Stem Cell Therapy As An Alternative Treatment For Chronic Pain?

If you have chronic pain, then you are probably interested in learning more on treatments available to help ease your pain. And there are a lot of treatments used to help ease pain today.

Some current treatments include over the counter medications, acupuncture, acupressure, physical therapy, and prescription medications. Other treatments include surgical implants, trigger point injections, exercise and even psychological counseling.

Not every treatment works for every person. Sometimes it can take working with your pain management specialist to use a trial and error process to figure out which technique helps you the most.

Stem cell therapy is another type of treatment for chronic pain that has been found to be successful. Keep reading to find out more on the positive connection between this type of therapy and easing pain.

UNDERSTANDING CHRONIC PAIN

Chronic pain is persistent. Meaning, it does not leave after what is a normal time of healing. Chronic pain lasts longer than three months and can greatly interfere with how you function.

What created the pain in your body can typically be defined. However, once that area heals, and the pain continues, it can be difficult to figure out why the pain is sticking around. Some doctors find it hard to diagnose the source of chronic pain in some patients.

This is because it could be related to nerve damage, inflammation, or some other cause. To reduce inflammation and nerve related issues, many pain management specialists are using stem cell therapy.

STEM CELLS 101

Stem cells are found in every person and are a big deal. They help your body in the healing process. Your body holds on to your stem cells. When you get injured, the stem cells move toward the injured site and work to heal you.

Stem cells are like chameleons. They can transform into the cells that you injured, in order to replace and regenerate that part of your body. For instance, when you cut yourself, your stem cells rush to the area of the cut and turn into skin cells to replace the ones you cut.

The whole process if quite magnificent. Stem cells can work to heal ligaments, tendons, muscles and even bones.

WHAT IS STEM CELL THERAPY?

Stem cell therapy is a form of regenerative medicine, which simply helps your body use its own abilities to heal itself, but at a faster and more effective rate.

During the therapy process, your doctor can inject extra stem cells into the area of your pain. Stem cells can come from a variety of sources, from animals, blood cells, and even from your own fat stores.  Some of the most effective stem cells are platelet-rich plasma (PRP).

Doctors gather the right cells to treat your problem and inject them directly into the area causing pain.

HOW DO STEM CELLS EASE PAIN?

Using stem cells to treat pain is seen as beneficial because it facilitates the body’s healing process, and gets the body back to its normal state quicker. Stem cells reduce inflammation, which can be a big source for pain. For instance, if you have lower back pain, there may be inflammation in that area creating pressure on your nerves.

Stem cells can reduce the inflammation, easing the pressure and the discomfort.

Stem cells can improve your range of motion and allows you to be more flexible. They can even help you sleep better, allowing the brain to do its work in restoring your body.

USING STEM CELL THERAPIES TO COMBAT PAIN

Chronic pain typically develops from an injury. However, there are medical conditions that can also lead to chronic pain. Stem cell therapy can help improve these conditions.

Autoimmune diseases are rising in numbers among people across America, such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus can be treated with stem cells.

These diseases occur when your own immune system starts attacking its own tissues, cells and organs. Stem cell therapy can replace the damaged tissues, cells and organs and help your body continue to function properly.

Liver diseases, Parkinson’s, neuropathies and Alzheimer’s can benefit from stem cell therapies. Furthermore, cancer and heart disease can be treated with restorative and regenerative medicine.

Orthopedic conditions and spine diseases can also be treated with stem cell therapy. It can help ease discomfort associated with the pain created from these types of disorders.

STEM CELL THERAPY IS A NON-INVASIVE PROCEDURE

Some procedures to reduce pain can create new areas of pain. If you have a surgery to correct an injury, the area of the incision will be another source of pain.

Stem cell therapy treatments are non-invasive, and you can often see immediate results. With just a simple, pain-free injection, your pain can be treated.

The procedure takes just a few minutes and can be done in your doctor’s office. In addition, there are no major side effects associated with stem cell therapy. You can even get treated on your lunch break and return to work right after.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A DOCTOR

The process of getting stem cell therapy is just as easy as the procedure itself. The most important part is finding the right doctor.

Choose a doctor who specializes in restoration and regeneration practices. He or she should have cutting edge treatment tools, as well as the right certifications. They should have a passion for helping people heal and provides the best environment for the patient.

It is also important to find a doctor who properly evaluates whether you are a good candidate for stem cell therapy.

In conclusion, chronic pain is not something you have to live with for the rest of your life. It is also not something that can only be treated with pain killers or invasive procedures.

You have better options, such as stem cell therapy.

Make treating your pain and healing your body from within a priority today. The sooner you seek help, the sooner you can begin to enjoy your life without pain.

Dr. Darren F.X. Clair

For over thirty years, Darren FX Clair, MD has helped thousands of people improve and maintain their overall health and vitality. Dr. Clair's primary focus is proactive health through Lifestyle Medicine. Dr. Clair looks for ways to work with the body's natural ability to develop and maintain ultimate good health. His individualized approach is tailored specifically for each patients' specific health goals. Dr. Clair is a graduate of Columbia University's College of Physicians & Surgeons. In 2017, Dr. Clair became one of only 300 doctors to have earned the title of Certified Lifestyle Physician with the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine.