine Therapies Provide Long-Term Relief in Chronic Low Back Pain: ASystematic Review and Meta-analysis. Pain Phys. 2018 Nov 14;1(21;1):515–40.

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