Stem Cell Therapy

Does It Work For Back Pain?

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Can Stem Cell Therapy Treat Back Pain?

  • Yes, however, it depends on what is causing the back pain.
  • Stem cell therapy can treat one disc, but can’t always provide benefits for issues that surround the disc.
  • Stem cell therapy is a promising alternative to surgery for the right patients.

What Causes Back Pain?

Back pain can be the result of a variety of issues and the pain can be exacerbated by stress, the weather, and other conditions. To understand the best treatment for your back pain, it is important to know the root cause of the pain. Back pain can be caused by:

  • Bulging or herniated discs (which then compress nerves)
  • Arthritic facet joints (two of these exist in each spinal level)
  • Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)
  • Spinal stenosis (places pressure on nerves)
  • Loose ligaments and the sacroiliac joint
  • Muscle trigger points (or atrophied stabilizing muscles)
  • And other conditions

Surgery Versus Stem Cell Therapy

Even when you seek treatment from the best back surgeon in the county, surgery might not be the best option for you. Many back pain specialists are turning to alternative treatment plans as more invasive treatments can cause further complications, prolonged pain and healing duration, and can be ineffective to get rid of the pain long-term. With the introduction of alternative treatments and the potential for less invasive treatments like stem cell therapy, doctors can now offer their patients more treatment options with reduced risks. Injections still pose a threat of infection, but the overall risk is usually less than surgery. For these reasons, it can be beneficial for patients to consider all of their options before undergoing surgery.

What is Stem Cell Therapy?

The human body is made up of many types of cells that are specialized to perform specific functions to sustain life. Mesenchymal stem cells are naturally found within the body and specialize in differentiating themselves into bone, cartilage, or fat cells. Like other cells in the body, when they replicate, they will produce more stem cells, called daughter cells. However, if these cells sense a need within the body (i.e. there is damage that needs repair), these cells will turn into that needed material.

STEM CELLS & REGENERATIVE MEDICINE

Because stem cells essentially regenerate needed cells, stem cell therapy is categorized under the umbrella term “regenerative medicine.” Stem cells are always at work in our bodies to repair and keep our bodies functioning at their best. However, certain damage may require the use of regenerative medicine as the body on its own is unable to heal itself.

Simplistically explained, stem cell therapy is when stem cells are taken from one area of the body, usually the hip, and injected into the back, in the area that requires healing. Once the cells are injected, they will begin healing the damage and turning into the cells that are required to do so.

WILL STEM CELL THERAPY WORK FOR ME?

Unfortunately, stem cell therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution to back pain and injuries. However, many patients have seen success when stem cell therapy has been included in their treatment plan. More research is still being performed as to how effective it is for patients with various conditions.

Because treatments such as stem cell therapy have many different applications, it is best to speak to a back pain specialist to determine if this is the best course of action for your treatment needs. Dr. Rahman is among the top spine surgeons and back pain specialists in the country who’s primary focus is helping his patients get the treatment they need to enjoy the best results.

To learn about your options, schedule an appointment with Dr. Rahman at Houston Scoliosis and Spine Institute.