As a healthcare provider who is solely focused on providing the best treatments for my patients, I am always learning about new treatments for pain relief. Though I specialize in conservative spine care (no addictive opioids, risky epidural injections, or invasive spine surgeries), I am open to learning about the subsequent best treatment. Stem cells are a hot topic right now in healthcare. Seemingly, every patient and provider is looking into this new treatment. I’ve been treating patients long enough to have encountered many different types of traditional and non-traditional therapies.
The Promise and Process of Stem Cell Therapy
Stem cell treatments for spine pain aim to regenerate damaged tissue and reduce inflammation. The procedure typically involves:
- Harvesting stem cells from the patient’s own body, usually from bone marrow in the hip or adipose (fat) tissue
- Processing the harvested cells to concentrate the stem cells
- Injecting the concentrated stem cells into the affected area of the spine
The injections are usually performed under imaging guidance to ensure accurate placement. Common target areas include:
- Facet joints for arthritis-related pain
- Surrounding tissues for general inflammation and pain
The High Cost of Hope
One of the most significant drawbacks of stem cell therapy is its expense. The average cost for a single stem cell treatment session in the Midwest can range from $5,000 to $10,000[1]. Many patients require multiple sessions, potentially pushing the total cost to $20,000 or more. It’s important to note that these treatments are typically not covered by insurance, meaning patients must pay out-of-pocket.
FDA Approval Status
Currently, stem cell treatments for spine pain are not FDA-approved[2]. The FDA has only approved stem cell treatments for certain blood disorders. This lack of approval means that the safety and efficacy of these treatments for spine conditions have not been fully established through rigorous clinical trials.
A More Cost-Effective Alternative: Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression
Given the high out-of-pocket costs, uncertain outcomes, and lack of FDA approval of stem cell therapy for spine pain, I often consult with patients that are looking for an alternative to surgery. These patients have done almost every treatment available such as physical therapy, yoga, pain killers, and injections, etc. The typical patient tells me they feel hopeless and that they are worried they have to deal with debilitating spine pain forever.
This is always difficult to hear. As a physician, my primary focus is improving the quality of life of those in my office. Regardless of any disicipline of medicine somebody practices, it’s difficult to hear that a patient has almost given up hope. This is where non-surgical spinal decompression can change the outlook of the patient. This FDA-cleared treatment is non-invasive, non-surgical, requires no recovery time, and best of all has minimal to no side effects. Treatment with the DRX-9000 has been documented across the United States to have a success rate of 88-92%.
As of this writing, I have performed over 6,000 non-surgical spinal decompression treatments at Crossroads Brain & Spine. Every single day I hear about how lives have been transformed through this natural, drug-free treatment process.
If you are curious about the mechanism of action (how non-surgical spinal decompression works), you can reference prior blog posts.
If you or someone you know is needlessly suffering from spine pain, I will offer you a chance to experience a path toward pain-free living that does not require addictive opioids, risky epidural injections, or invasive spine surgeries. Call my office at (317) 854-6116 and request a No Obligation Consultation with me. If I think I can help you, I’ll tell you what we need to do to get your life back. If I don’t think I can help you, I’ll tell you and refer you to one of my surgical colleagues.
Making an Informed Decision
While stem cell therapy holds promise, its high cost and experimental nature make it a risky investment for most patients. Non-surgical spinal decompression with the DRX-9000 and FDA-clearance offers a more affordable, proven option that has helped many patients find relief without the need for invasive procedures or unproven treatments.
Before deciding about your spine health, it’s crucial to consult with a qualified spine specialist who can assess your specific condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan. Remember, the most expensive option isn’t always the best – often, tried-and-true methods can provide the relief you’re seeking at a fraction of the cost.
Citations:
[1] https://www.dvcstem.com/post/stem-cell-therapy-for-back-pain
[2] https://www.spinemd.com/treatment/stem-cell-therapy/
[3] https://twincitiespainmanagement.com/intradiscal-stem-cell-injections-low-back-pain/
[4] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/stem-cell-injections-for-back-pain
[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6989932/
[6] https://heal.nih.gov/news/stories/injected-stem-cells-back-pain
[7] https://www.mayoclinic.org/medical-professionals/physical-medicine-rehabilitation/news/evaluating-the-safety-and-efficacy-of-mesenchymal-stem-cells-in-the-treatment-of-low-back-pain/mac-20543434
[8] https://spineconnection.org/back-pain-solutions/stem-cell-regeneration/
