Stem Cell Therapy

Stem cell therapy is a type of treatment that uses special cells called stem cells to help the body repair, replace, or heal damaged tissues. These cells are unique because they can change into many different cell types, such as muscle, bone, or nerve cells. When used in medicine, stem cells can support the body’s natural healing processes. For example, if someone has an injured joint or a damaged disc in their back, stem cell therapy might help encourage healing and reduce pain. Although this approach is still being studied, many doctors see it as a promising way to treat various health problems.

What Conditions Can Be Treated with Stem Cell Therapy?

Stem cell therapy can be helpful for conditions that cause long-lasting pain, such as degenerative disc disease, osteoarthritis, and chronic back pain. For people with degenerative disc disease, stem cells may help repair or slow damage to the spinal discs that cushion the bones in the back. In cases of osteoarthritis, stem cells might reduce inflammation in the affected joint and support the growth of healthy cartilage. Chronic back pain that comes from injured tissues in the spine can also be targeted by stem cell treatments, which aim to restore function and reduce pain. Additionally, these therapies may be used for soft tissue injuries, like ligament or tendon tears, and other musculoskeletal issues that lead to ongoing discomfort.

What can you expect during Stem Cell Treatment?

Patients who undergo stem cell therapy typically start with a medical evaluation that includes a physical exam and possibly imaging tests, such as an MRI. This step helps the doctor determine if the patient’s condition might be improved by stem cells. If so, the procedure usually begins with collecting the patient’s own stem cells, often from bone marrow in the hip or sometimes from fat tissue in the body. These stem cells are then processed to concentrate them before being injected into the area of injury or pain. The injection is often guided by imaging equipment, like an ultrasound or X-ray, to ensure precise placement. Afterward, patients may experience some soreness in the injection or harvest site, but they can usually return home the same day. The full healing process can take weeks or even months, and follow-up visits allow the doctor to track improvements and provide further guidance on recovery.

Call Delmarva Pain and Spine Center or request an appointment online today to learn more about stem cell therapy and how it can relieve your pain.