Stem cell therapy can be a potential solution for back pain, a leading cause of disability in the world. Back pain affects 619 million people and is the sixth most costly condition in the U.S. Lower back pain can happen when the discs in your spine start to break down and get inflamed.
Several things can make this problem worse, like injuries, heavy lifting, smoking, inflammation, infections, and certain chronic health issues. Many current treatment options (e.g., steroids) address only the symptoms of back pain but not the underlying causes. In this blog post, we explore the benefits of stem cell therapy for back pain.
Understanding Stem Cell Therapy
What is Stem Cell Therapy?
Stem cell therapy is a type of regenerative medicine that uses stem cells as a treatment for certain conditions. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been shown to:
- Stimulate regeneration
- Regulate the immune system
- Control inflammation
Not all stem cells are the same in terms of medicinal potential. The tissue they come from can make a difference. For example, stem cells derived from umbilical cords have greater therapeutic potential and can be more easily harvested than those from other tissues.
Stem Cell Institute uses proprietary Golden Cells™ for all stem cell treatments, which are specially-selected MSCs derived from umbilical cord tissue. The Golden Cell™ selection process results in a superior molecular signature that was discovered after years of research and treating thousands of patients.
What is Stem Cell Therapy Like for Back Pain?
Stem cell therapy can be administered in various ways for back pain and other conditions. A common approach is an intramuscular or intrathecal injection into the affected area.
An intramuscular injection is a normal injection that goes under the skin directly into the muscles that are causing pain. Intramuscular implantation is very safe and does not require anesthesia.
For intrathecal injections, an experienced anesthesiologist injects the stem cells into the spinal canal through the lower vertebrae under local anesthesia. All lumbar procedures are performed under sterile conditions.
Stem cells can also be administered using an intravenous (IV) infusion, which is similar to an IV drip bag. An IV infusion of MSCs releases the cells into a vein. The cells then enter the bloodstream and are able to circulate in the body for a more comprehensive treatment, as well as targeting back pain.
At Stem Cell Institute, each patient’s treatment protocol is unique to their ailment and physical condition. To determine if you’re a candidate for stem cell therapy, begin your online application.
How Stem Cell Therapy Works for Back Pain
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) possess several properties that may reduce or eliminate back pain.
Inflammation Reduction
MSCs can reduce inflammatory cytokines: these are proteins that work as chemical messengers in your immune system and can promote inflammation. This inflammation causes disc degeneration and pain.
For example, MSCs can regulate and reduce the expression of:
- Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)
- Interleukin-1 alpha (IL1a)
- Interleukin-6 (IL6)
All of which are cytokines that promote inflammation.
Tissue Growth Promotion
Animal studies have shown that MSCs injected into degenerated discs promote the growth of cells that help the spine during movements. MSCs have also been shown to encourage the regeneration of skeletal muscles.
Scar Tissue Reduction
Transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGFB1) is a cytokine that can promote scar tissue growth in and around damaged spinal discs. MSCs can inhibit TGFB1 and may therefore reduce scar tissue formation.
Benefits of Stem Cell Therapy for Back Pain
Stem cell therapy for back pain has several potential benefits. Surgery can be a last resort to correct back pain when medications have failed, but recovery is long and potentially difficult. Treatment with MSCs, especially with a stem cell infusion, is a non-invasive alternative to surgery.
The key properties of MSCs, such as reduction of inflammation, tissue repair, and regeneration, can directly address the causes of back pain. Correcting the underlying issues ensures that benefits are long-lasting.
MSCs have already been used for lower back pain in clinical trials. One study showed that patients treated with stem cell therapy improved in their degeneration grades, pain level, and disability level compared to the group of patients who did not receive MSCs. The only adverse event reported was pain of “little to moderate” intensity, which was resolved with commonly used analgesics. The improvements were sustained for over 3.5 years.
Stem Cell Institute in Panama’s Approach
Stem Cell Institute is the culmination of 21+ years of research and dedicated patient care.
After years of safely administering stem cell therapy, a careful retrospective analysis pinpointed six cell lines characterized by a distinctive molecular signature: Riordan Golden Cells™. We use these superior cells for addressing chronic diseases, acute conditions like sports injuries, and other indications.
What matters is not so much cell quantity, but cell quality. We have dedicated years of research to identify and characterize our Golden Cells™ with superior therapeutic properties compared to ordinary stem cell lines.
Medistem Panama, also founded by Dr. Neil Riordan, is a local state-of-the-art laboratory and leading applied stem cell research center with products featured in numerous peer-reviewed scientific publications. This 11,000-square-foot facility is ISO (International Organization for Standardization) 9001-certified and follows Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs). We are partnered with top research institutions in the U.S. and across the globe to stay at the forefront of stem cell developments and advancements.
To ensure maximum comfort and convenience, we offer VIP airport services, ground transportation, and accommodations at the Hilton Panama hotel directly connected to our clinic. Our excellent medical experts, from nurses to doctors, will deliver personalized healthcare at every step of your treatment journey.
Are you ready to begin your stem cell treatment journey? Find out if you’re a candidate today.
To recap, the properties of mesenchymal stem cells can help target the underlying causes of inflammation and pain. Stem cells have been used to treat lower back pain in clinical studies, providing relief to patients who received this treatment. Stem Cell Institute offers treatment with Golden Cells™ for several conditions, including back pain.
Stem Cell Institute in Panama City, Panama, is at the forefront of applied stem cell research. Since our inception in 2008, we have performed over 55,000 procedures, helping thousands of families across the United States and worldwide embrace the opportunity for a better life. Our medical team prioritizes the health and well-being of all our patients through top-notch stem cell treatment and care.