DEGENERATION OF LUMBAR DISCS
Degenerative disc disease is the most common cause of low-back pain, which develops with the gradual loss of proteoglycan, a material known to cushion the bones of the spine and enabling normal motion.
Degeneration of lumbar discs refers to a condition where the discs between the vertebrae in the lower back (lumbar spine) become damaged, worn out, or weakened over time. These discs act as shock absorbers between the vertebrae, allowing for flexibility and movement of the spine.
Disc degeneration is a natural part of the aging process and can be caused by factors such as wear and tear, repetitive stress, obesity, smoking, and genetics. As the discs degenerate, they can become thinner and lose their ability to absorb shock, which can lead to pain and other symptoms.
Symptoms of lumbar disc degeneration may include back pain, stiffness, muscle weakness, and numbness or tingling in the legs or feet. In some cases, disc degeneration can also lead to disc herniation, where the disc bulges or ruptures and puts pressure on the nerves in the spine.
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How does regenerative treatments help degeneration of lumbar discs
Regenerative treatments approach for degeneration of lumbar discs aim to stimulate the body’s natural healing mechanisms to repair damaged tissues and restore function.
There are several regenerative medicine treatments that may be used to treat disc degeneration, including stem cell therapy, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, and growth factor therapy.
Stem cell therapy involves the use of stem cells to repair or regenerate damaged tissue. Stem cells are cells that have the potential to differentiate into a variety of different cell types, including cells that make up the spinal discs. Stem cells can be obtained from a variety of sources, including from the patient’s bone marrow. These cells are concentrated and then injected into the damaged disc, where they can differentiate into new cells and promote tissue regeneration.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy involves the use of a patient’s own blood, which is processed to concentrate platelets and growth factors. These concentrated platelets and growth factors are then injected into the damaged disc, where they can promote tissue healing and regeneration.
Growth factor therapy involves the use of growth factors, which are natural substances that promote cell growth and division. These growth factors can be obtained from a variety of sources, including platelets, stem cells, and other tissues. They can be injected directly into the damaged disc to promote tissue repair and regeneration.
These regenerative medicine treatments aim to promote tissue healing and regeneration by stimulating the body’s natural repair mechanisms. Research in this area has shown great evidence that these therapies are effective in treating disc degeneration and reducing pain and other symptoms associated with this condition.
Choosing the right treatment for you
The decision to use platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy or stem cell treatment for a particular condition depends on several factors, including the location and severity of the injury, the underlying cause of the injury, and the patient’s overall health and medical history.
PRP therapy can be effective for mild to moderate injuries, and it is often used in conjunction with other treatments, such as physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications.
Stem cell treatment, on the other hand, is typically used to treat more severe or chronic injuries, particularly those that involve damage to bone, cartilage, or other tissues.
In some cases, both PRP therapy and stem cell treatment may be used together to maximize the benefits of regenerative medicine. Ultimately, the decision to use PRP therapy or stem cell treatment depends on the specific condition being treated, the severity of the injury, and the patient’s overall health and medical history.
Our medical team has the right expertise in regenerative medicine and can help you to determine which treatment option is best suited for your condition.
How does stem cell treatment help
- Promoting tissue regeneration: Stem cells have the ability to develop into different types of cells in the body, including spine discs, muscle, bone, and cartilage cells. By injecting stem cells into the damaged area, they can help promote tissue regeneration and repair damaged tissues.
- Reducing inflammation: Chronic inflammation in the area contributes to pain and may require surgical intervention. Stem cells have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
- Stimulating natural healing: Stem cells can stimulate the body’s natural healing process by releasing growth factors and other proteins that help repair damaged tissues.
- Minimally invasive procedure: Stem cell treatments are typically performed on an outpatient basis and involve a minimally invasive injection procedure. This means less downtime and a quicker recovery period compared to traditional back surgery.
- Customizable treatment: Stem cell treatments can be customized to each patient’s individual needs and can target specific areas, making them a more precise and targeted treatment option.
It is important to note that not all cases of tendon, ligament, cartilage pain and lesions can be treated with stem cell treatments and that each case is unique. It is important to consult with us to determine if stem cell treatment is a viable option for your specific case.
How does it work?
Stem cells are special cells that have the ability to develop into different types of cells in the body, such as muscle, bone, and cartilage cells. By harvesting these cells from the patient’s own bone marrow, they can be injected into the damaged area to promote healing and tissue regeneration.
During the painless procedure, a small amount of bone marrow is typically taken from the patient’s hip bone using a needle. The bone marrow is then processed to isolate the stem cells, which are then injected into the affected area using imaging guidance to ensure accurate placement.
While it may not provide immediate pain relief, it provides long-term benefits and improves overall function and quality of life. If you are considering this treatment option, it is important to book your FREE consultation with us to determine if it is right for you.
What to expect?
Stem cell treatment using bone marrow is a minimally invasive procedure that is typically performed on an outpatient basis. The procedure itself can take up to an hour and the patients can go home after the procedure.
After the procedure, patients may experience some soreness or discomfort at the site of the bone marrow extraction, but this typically subsides within a few days. Pain relief may not be immediate, as it can take several weeks for the stem cells to start promoting healing and tissue regeneration.
It is important to follow any post-procedure instructions provided by your healthcare provider, including any physical therapy or rehabilitation exercises, to help optimize the healing process.
What do I need to have prior to receiving stem cells treatment?
- Book Free consultation with us.
- Bring your MRI results. If you don’t have an MRI test done recently, don’t worry. Miami Stem Cell has partnered with imaging clinics to provide MRIs to our patients for as little as $200 per test. Ask us about our partnerships.
- Do a tumor marker test. This is a simple blood test that you will need to do prior to the procedure.
- Bring someone to drive you back home.