Spinal Fusion for Spinal Stenosis: A Good Idea?
Spinal stenosis, or narrowing of the spinal canal, is a common condition. It is usually associated with degenerative changes of the spine. Degenerative changes of the spine may result in bulging discs, enlarged ligaments and joints, and bony spurs that may cause compression or inflammation of the nerves leaving the lumbar spine to the legs. This results in pain in […]
How to Treat Mild Osteoarthritis (Part II)
In part I of this blog we discussed different ways to treat mild osteoarthritis, including medications, physical therapy, physical activity, losing weight, and stress reduction. Today in Part II we will discuss several other ways that mild joint osteoarthritis can be treated: 1. Injections: Hyaluronic acid substitutes, also known as viscosupplements, are a better choice for intra-articular injections of osteoarthritic […]
How to Treat Mild Osteoarthritis (Part I)
We examine all our prospective patients before deciding if they are good candidates for our stem cell procedures. Contrary to many other clinics, including many that offer minimally invasive surgeries, we do not believe in the “Send us your MRI and we’ll tell you if you are a candidate to our procedure” approach. MRI scan findings have poor correlation with […]
Is Your Medicine Causing Your Joint Pain?
It is well know that a class of medications widely used to treat high cholesterol, called Statins, frequently cause joint and muscle pain. Not only do they cause pain, but, also can damage the muscles and cause a muscle disease called myopathy. Statins are harmful to stem cells, therefore reducing your body’s ability to repair damaged tissues. Side effects are […]
Stem Cells: Fountain of Youth?
We have stem cells all over our body. Every single tissue and organ in our body suffers constant damage that needs to be repaired. The ability to repair our tissues is dependent on the regenerative capacity of stem cells. Aging is thought to be the loss of that regenerative capacity. As our tissues can’t be repaired fast enough, then damage […]