Chronic pain of any type can have a massive impact on your daily life. This is particularly true of chronic back pain, one of the most common types of long-lasting pain. In fact, back pain is so widespread that around 80% of all Americans will experience an episode at least once during their lives.

It’s a costly problem too, accounting for $100 billion lost each year according to the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. While most of that amount is due to sick days and time off work, a significant portion also goes towards healthcare costs, particularly surgery.

While surgery can be an effective treatment for many back pain cases, operations have their own drawbacks. For one, any surgical procedure carries inherent risks. These hazards include the possibility of infection, uncontrolled bleeding, failure to relieve pain, problems with prosthetic hardware down the road, and other unforeseen complications. Additionally, recovery from surgery can be a long and painful journey, taking several months and requiring more time off work.

With the serious limitations in daily activities that back pain can cause, it’s no wonder that many back pain patients become frustrated and hopeless. Despite the pain, many elect to postpone or forgo surgery, either because of potential costs or due to possible complications. These patients may struggle every day or even try to learn to accept debility and a reduced quality of life.

Regenerative Medicine Offers Alternatives

Thankfully, surgery is no longer the only definitive option for neck pain, back pain, or low back pain. Patients with back pain in New Jersey now have another choice – stem cell injections and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy.

Even if you’ve reached the end of your rope, having tried physical therapy, epidural injections, massage, and painkillers, Regenerative Medicine treatments may be able to help. While the science behind these treatments is cutting edge, the therapies themselves are straightforward.

Regenerative amniotic allograft cells injections are given to promote healing, restore mobility, and reduce pain. The procedure is minimally invasive and does not involve surgery. There’s no need for a hospital stay, and the regenerative amniotic allograft cells used are your own, so the risks of infection or allergic reaction are very minimal.

To isolate the regenerative amniotic allograft cells, small amounts of your blood are withdrawn. After processing, the concentrated regenerative amniotic allograft cells are injected into the treatment areas under sterile conditions. The stem cells and their associated growth factors promote healing, helping regrow cartilage, other soft tissue, and even bone.

PRP works in a similar manner. Again, your own blood is used. After the platelets – cells that assist in blood clotting and other functions – are isolated, the plasma now contains anywhere between five to 40 times more platelets than normal. This platelet-rich plasma is injected in areas of pain or dysfunction, summoning regenerative amniotic allograft cells and activating growth factors to promote rapid healing.

Evidence from Research

Although Regenerative Medicine therapies like regenerative amniotic allograft cells and PRP are relatively new, there is good evidence supporting their effectiveness and safety. For example, a study published in 2014 in The Spine Journal concludes that stem cell injections are promising for the non-surgical treatment of degenerative disc disease.1

Learn More about Relieving Your Pain

Regenerative Centers of New Jersey has the technology, experience, and expertise to help you with your chronic or severe back pain, no matter the cause. Patients experiencing any sort of back pain in New Jersey are encouraged to contact us to schedule an appointment. You can also fill out this form to receive a booklet further explaining Regenerative Medicine treatments and containing answers to all your questions.

Remember, you don’t have to live in misery or settle for a diminished quality of life. Regenerative Medicine can help, without surgery or long recovery times.

References:

1. Werner, B.C. et al. “Stem cells in preclinical spine studies.” The Spine Journal. March 2014: 14(2);p. 542-51. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24246748

2. Ma, C.J. et al. “Stem Cell Therapies for Intervertebral Disc Degeneration: Immune Privilege Reinforcement by Fas/FasL Regulating Machinery.” Current Stem Cell Research & Therapy. 2015: 10(4);p. 285-95. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25381758