In a blog I posted this past September, I shared the results of a study published in the scientific journal Stem Cells on treating Degenerative Disc Disease. DDD involves normal changes in our spinal discs as we age. The research revealed that DDD patients suffering from chronic back pain experienced more significant pain reduction using a specific type of stem cell.
Prior experience demonstrated that stem cells derived from the patient’s fat cells or synovial fluid was successful in inhibiting disc degeneration. But, in this study, Bone-Marrow-derived Stem Cells – or Bone Marrow Aspiration Therapy (BMA) – demonstrated superior quality of repair compared with other stem cell treatments.
The doctors at NJ Pain Care Specialists have regularly used Adipose (Fat) Stem Cells – harvested from the fat tissue of the abdomen area or “love handles” – to treat a variety of conditions in addition to DDD. Other conditions include desiccated discs, spinal stenosis, facet arthrosis, sacroiliac joint syndrome, osteoarthritis of any joint, and sports or overuse injuries.
Solid evidence that Bone Marrow Aspiration Therapy produces superior quality of repair compared with other stem cell treatments is a very exciting development for treating our patients at New Jersey Pain Care Specialists.
Now, I realize you might have heard or read about painful horror stories related to bone marrow procedures. However, those involve bone marrow “donation” – and the donor understands that his or her selfless act to help save someone’s life involves a level of discomfort. (The surgical, outpatient procedure is performed painlessly under general anesthesia, but could be followed by days of soreness.) To be clear, donating Bone Marrow and harvesting Bone Marrow stem cells are world’s apart.
What is BMA Therapy?
BMA therapy is an all-natural, non-invasive outpatient procedure performed in our office. Bone marrow contains stem cells that can form new cells such as bone, cartilage and muscle. A special needle is used to painlessly collect a high concentration of stem cells from marrow in the hip bone. The newly concentrated stem cells are then injected into the problem area to stimulate cell regeneration and healing.
This safe alternative to surgical intervention provides the following benefits:
– Decreased pain
– Quicker recovery time
– Increased healing potential
– More likely elimination of long-term medication
But what about Cortisone injections instead of BMA?
Studies have shown that Cortisone shots may provide temporary pain relief, but do not promote long-term healing. Plus, they may actually weaken tissue. BMA Therapy heals and strengthens these tendons and ligaments.
How long does BMA take to “work”?
For most patients, some level of improvement is noticed within 2-6 six weeks, for others sooner. You can expect a decrease in pain and an increase in strength and stability. Most patients require just a single injection.
If you have any questions about Stem Cell Therapy – from Adipose to Bone Marrow – contact New Jersey Pain Care Specialists. Our doctors and staff are happy to discuss your condition and whether stem cell therapy is right for you.
At the present time, Stem Cell Therapy is not covered by medical insurance.
