Chronic pain has become an epidemic in America. When defined as recurrent and long-lasting pain over a span of six months, more than 30 percent of Americans report that they are living with chronic pain. This is considered to be neuropathic pain, which may start as an injury but eventually devolves into pain that is difficult to treat and unresponsive to most medications. In years past, people suffering from chronic pain had very few viable solutions available to support lasting relief, but regenerative medicine is changing all of that. Today, regenerative medicine in the form of stem cell therapy is making it possible to permanently reduce or even eliminate chronic pain by simply stimulating natural healing within the body.
An Introduction to Stem Cell Therapy
Stem cells are essentially “blank” cells that can directed to serve a specific purpose. Once stem cells differentiate into another type of cell, like bone or cartilage cells, they self-replicate to replace or heal the injured tissue of that type in the body. At the same time, stem cells are also known to reduce inflammation and prevent cell death. Every time you sustain an injury and gradually heal, it is thanks to stem cells doing their jobs. However, in the case of chronic pain, the body cannot naturally overcome its injury with stem cells and needs additional support to heal.
Stem cell therapy offers that support. During stem cell therapy, stem cells are injected into the injured or damaged tissue. For people with chronic pain, injured areas often include the knees, back, hips, and elbows. As soon as stem cells are injected, they immediately begin working to replace and heal the damaged tissues that are leading to the sensation of pain.
The Results
Musculoskeletal problems are some of the most common causes of chronic pain, and a great deal of emphasis is now being placed on research to uncover the best stem cell treatments for musculoskeletal pain. According to a study published in European Journal of Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology, patients with osteoarthritis experienced a pain scale score decrease of at least three points within 12 months after stem cell therapy. Another study in Denver is investigating the use of adult stem cells to treat chronic lower back pain associated with degenerative disc disease, with very promising results.
Regenerative Orthopedic Institute in Tampa, Florida specializes in using stem cells to help patients overcome joint and spine issues. To alleviate chronic pain in your neck, shoulder, elbow, hips, lower back, knees, or ankles without any risky surgery, contact Regenerative Orthopedic Institute at 813-868-1659 to learn more about their groundbreaking Regenajoint™ and Regenaspine™ stem cell therapies.